Sandhill Crane & Prairie Chicken Viewing Tours
Tickets for the Season go live December 15th at 9am
Bus tours $45
Each tour will include a round trip through the Platte River Valley between North Platte and Hershey, Nebraska, on our bus. The tour will linger wherever there are large groups of Sandhill Cranes so that you can observe, video, and photograph as much as you would like. While on the tour, you will be treated to information about the Sandhill Cranes: their migration patterns, mating rituals, behaviors, and other fun facts. Cranes won’t be the only wildlife you will see either! Turkeys, prairie chickens, and various other wildlife mingle in the beautiful Nebraska countryside. Snacks and bottled water are available and there is a bathroom stop along the route.
Viewing Blind Tours $45
We have both morning and evening tours available. The transportation for the tours is a converted school bus that will be warm and dry, but please dress appropriately as you will be exiting the bus and walking to the viewing blind where it may be a bit chilly. Warm clothing and layers are encouraged. There is a bathroom available at the blind and snacks and bottled water and coffee will be available at the beginning of the tour. Binoculars are also available to use, but supplies are limited. We encourage you to bring your own viewing equipment.
Prairie Chicken Tours $65
This tour includes a round trip transportation to the largest known Prairie Chicken lek in Nebraska. We will arrive at the lek prior to sunrise and remain for about three hours enjoying the amazing sights and sounds of these incredible birds as they practice and perform various mating rituals. We will be viewing the lek from the comfort of the bus, which acts as our blind. There is a bathroom available for use during the tour. Coffee, bottled water, and snacks are also provided. If you are a photographer, check out the private photography blinds when booking your ticket!
Note: If you plan to do some photography, some photographers who have attended our tours suggest you bring your long lens.
Local Accommodations offering discounts to Birding Customers:
Holiday RV Park: 15% discount. When booking let them know you are in town to attend the bird tours.
Ramada and Super 8: Click the following link - Dusty Trails Tour Discount Group Code: LDTT
The Fab Four!
No matter when you decide to come, our schedule of tours are set up so that you can easily book all four experiences during a two night stay! Here’s an example…
Sample Itinerary:
Arrive on Wednesday
Wednesday - Evening Blind Tour
Thursday - Morning Blind Tour, Afternoon Bus Tour
Friday - Prairie Chicken Dance
Depart Friday afternoon
To ensure the best experience for visitors, the Dusty Trails tours are scheduled to coincide with the peak Sandhill Crane migration, when the greatest number of birds are in the area.
Tickets for the 2024 Season go live December 15th at 9am