Crane Meadows Observatory

Crane Meadows Nature Center is a year-round educational organization dedicated to providing an understanding of, and access to, the ecosystems of the Platte River valley. Open daily, with expanded hours during the crane season (8 a.m.-6 p.m.), the center offers sunrise and sunset tours to a 25-person bunker to view cranes on the river. Advanced reservations are required; cost is $15 per person.

The new interpretive center at Interstate-80 and the Alda exit No. 305 includes informative educational displays on Platte River ecology, endangered species, cranes and invertebrate life. A variety of educational programs, hikes, and tours on cranes and wildlife are offered each weekend throughout the spring migration season. there also is an excellent gift shop offering crane-oriented items and other nature-related gifts. The nature center includes 240 acres of prairie, wet meadow and riparian forest with more than seven moles of self-guided trails. More than 220 species of birds have been seen there, along with whitetailed deer, coyotes and badgers.