Great Midwest
Crane Fest

Celebrating Community and Conservation

Nov. 8 to 9, 2024 | Baraboo, Wisconsin

Welcome!

There’s still time to register for the Great Midwest Crane Fest – Celebrating Community and Conservation in Baraboo, Wisconsin, from Nov. 8 to 9, 2024, as thousands of Sandhill Cranes gather near the Wisconsin River before flying south for the winter.

Download the festival program here.

What should I expect during the festival?

  • Wisconsin’s largest crane congregation
  • Guided crane-viewing tours
  • Presentations and workshops
  • And more!

You’ll also explore the beautiful landscapes and rich histories that connect the festival hosts, the International Crane Foundation and the Aldo Leopold Foundation.

Photo: Sandhill Cranes by Ciming Mei

Registration


You may purchase general admission tickets for the two-day festival or Friday or Saturday only. Additional registration is required for add-on events, including crane viewing tours and workshops. View the festival schedule here.

Please note all tickets are non-refundable. Thank you for supporting our community event!


What Is Included in My Registration?

Festival registration includes entrance to the Aldo Leopold Foundation and International Crane Foundation and events at each site, including presentations and tours of the Cranes of the World and Leopold Shack.

Additional registration is required for add-on events, including crane viewing tours and workshops.

Aldo Leopold Foundation

Open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Nov. 8 and 9


The following events are included in your general admission registration. Please note that capacity may be limited for select events.

  • Lectures  
  • Art displays 
  • Guided Nature Hikes
  • Guided Leopold Shack Tours   
  • Guided Green Building Tours 
  • Self-Led Duhr Riverview West Sandbar Trail 
  • Access to the Aldo Leopold Foundation Center Exhibits and Gift Shop

International Crane Foundation

Open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Nov. 8 and 9


The following events are included in your general admission registration. Please note that capacity may be limited for select events.

  • Lectures 
  • Art displays
  • Guided Prairie Walks 
  • Access to on-site nature trails
  • Guided Cranes of the World Tours 
  • Access to the newly renovated Migration Center Exhibit
  • Access to Cranes of the World Exhibits and George Archibald Welcome Center and Gift Shop
Private Property Sign

When Viewing Cranes in the Wild

  • Give cranes space and appreciate them from afar. Remain in your vehicle and get no closer than 100 yards.
  • Please remain concealed and do not speak loudly enough that the birds can hear you. If the cranes you are viewing change their behavior, such as going from feeding and relaxing to alert, walking away, or flying away, you are too close to them.
  • Finally, do not trespass on private, state or federal property in an attempt to view or photograph cranes – thank you!

Look for these signs between the International Crane Foundation and Aldo Leopold Foundation to identify private property.