Features

  • Candlelight Ski

    Candlelight Ski

    Experience the refuge at night on Saturday, February 8th from 5:30 pm - 8 pm!

    More Information

  • Friends of Crane Meadows Logo

    Friends of Crane Meadows NWR

    The National Wildlife Refuge System owes its existence to committed citizens. See what Crane Meadow's dedicated Friends are up to!

    Learn More

  • Lead Free

    Why Switch Ammunition?

    Lead exposure and poisoning occurs at high percentages in bald eagles found dead in the Midwest.

    Learn more about hunting with non-lead

  • NWRS Blue Goose

    National Wildlife Refuge System

    We are only one of over 560 refuges in the US. This map shows the network of public land dedicated to protecting habitat for wildlife!

    National Wildlife Refuge System Map

  • Monarch Butterflies Migrating

    Butterfly Wings Fill The Sky

    The monarchs are arriving in the Mexican sanctuaries.

    Massive Arrival at the Sanctuaries

Refuge Updates

Ski Trail Updates

XC Ski

Are you ready to hit the cross-country ski trails? The Platte River Trail was groomed and tracks were laid on Tuesday, December 10! We welcome snowshoers to use the trail and ask that you please stay to the sides of the groomed tracks. Skis are not available for rent.

Candlelight Ski

February 8, 5:30 pm, Sedge Meadow Classroom. Join us to ski under a (nearly) full moon! Participants can ski a one mile groomed trail loop lit by candles. *Participants must furnish their own skis. The Friends of Crane Meadows will also have snowshoes available for free to checkout during the event, so people can also hike alongside the ski trails.*

More Information

Habitat Day

Adult and youth assembling a bird house

March 21, 9am-12pm, Refuge Maintenance Shop. You're invited to learn more about wood ducks and bluebirds and assemble a wood duck or bluebird box to take home! Please dress for the weather.

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Refuge Map, Trails and Regulations

Refuge Map and Regulations

A map of the refuge, our trails and important information to know before you visit are included in the PDF below. Click on the link to download.

Refuge Map & Regulations

Refuge Hunting Map and Regulations

Hunting Regulations and Map

The refuge offers waterfowl, small game, turkey and deer hunting during state seasons. Click below to download the hunting regulations and map for details.

Refuge Hunting Regulations & Map

Accessible Deer Hunt

Accessible Hunt Application

Accessible Hunt Blind

Applications are now closed for the 2019 Accessible Deer Hunt. Please check back in mid-July for details and the application for 2020.

About the NWRS

National Wildlife Refuge System

NWRS Logo

The National Wildlife Refuge System, within the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, manages a national network of lands and waters set aside to conserve America's fish, wildlife, and plants.

Learn more about the NWRS
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