International Crane Foundation - yellow crane under blue sky during daytime
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International Crane Foundation

4.9
·840 reviews·Baraboo, United States

Discover all 15 crane species worldwide at this unique conservation center, featuring nature trails and educational tours.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

June - August

Peak season for chicks

CrowdMedium
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International Crane Foundation - yellow crane under blue sky during daytime

International Crane Foundation

Best Time

June - August

Peak season for chicks

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Discover all 15 crane species worldwide at this unique conservation center, featuring nature trails and educational tours.

4.9
(840 reviews)

"The only place in the world to see all 15 crane species. Highly recommend!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Guided Tours are a Must

Don't miss the free public tours at 10 AM, 1 PM, and 3 PM for in-depth knowledge.

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be doing a lot of walking on trails and around exhibits.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

All 15 Crane Species

All 15 Crane Species

Exhibits

Witness all 15 species of cranes from around the world in one unique location.

TikTokInstagram+1
Guided Tours

Guided Tours

Various locations

Gain deeper insights into crane behavior and conservation efforts with knowledgeable guides.

TikTokReddit
Restored Prairie Trails

Restored Prairie Trails

Grounds

Stroll through beautiful, restored prairie landscapes offering a peaceful nature experience.

TikTokReddit
Crane Dance Displays

Crane Dance Displays

Exhibits

Observe the fascinating courtship dances of cranes, a truly captivating natural spectacle.

TikTok+1
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Planning Your Visit

Plan Your Visit: Hours & Season

The International Crane Foundation is open daily from May 1st through October 31st, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. TikTok+1 Plan your trip accordingly, as it closes for the season on October 31st. TikTok

Support Conservation Efforts

This organization does incredible work for crane conservation. Consider supporting their mission through donations or membership to help protect these magnificent birds. TikTokReddit

Best Times

When
June - August
Why
Peak season for chicks
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekends in May, Sept, Oct
Why
Guided tours available
Crowd
Low
When
Aug 10th (Cranes of the World Celebration)
Why
Special events & activities
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Add a day trip to the Crane Discovery Center in Baraboo, Wis., to your weekend plans! We are celebrating World Migratory Bird Day on Saturday, May 10, and on Sunday, May 11, moms get in free for Mother's Day. Follow our profile link to plan your visit ➡️ Our site is open daily, May 1 through Oct. 31, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Public tours are at 10 a.m. and 1 and 3 p.m. on weekends only in May, Septe...
@savingcranes
518 likes • 6.7K views

🎯 Guided Tours are a Must

Don't miss the free public tours at 10 AM, 1 PM, and 3 PM for in-depth knowledge. TikTokReddit

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be doing a lot of walking on trails and around exhibits. Reddit

Dance off! Our Red-crowned Crane male Tumuji showed his dance moves recently at the Crane Discovery Center in Baraboo, Wisconsin. Cranes dance to reinforce their pair bonds, express excitement, and maybe just to have a little fun. 📹 Adele Karolik #cranediscoverycenter #redcrownedcrane #dance #savingcranes
@savingcranes
188 likes • 1.8K views
How long does a Whooping Crane live? Discover the answer in this week's short with our Lead Outreach Biologist, Stephanie Schmidt! 📽️ Hannah Jones/International Crane Foundation #craniacshort #whooperwednesday #whoopingcrane #lifespan #endangered #savingcranes
savingcranes
745 likes • 6.6K views

📸 Bring Your Camera

Capture stunning photos of cranes and the beautiful grounds. TikTokReddit

💖 Support Conservation

Consider a donation or membership to aid their vital work. TikTokReddit

Early-bird registration for this year's Great Midwest Crane Fest closes on Sept. 30 – and the crane-viewing tours are filling up fast! The second annual festival is from Nov. 10 to 11 in Baraboo, Wisconsin. Follow the link in our profile to learn more and register. What should I expect during the festival? *Wisconsin’s largest crane congregation *Guided crane-viewing tours *Presentations and work...
savingcranes
884 likes • 6.7K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Guided Tours are a Must

Don't miss the free public tours at 10 AM, 1 PM, and 3 PM for in-depth knowledge. TikTokReddit

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be doing a lot of walking on trails and around exhibits. Reddit

📸 Bring Your Camera

Capture stunning photos of cranes and the beautiful grounds. TikTokReddit

💖 Support Conservation

Consider a donation or membership to aid their vital work. TikTokReddit

📅 Check Special Events

Look out for events like the Cranes of the World Celebration! TikTok+1

What Travellers Say

4.9
(840 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise the International Crane Foundation as an amazing and unique destination, highlighting the rare opportunity to see all 15 crane species. The knowledgeable staff, beautiful grounds with prairie trails, and the impactful conservation work are frequently mentioned positives. Some visitors express surprise at not having known about this gem in Wisconsin sooner.

