Sandhill Crane Migration

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Each year the banks of the Platte River host the world’s largest gathering of Sandhill Cranes as they migrate from their winter stay to as far north as Alaska and Eastern Siberia. The Platte River region of Nebraska is an important stop for the Cranes to get their rest and needed nourishment to finish their migration. During this tour you will learn about the cranes and enjoy entering their habitat for some up close and personal viewing. You will be amazed by the number of birds darkening the skies and filling the fields around us!

Day 1 – Home to Omaha

We begin our migration towards Nebraska today, keeping our eyes turned towards the skies to see if we can spot any “snowbirds” heading north. When we arrive in Omaha, we will check into our hotel before enjoying a unique dining experience together.

Hotel: Holiday Inn Express

Included Meals: Dinner

Day 2 – Omaha to Kearney

After breakfast this morning, we will travel west to Grand Island where we will stop at the Nature and Visitor Center. Here we will learn about the Sandhill Crane thru displays and videos. A guide will then step on our motorcoach and share information with us as we travel along the Platte River, viewing the cranes as they stop along their migration route. Later in the day we will make a stop at The Great Platte River Road Archway, where we will see the westward migration of America come to life. The Arch crosses over Interstate 80 and once inside you will be amazed at the history it shares. Through many forms of media you will experience the travels of early pioneers as they headed west. The hardships of these early pioneers as well as their ingenuity in making this trip will be shared in an exciting way. Later we check into our hotel before it’s off to dinner, followed by a restful night.

Hotel: Wingate

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 3 – Kearney to Council Bluffs

The alarm clocks will ring early this morning as we make our predawn trip to the Rowe Sanctuary and a walk to our observation blinds where we will observe the world’s largest concentration of sandhill cranes. Here on the banks of the Platte River we will watch the birds as they are gathered in large groups on their nighttime roosts. Following our early morning expedition we will return to our hotel and enjoy breakfast before we pack and get ready to depart. As we travel back east, we will again be amazed by the numbers of cranes, ducks, and snow geese that are in the area. Later this afternoon we will stop at the Durham Museum in Omaha. This museum, located in the Magnificent Union Station building, is filled with history of Omaha and its surrounding areas. A special exhibition during our visit to the museum will be, Cut! Costume and the Cinema. Walking through this exhibition you will experience 43 period costumes, created by and borrowed from the London costume house of Cosprop Ltd. You will see costumes worn by Angelica Huston, Johnny Depp, Sandra Bullock and more. From movies like Pirates of the Caribbean and Sense and Sensibility. The museum’s facility and quality of the exhibits will amaze you. And make sure you have time for a stop at the Union Station Original Soda Fountain for a phosphate or malt!

Hotel: Holiday Inn

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 4 – Council Bluffs to Home

Today we’ll make a stop in downtown Omaha to view their sculpture park depicting the migration of the pioneers as they headed over the Missouri River and westward. Then we turn our motorcoach towards home and to the end of our “migration” tour.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch