Join us for a free learning and viewing opportunity to experience migrating sandhill cranes at Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge. Registration is required, and spotting scopes and binoculars are available to borrow.
The program begins at the Oak Savanna Learning Center with an indoor presentation about sandhill cranes. After the presentation, plan to travel in the refuge shuttle on a behind‑the‑gates tour with the potential to see thousands of staging sandhill cranes flying overhead as they leave roost sites on refuge pools. The experience concludes with a sightseeing drive through the refuge, ending back at the Oak Savanna Learning Center. Restrooms and water fountains are available only at the Learning Center and will not be accessible once the tour departs.
This tour will be observing wildlife in a nature setting and every tour will offer a unique experience. The viewing area is near a crane roosting site, but crane locations vary daily based on where they choose to roost. Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge is currently experiencing drought conditions, which may further influence sandhill crane migration patterns and roosting locations on the refuge. As a result, crane viewing may vary, but this tour still provides one of the best chances to see these magnificent birds up close.
Registration Information
Registration opens Monday, September 14th at 8 a.m. CST. Registration is required and limited to help reduce disturbance to sandhill cranes. To register, please complete the online form or email sherburne@fws.gov.
Participants are limited to attending one sandhill crane tour per year to provide opportunities for as many people as possible.
*Registrants that are flexible on dates may indicate up to three preferred tour dates. Each registered group will be placed on just one of the selected dates according to availability.
Information Needed at Registration
- Preferred tour date (for those flexible on a tour date, up to 3*)
- First and last name
- Number of spots (up to 5)
- Phone number
You will receive an email confirming your registration or waitlist status within three business days. A reminder email will be sent one week before the tour. Please show your confirmation or reminder email when checking in on the day of the event. Any cancellation notice will be communicated via email to registered participants.
Accessibility Information
The refuge shuttle accommodates up to 11 participants, including up to 2 designated spots for visitors who use wheelchairs. Wheelchair‑accessible seating is available on a first‑come, first‑served basis and can be requested by contacting Refuge Headquarters at 763‐389‐3323, sherburne@fws.gov, or TTY 800‐877‐8339 after receiving registration confirmation. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is committed to providing access to these events for all participants. Please direct all other requests for special accommodation to Refuge Headquarters: 763‐389‐3323, sherburne@fws.gov, or TTY 800‐877‐8339 at least two weeks before the event.