"The only place in the world to see all 15 crane species. Did the tour and it was incredibly fascinating learning about these birds. Outside of the animals they have a few walking paths through restored prairie. Highly recommend!"

Jack Jenkins

"This place is amazing. I really don’t know how I didn’t know this place was here considering I’ve lived in Wisconsin for 40 years.
Evidently, there are 15 species of crane in the world and at this location there are all 15. Only the sandhill crane has a population that isn’t in danger of being coming extinct. The whole layout of this place, the viewing areas, the environment the birds are kept in is really cool. The whooping cranes have a small amphitheater for spectators to observe the Cranes. The birds themselves seem to be oblivious of you they just walk past, start foraging or stand there preening themselves.
I will definitely return!"

Andy Blackburn

"If you live in Wisconsin or are just visiting, the International Crane Foundation is a must see particularly, if you enjoy birds or care about conservation.

They literally have all 15 species of cranes and wonderful grounds which includes a host of short hiking trails and opportunities to learn about the Foundation’s work . As you walk along the path on your self-guided tour, they even have signs identifying some of the plants which I appreciated.  It’s really a beautiful place. In addition to doing a self-guided tour, they also offer free public tours from at 10 a.m., 1 and 3 p.m. on weekends only in May, September, and October and daily in June, July, and August.  My next visit will be a guided tour because I left with a couple of questions.

Two species had nests which was exciting to see and along the path they also had some cool art work which included a sculpture featuring 2 cranes in a dance that was part of a water foundation feature.  Last but not least, they also had a really amazing gift shop for taking home some fun reminders of your visit."

Carol Cunningham

What People Like

All 15 crane species
Knowledgeable staff & tours
Beautiful prairie trails

What People Dislike

Limited food options

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The International Crane Foundation is located in Baraboo, Wisconsin. Visitors often drive to the location. While public transportation options are limited, it's a popular day trip destination from surrounding areas like Wisconsin Dells. TikTok+2

Yes, there is typically ample parking available for visitors at the International Crane Foundation headquarters. TikTok

Absolutely! It's a common day trip from cities like Wisconsin Dells and Madison, Wisconsin. TikTok+1

You can find detailed driving directions on the official International Crane Foundation website (savingcranes.org). TikTok

Public transport options are very limited for reaching the International Crane Foundation. Driving is the most common and recommended method of access. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

The International Crane Foundation is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. from May 1st through October 31st. TikTok+2

Admission fees can vary. It's best to check the official website (savingcranes.org) for the most current pricing information. Special events may have separate admission costs. TikTok

While not always mandatory, booking tickets or planning your visit in advance is recommended, especially for guided tours or during peak season and special events. TikTok+1

Keep an eye out for special promotions like Mother's Day where moms get in free. TikTok Membership also offers benefits. Reddit

The International Crane Foundation closes for the season on October 31st each year. TikTok

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

You can see all 15 species of cranes from around the world, explore restored prairie trails, and learn about conservation efforts. TikTokInstagramReddit+1

Yes, free public tours are offered daily in June, July, and August, and on weekends in May, September, and October at 10 a.m., 1 p.m., and 3 p.m. TikTokReddit

Absolutely! The grounds feature beautiful restored prairie trails perfect for a self-guided walk. TikTokReddit

Yes, it's a wonderful educational experience for families. Kids can enjoy seeing the cranes and learning about conservation. TikTokReddit+1

Beyond cranes, you might spot other local wildlife like birds, butterflies, and small mammals on the prairie trails. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

The International Crane Foundation has a gift shop that may offer some snacks or drinks. It's advisable to bring your own food and drinks or plan to dine in Baraboo. TikTok

Yes, visitors are generally welcome to bring their own food and drinks to enjoy on the grounds, especially for a picnic. Reddit

Yes, the city of Baraboo, Wisconsin, offers various dining options ranging from casual cafes to sit-down restaurants. TikTok

📸 📸 Photography

The viewing areas for each crane species, the restored prairie trails, and any art installations offer great photo opportunities. TikTokReddit

Yes, photography is generally allowed and encouraged for personal use. Be mindful of any specific signage regarding flash photography near the birds. TikTok

