FX Excursions

FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.

VIP Crane Trust Experience Review

Jun 28, 2016
eFlyer Reviews

The sandhill crane is one of nature’s oldest surviving bird species, with fossil estimates suggesting they existed about 10 million years ago. Revered in many cultures around the world, they signify a grace and primal elegance accentuated with their clarion calls and courtship dances. Come early spring, about 80 percent of all North American sandhill cranes converge on a 75-mile stretch of Nebraska’s Platte River. It is here more than 500,000 cranes tally a bit for a major stopover, fattening up on corn and grains for their northward migration. They are heading to their nesting grounds in the sub-Arctic regions of Canada, Alaska and Siberia. Some have labeled this magnificent migration one of the top 10 migrations in the natural world. Even renowned anthropologist Jane Goodall, who comes every year to the Platte, likened the event to some of the great wildlife experiences she witnessed in Tanzania. With birders, photographers, naturalists, outdoor enthusiasts and the simply curious coming from around the world to participate in this bucket-list experience, accommodations and bird blinds can be at a premium. For those who desire a more private and upscale experience, the VIP Crane Trust experience may be just right. A unique outdoor adventure, it’s the only one of its kind in the world.VIP Crane Trust Experience With a total of 10 units, the Legacy Cabins and the President’s Cabin offer an all-inclusive, VIP crane experience geared for executives, businesses, friends and families. The Legacy Cabins feature a back patio with a prairie view, while the President’s Cabin opens to a back deck overlooking a pond with both a dock and gas fire pit, ideal for extended conversation. The experience includes a wine and cheese reception with an educational orientation, an evening crane viewing in the heated VIP Pietrok Family Blind and a catered dinner with a video presentation. After a restful night’s sleep, the next morning starts before dawn with coffee and snacks as well as a morning crane viewing in the VIP blind. This is followed by hot breakfast with a 10 a.m. departure. VIP Crane Trust ExperienceMany VIP guests gain a completely new perspective on grasslands and the migration, as well as a new appreciation for the vital role of both wetlands and the prairie. Guests come from both U.S. coasts as well as the Midwest, and as far away as Europe. With high demand for the limited number of cabins, it’s important to book as early as possible. Reservations start in late July 2016 for the 2017 sandhill crane season. Interested parties should call Sandy Douglas at 402 651 7033 or email [email protected] to be added to a notification list. While sandhill crane viewings are seasonal, there are other VIP experiences outside March and April. Year-round Crane Trust excursions designed for small groups of four are available for prairie hikes, fat bike tours, guided photography and bird-watching safaris. During April and May, a prairie chicken quest is on the table, with kayak excursions May through October and wildflower excursions from June through August. The Crane Trust mission is “the protection and maintenance of critical habitat for whooping cranes, sandhill cranes and other migratory birds along the Big Bend Region of the Platte River Valley.” In 2012, the Crane Trust acquired the Nebraska Nature & Visitor Center to fulfill its mission by providing a more active gateway and resource for community outreach and education. It also re-introduced plains bison to the Platte River ecosystem, with a small bison exhibition herd on the property.

VIP Crane Trust Experience

9325 South Alda Road Wood River, NE 68883

Introducing

FX Excursions

FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.

#globility

Insta Feed
Daily
Mar 30, 2023

The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Waikiki Beach’s Wellness Experiences

The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Waikiki Beach offers travelers a new immersive wellness experience: Healing in Hawai’i.

Portuguese Pleasures

Europe is more fun with a Portugal Stopover.

Daily
Mar 30, 2023

NoMo Soho Introduces New Private Event Spaces, Return of Rose Garden

NoMo SoHo recently announced the return of Rose Garden as well as the introduction of two new event spaces, The Penthouse and Nina’s.

Daily
Mar 30, 2023

A New Type of Art Experience: Rotterdam’s Depot Boijman’s Van Beuningen Opens

A little more a year ago, Depot Boijmans Van Beuningen, designed by architectural firm  MVRDV, opened to the public in Rotterdam. At Depot, everything revolves around the interaction between the visitors and more than 151,000 works stored in various areas of the unique building.

Share Your Travel Preferences with Global Traveler in a Short Survey & Win

Learning more about our readers’ travel habits and preferences ensures Global Traveler delivers the content you desire. As the travel industry has adapted and changed over the last few years, it’s more important than ever to connect. To best meet your short- and long-term travel content needs, please help us!

Daily
Mar 29, 2023

4 Spring Hotel Openings

With the start of spring, travelers have their choice of new design-centric boutique properties opening in the coming months. Check out these properties for travel inspiration.

eFlyer Lead
Mar 29, 2023

Will Unruly Passengers Soon Be Banned from Flights in the United States?

After a series of high-profile unruly passenger incidents, many of which made their way across the internet for thousands to see, a bipartisan group of lawmakers announced a new push for legislation to ban passengers fined or convicted of serious physical violence from commercial flights.

Exclusive Savings: Cruise Along the Danube River with Global Traveler

Exclusive Sailing with Global Traveler

Daily
Mar 29, 2023

Get in the Spirit for the Coronation with These 4 Red Savannah Itineraries

This May, London celebrates as King Charles III will officially be crowned in the coronation. To help travelers get into the royal spirit, Red Savannah recently introduced a variety of itineraries and destinations in the United Kingdom, including the homes of monarchs and historical figures, castles and gardens.