GIBBON, Neb. - Crane season is back in Central Nebraska, and local officials are anticipating more tourists than ever.

Hundreds of thousands of sandhill cranes are expected to migrate through the region in the coming weeks, which will attract tourists from all over who want to see one of the world's oldest animal migrations.  

The Iain Nicolson Audubon Center's Rowe Sanctuary is now better equipped than ever to handle the influx of visitors, thanks to a $12.5 million renovation and expansion.

The newly upgraded visitor center includes a larger exhibit hall, expanded programming areas, and additional viewing spaces, all designed to accommodate the nearly 30,000 visitors expected to visit during crane season.

“We’ve seen eco-tourism around the crane migration grow significantly in recent years, and the expansion of our facilities is a response to that demand,” said Marcos Stoltzfus, Center Director for the Rowe Sanctuary.

“This renovation not only improves the visitor experience but also enhances the educational opportunities related to Nebraska’s natural ecosystems and the cranes’ migration,” he said.

The expanded visitor center also features an upgraded gift shop and an additional trail for guests to explore which provides more space for those experiencing the migration.

“It’s changed a lot over the years with all the expansions,” said Kayla McGregor, a third-generation volunteer. “Having more space and areas to explore allows more people to come out and enjoy everything this place has to offer.”

The sanctuary offers guided tours for those looking to get a closer look at the cranes, with tours taking visitors to various viewing blinds along the Platte River. Officials are also focusing on habitat conservation efforts, working to remove large vegetation from the many small islands in the river where the cranes gather. This effort helps preserve the Platte River’s natural environment and ensures that the cranes have a welcoming stop during their migration.

Kayla's father Kevin added that the birds are very resilient, saying “It’s amazing that these cranes have adapted so well to the Platte River, which is just two and a half miles from I-80 as the crow flies, or as the crane flies I should say, so the the location is very accessible and it’s incredible to think that this is the site of the largest congregation of sandhill cranes.”

The next few weeks will offer the best viewing opportunities, particularly during the early morning and evening hours when the cranes are most active. However, with tens of thousands of visitors expected from across the U.S. and Canada it’s recommended that those planning to visit the sanctuary plan ahead.

“The crane migration is America's great migration, there is nothing else like it in the world, and it’s happening right here in our backyard in central Nebraska,” said Stolzfus.