Best Rural Activities
Patience, forbearance rewarded with the unique sound of a river full of cranes
It’s a sound that seems as ancient as time itself, as elemental as the breeze in the leaves, as organic as a waterfall, yet, somehow also reminiscent of the murmur of an auditorium full of people before the concert begins.
The unique sound of Sandhill Cranes gathering on the Platte River doesn’t come on all at once, of course— it builds one crane at a time. Each individual voice — a musical almost-purr — adds to the ones that came before. Only those humans with the patience to wait in the gathering dark (or for the rising sun) in near silence will ever be lucky enough to hear the fascinating full-throated burble and babble of a river-full of cranes.
March, as nearly everyone in central Nebraska knows, marks the beginning of the Sandhill Crane migration. What begins as a few bold adventurers early in the month grows to huge flocks with thousands of animals forming rippling patterns of lace high in the sky. As night falls, the cranes settle onto the sandbars in the shallows of the Platte to rest and spend the night.
For fifty or so people a night during the migration season (March 6 to April 10) the gathering of the cranes becomes a personal experience. These are the ones lucky enough to take a place in one of two blinds operated by the Rowe Sanctuary near Kearney. It’s an experience not without its challenges – for one thing, the blinds are unheated, and late evening and early morning can be bone-chillingly cold along the river. For another, you’re in for the duration – a guide leads you to and from the blind, and you’re not allowed to be out exploring on your own.
On the upside, the guides are unfailingly knowledgeable and friendly, and you meet a variety of interesting people, some who have traveled great distances to be a part of this experience. We met a couple from Mexico, a man who said he’d been here a dozen times, and a photographer with a camera lens the size of a bazooka. And, of course, you have the opportunity to watch an ancient and amazing ritual of nature unfold before your eyes. And ears.
If you’re interested in going, you’ll need to make a reservation with the Rowe Sanctuary at 308-468-5282; there is a $25 fee. More information can be found on their Website at www.rowesanctuary.org.
Other crane-related activities around central Nebraska include:
Minden Cranefest — An Art Walk March 6-21 features work of regional artists in downtown businesses; “Feathered Friends Fun Night” from 7-9 p.m. March 18 at the Minden Coffee House will feature a soup and sandwich supper and guests of honor representing Fort Kearny, Rowe Sanctuary and the Chicken Dance Trail. Visit www.mindenne.org for more information.
Rivers and Wildlife Celebration - This sizeable annual convention features a variety of speakers and related activities. Holiday Inn & Convention Center, Kearney. March 19-21, 2010. For more information call 402-797-2301 or visit www.nebraska.audobon.org/RWC.htm.
Cranefest - Free exhibits at the Great Platte River Road Archway include “Native Americans and Birds”, “Cranes on Parade” and “Pioneers and Birds”. 3060 E. 1st St., Kearney. Visit www.archway.org/Cranefest2010.aspx for more information.
Museum of Nebraska Art (MONA): Birds & Burrows - Special exhibition of burrowing owls, whooping cranes and other birds and mammals that live on or under the ground. Jan 19 - May 23, 2010, Kearney. For more information call 308-865-8559 or visit http://monet.unk.edu/mona/
Guide to country and small town events and entertainment
Fresh, funky, rugged and fun describe what we do for entertainment in Southwest and South Central Nebraska. Whatever your interests – festivals, rodeos, car shows, marathons, fishing contests, bird watching, carnivals, county fairs, art galleries, theatre or music – you’ll find it happening here. Listed below are links to some of our favorite places to find fun things to do.
Auto racing in McCook.
www.mccookspeedway.com
Events in Alma and Harlan County Lake
www.almaisforyou.com/events.asp
Fishing by Kayakjak in Benkelman
www.kayakjak.com
Graham Gallery of Fine Art in Hastings
www.grahamgallery.com
Horse events and rodeo in McCook
www.kiplingerarena.com
Performing arts and art gallery in Red Cloud
www.willacather.org
Performing arts in Holdrege
www.thetassel.org
Performing arts, art gallery in Minden
www.mindenoperahouse.com
Tri-City Storm semi-pro ice hockey
www.pickmytickets.com
Visit Nebraska Wineries
www.vintagenebraska.org
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