You can capture close-ups of the diverse crane species, scenic shots of the prairie, and candid moments of crane behavior. TikTok+1

While generally permitted, always respect the animals and their habitats. Avoid disturbing the cranes for a photo. TikTok

Early morning and late afternoon often provide the best natural light for photography, with softer shadows. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The International Crane Foundation is a fantastic educational outing for families. Kids will be captivated by the diverse crane species and their unique behaviors, like the famous crane dances. TikTok+2 The guided tours are engaging and informative, making learning fun. Reddit Don't miss the chance to see crane chicks during the summer months – they are always a hit! TikTok+1

Beyond the birds, the walking trails offer space for kids to explore and burn energy. Volunteers are often friendly and happy to interact with children, sometimes even assisting with wildlife encounters. Reddit The gift shop also offers fun souvenirs to remember the visit. Reddit

🌿 Nature Enthusiasts & Birdwatchers

For birdwatchers and nature lovers, the International Crane Foundation is a must-visit. It's the only place in the world where you can see all 15 species of cranes, offering unparalleled opportunities for observation and photography. TikTokInstagram+1 The restored prairie trails provide a chance to see local flora and fauna in addition to the cranes. TikTokReddit

Take advantage of the guided tours to gain deeper insights into crane biology, behavior, and the critical conservation work being done. TikTokReddit The naturalistic habitats aim to mimic the cranes' wild environments, offering a realistic viewing experience. Reddit Keep an eye out for other bird species that inhabit the prairie. TikTok

📸 Photographers

Photographers will find a paradise at the International Crane Foundation. The opportunity to capture all 15 crane species, each with its unique plumage and behaviors, is exceptional. TikTokInstagram+1 The natural light in the early morning and late afternoon is ideal for capturing stunning shots of the cranes in their habitats. TikTokReddit

Beyond the birds, the restored prairie trails offer beautiful scenic backdrops, and the various art installations provide unique subjects. TikTokReddit Remember to be respectful of the animals and avoid disturbing them for a shot. The guided tours can also lead you to prime viewing and photographic locations. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Global Mission of Crane Conservation

The International Crane Foundation (ICF) is dedicated to the conservation of all 15 species of cranes and their habitats worldwide. Founded in 1973, ICF is the only organization in the world focused exclusively on cranes. Their work involves research, habitat restoration, captive breeding programs, and community engagement to protect these iconic birds. TikTokInstagram+1

Visitors can learn about the critical challenges cranes face, such as habitat loss, pollution, and climate change, and understand the vital role ICF plays in mitigating these threats. The foundation's efforts extend beyond just the birds themselves, encompassing the health of the ecosystems they inhabit. Instagram

Through educational programs and public outreach, the ICF aims to foster a global community of crane advocates. Your visit directly supports these ongoing conservation initiatives, making it a meaningful experience for both learning and contributing to a vital cause. TikTok+1

Experiencing the Cranes: From Chicks to Dances

At the International Crane Foundation, you'll have the unique opportunity to see all 15 species of cranes, each with its own distinct beauty and behaviors. From the majestic Whooping Crane, a symbol of successful conservation efforts, to the elegant Red-crowned Crane known for its elaborate dances, the diversity is astounding. TikTok+3

Witnessing a crane dance is a highlight for many visitors. These intricate displays are not just for show; they serve important social functions like reinforcing pair bonds, expressing excitement, or communicating within the flock. TikTok+1 You might also be lucky enough to see crane chicks during the spring and summer months, like Calypso the Sandhill Crane chick, being raised by foster parents. TikTok+1

The foundation also uses innovative methods for raising young cranes, including costumed caretakers who mimic adult cranes to help chicks learn essential survival skills without imprinting on humans. TikTok+1 This dedication to the well-being and successful reintroduction of cranes is evident throughout the facility.

Beyond the Birds: Nature Trails and Art

The International Crane Foundation isn't just about the cranes; it's also a beautiful natural setting. The grounds feature restored prairie trails that offer a peaceful escape and a chance to connect with the local Wisconsin ecosystem. TikTokReddit As you wander, you can learn about the native plants and the importance of prairie restoration. Reddit

Adding to the aesthetic appeal are various art installations scattered throughout the property. These pieces, like the 'Homecoming' sculpture by Don Rambadt, often celebrate cranes and nature, enhancing the visitor experience. TikTok The combination of wildlife, natural landscapes, and art creates a rich and engaging environment for all visitors. Reddit

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