Crane Congregations
Viewing Opportunities
Aldo Leopold would marvel today at the spectacle of sandhill cranes gathering each fall on the Wisconsin River’s sandbars just behind his beloved Shack. The Aldo Leopold Shack and Farm has become the region’s premier vantage point to experience the incredible sights and sounds as the cranes congregate by the thousands before commencing their annual migration.
Crane Programs
Crane programs are offered in November through early December. Two new crane viewing programs will be offered during the 2023 season for a total of five unique viewing opportunities.
Save the date! Tickets will go on sale in late August!
Watch this video to see a sneak peek of our Crane Congregation Tour.
*Classic Tours—1 p.m.–5:30 p.m.
We invite you to spend an evening with our education and land stewardship fellows to experience the phenomena of crane congregations! The experience will begin with an interactive family-friendly presentation that will reveal the history and wonder of sandhill cranes, followed by an open-air wagon ride to our crane blind situated on the banks of the WI River. From the blind you will witness upwards of 10,000 cranes congregating on the shores. This slightly condensed tour lasts about two and a half hours.
Classic Tour—Saturday, November 4, 2023
Classic Tour—Thursday, November 16, 2023
Classic Tour—Saturday, November 18, 2023
Classic Tour—Thursday, November 30, 2023
Classic Tour—Saturday, December 2, 2023
Classic Tour—Thursday, December 7, 2023
Classic Tour—Saturday, December 9, 2023
*Premium Tours—11 a.m.–5:30 p.m. (includes optional Shack Tour at noon)
Join us for a premium crane tour. The experience will begin with a presentation from one of our Aldo Leopold Foundation Directors. This presentation will orient individuals to the history and behaviors of the sandhill cranes. An open-air, rustic ride through the floodplain will bring guests within a short walk of the large viewing blind situated on the bank of the Wisconsin River within the Leopold-Pine Island Important Bird Area. The blind affords ample space to observe the incredible phenomenon of congregating cranes. This experience runs for about two and a half hours and ends shortly after sunset.
Premium Tour—Tuesday, November 7, 2023
Premium Tour—Tuesday, November 21, 2023
Premium Tour—Tuesday, November 28, 2023
Premium Tour—Tuesday, December 5, 2023
*Exclusive Tours—11 a.m.–5:30 p.m. (includes optional Shack Tour at noon)
Join us for an exclusive crane tour – beginning with a presentation from world-renowned Ornithologist Dr. Stan Temple, Senior Fellow at the Aldo Leopold Foundation and Professor Emeritus at the University of Wisconsin – Madison. This presentation will orient individuals to the history and behaviors of the Sandhill cranes. An open-air, rustic wagon ride through the floodplain will bring guests within a short walk of the viewing blind situated on the bank of the Wisconsin River within the Leopold-Pine Island Important Bird Area. The blind affords ample space to observe the incredible phenomenon of congregating cranes. This experience runs for about four hours and ends shortly after sunset.
*Optional: Join us for a complimentary tour of the Leopold Shack and Farm one hour before the program for the full experience! These tours are only open to premium crane tour participants.
Exclusive Tour—Friday, November 3, 2023
Exclusive Tour—Friday, November 17, 2023
Exclusive Tour—Friday, December 1, 2023
Exclusive Tour—Friday, December 8, 2023
*Photo Blinds—New!
Are you a professional or well-equipped amateur photographer looking for an opportunity to photograph Sandhill Cranes on the Phillip Pines Sandhill Crane Traditional Staging Area? The Aldo Leopold Foundation is excited to announce a brand-new and intimate viewing opportunity that allows for up to three photographers to set-up their professional level cameras and tripods in the viewing blind! Watch for more details.
Photo Blind—Monday, December 11, 2023
Photo Blind—Tuesday, December 12, 2023
Photo Blind—Wednesday, December 13, 2023
Photo Blind—Thursday, December 14, 2023
Photo Blind—Friday, December 15, 2023
*Group Blind Rental—New!
A new and unique Sandhill Crane viewing experience is now available for your large group of up to 20 people. The Aldo Leopold Foundation is happy to announce that an entire crane viewing blind is now available to rent for the evening. You have the opportunity to join one the Aldo Leopold Foundation’s Future Leaders Fellows for the unforgettable migration spectacle of Sandhill Cranes, roosting on the Phillip Pines Sandhill Crane Traditional Staging Area on the banks of the Wisconsin River. This tour will begin with a short presentation at the Aldo Leopold Foundation. Following the presentation, you will take a rustic wagon ride from our meeting location to the viewing blinds. Crane viewing is roughly 1.5 hours (before dark). More details coming soon!
Group Blind Rental—Wednesday, November 15, 2023
Group Blind Rental—Wednesday, November 29, 2023
Group Blind Rental—Wednesday, December 6, 2023
Additional Viewing Opportunities
The Great Midwest Crane Fest!
Watch for announcements for the 2023 Great Midwest Crane Fest being held November 10-11, 2023!
*Virtual Crane Tours (from Dec. 2022)
Not able to join us in person? No worries, The Aldo Leopold Foundation hosts virtual crane tours as well! Enjoy the marvel of 10,000 sandhill cranes from the comfort of your own home. World-renowned ornithologist Dr. Stan Temple, Senior Fellow at the Aldo Leopold Foundation and Professor Emeritus at the University of Wisconsin – Madison will be your virtual guide during this 1 hour event. Programs will be held online via Crowdcast.
Frequently Asked Questions
Considering joining us, but have some questions? Consult our handy FAQs.