Both the Kearney and Grand Island convention and visitor bureaus have websites with extensive information on the area (visitkearney.org; visitgrandisland.com).

Visits to the Rowe Sanctuary blinds cost $25 per person, including a presentation and guide; photo blinds for overnight campers are $200 (rowe.audubon.org). The Crane Trust at Wood River has one public blind ($25 for a 2½-hour group viewing tour) and four private photo blinds ($200 each; cranetrust.org). Reservations for peak dates sell out early.

Where to stay

Both Kearney and Grand Island are close to I-80, so there are myriad options for mid-level lodging, including most of the typical chain motels. For a special experience, consider renting one of the new Legacy Cabins on the Crane Trust property itself. Mere steps from the Platte River's crane roosts, sleeping here makes it easy to rise early and see the cranes.

Where to eat

Food at downtown Kearney's Alley Rose Restaurant is outstanding. The restaurant boasts an extensive wine list and great steaks (www. alleyrose.com). A more informal option is Grand Island's Chocolate Bar, which serves good sandwiches, soups, and salads.

Other Things to Do:

Kearney and Grand Island justly pride themselves on having a lot of visitor attractions unrelated to cranes. The Great Platte River Road Archway in Kearney is a museum built over I-80. It tells the story of America's westward migration through multimedia exhibits. The area also features the highly regarded Stuhr Museum of the Prairie Pioneer (www.stuhrmuseum.org), the Museum of Nebraska Art (mona.unk.edu) and plenty of antique stores.

William Gurstelle