Photo credit: International Crane Foundation
Nestled among the Baraboo Bluffs, the Wisconsin River and just a short drive from Wisconsin Dells, the International Crane Foundation’s global headquarters is home to something truly one-of-a-kind: the only place on Earth where you can see all 15 of the world’s crane species in a single visit.
These magnificent birds span five continents, inhabiting some of the most remote and wild landscapes on the planet. Many are listed as endangered or vulnerable — rarely glimpsed even by seasoned wildlife watchers. A visit to the Crane Discovery Center brings them within reach, offering an up-close look at species most people will never encounter in the wild.
The experience goes well beyond crane viewing. Step inside the Migration Center and immerse yourself in the Platte River Experience — a self-guided, interactive exhibit that puts you inside a riverside blind, just as a naturalist would experience a crane migration. A stunning mural by renowned artist Victor Bakhtin sets the scene, transporting visitors to the heart of one of nature’s great spectacles.
Outside, miles of restored prairie trails invite exploration. Wildflowers, native grasses and resident bird species make every hike a discovery. Every visit begins at the George Archibald Visitor’s Center, where an introductory video showcases the Foundation’s conservation work across the globe. Before you leave, the gift shop — stocked with unique items from around the world — offers a memorable way to take a piece of the experience home.
The International Crane Foundation is open daily May 1 through October 31, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Guided public tours run weekends at 10 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. in May, September and October, and daily in June, July and August.
Mark your calendar for An Evening with the Cranes, the Foundation’s beloved annual fundraiser — a magical summer night filled with food, wine and cranes under the Wisconsin sky. This year’s event will be held on Saturday, June 20, beginning at 4 p.m. Tickets and event details are available at savingcranes.org/ewtc. (Note: The Crane Discovery Center will be closed on June 20 while our staff sets up for the evening festivities.)
The International Crane Foundation works worldwide to conserve cranes and the ecosystems, watersheds and flyways they depend on. From its nearly 300-acre Baraboo headquarters, the Foundation’s reach extends to offices in China, Uganda, Kenya, Zambia, South Africa and Texas. More than 150 staff and associates collaborate with hundreds of specialists across 50 countries on five continents — all united by a shared mission to secure the future of all 15 crane species.
Through the charisma of cranes, ICF envisions a world where people work together to protect wild populations and the landscapes they call home — and in doing so, find new ways to sustain our water, land and livelihoods.
Plan your visit and support the work at savingcranes.org.