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Legacy Journeys

Nebraska’s Platte River

Take in the incredible sight of thousands of sandhill cranes converging along their Central Flyway route.

Hundreds of sandhill cranes gather in shallow wetland waters, while others fly overhead with wings outstretched above a backdrop of golden marsh grasses and leafless trees.
Sandhill Cranes Sandhill cranes refuel at the Platte River in south central Nebraska during their annual migration. © Chris Helzer/The Nature Conservancy

March 14-19, 2027

Watch Nebraskan prairies come alive with the sights and sounds of the Central Flyway. See the spectacle of hundreds of thousands sandhill cranes courting, preening and roosting during their annual migration, when about 88% of the world’s population gather on the Platte River. Its wetlands spill over with the cranes, along with bald eagles and millions of ducks and geese. Take in awe-inspiring panoramic views in the Sandhills, the most intact temperate grassland left on Earth. Also see greater prairie-chickens perform their ancient courtship rituals on dancing grounds called leks. This journey promises to be a springtime adventure you will never forget. You have to see it to believe it!

Highlights

  • Witness the spectacle of sandhill crane migration when numbers peak in the hundreds of thousands.
  • Take a tour of Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium, frequently ranked as one of the world’s best zoos.
  • Venture out on an overland tour of the Switzer Ranch to learn how ranching operations blend with wildlife management.
A close-up view of overlapping bird feathers in soft shades of tan, cream, and gray, highlighting their intricate textures and delicate patterns.
Crane Feathers TNC studies feathers from a dead sandhill crane found at the Platte River Prairies in Nebraska. © Chris Helzer/TNC

Information & Reservations

Interested travelers should submit an online Journeys Interest Form by Thursday, September 17, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. PDT. For questions, you can review the Journeys sign up process information or contact TNC’s Legacy Journeys travel manager, Erin Crowther, directly at LegacyJourneys@tnc.org or (317) 829-1873.

For more information about cancellation terms, review our Frequently Asked Questions.

Sandhill Cranes Sandhill cranes visit the Central Platte River in Nebraska. © Chris Helzer/.TNC
Front Row Seat TNC in Arkansas board member Becky Wheeler and state director Roger Mangham watching sandhill cranes in a viewing blind. © Chris Helzer
Cranes at sunrise Sandhill cranes gather at The Nature Conservancy's Platte River Prairies at sunrise. © Chris Helzer
Switzer Ranch Travelers with TNC’s Legacy Journey to Platte River venture out on an overland tour of the Switzer Ranch to learn how ranching operations blend with wildlife management. © Angela Woo Sosdian/TNC
Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium Travelers with TNC’s Legacy Journey to Platte River enjoyed a tour at Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium. © Angela Woo Sosdian/TNC

Explore All 2027 Legacy Journeys