It’s that time of year when about a quarter million Sandhill Cranes arrive in Central Nebraska’s Platte River Valley in a spectacular migration display en route to their Canadian breeding grounds. Widely regarded as one of the grandest wildlife marvels in North America, the migration draws spectators from around the world. Boasting one of the longest fossil histories of any existing species of bird, remains of Sandhill Crane ancestors dating to 10 million years ago have been discovered in Nebraska.

Until mid-April, visitors can witness the event at multiple locations, and view other birdlife that includes white pelicans on the Republican River and dancing prairie chickens at McCook. Learn more about the phenomenon at the Crane Trust Nature & Visitor Center. Stroll the exhibits while recordings of the cranes play in the background. Murals, native wildlife exhibits, graphics and touchscreen displays are among museum highlights. Outside, a butterfly garden and paved pathways spanned by footbridges cross the north channel of the Platte River, where 10 miles of trails lead into forest, wetland habitats and rare tallgrass prairie. Other local experiences include contemporary and historic art at the Museum of Nebraska Art in Kearney, and frontier life exhibits at the Willa Cather Pioneer Memorial and Education Center in Red Cloud.