The Great Midwest Crane Fest

Registration is now open for the Great Midwest Crane Fest – Celebrating Community and Conservation in Baraboo, Wisconsin as thousands of Sandhill Cranes gather near the Wisconsin River before flying south for the winter.

What should I expect during the festival?
- Wisconsin's largest crane congregation
- Guided crane-viewing tours
- Presentations and workshops
- And more!

Schedule of Events

8 a.m. to 5 p.m.: Aldo Leopold Foundation

- Lectures
- Art displays
- Guided Nature Hikes
- Guided Leopold Shack Tours
- Guided Green Building Tours
- Self-Led Duhr Riverview West Sandbar Trail
- Access to the Aldo Leopold Foundation Center Exhibits and Gift Shop

9 to 9:30 a.m.: Friday Opening Remarks by Buddy Huffaker, Aldo Leopold Executive Director

Aldo Leopold Foundation Lecture Hall

Join The Aldo Leopold Foundation's Executive Director, Buddy Huffaker, as he kicks off the first day of the 2024 Great Midwest Crane Fest! Buddy will speak briefly about the festival's importance, how it was started, and highlight some of the activities and speakers surrounding this year's event.

9 a.m. to 5 p.m.: Open Leopold Shack Viewing

Leopold Shack and Farm

Explore a National Historic Landmark, the Leopold Shack and Farm, and the surrounding landscape! Bring your phone to scan the QR codes on the signs throughout the trail system to learn more about the Leopold Family and the rich history surrounding the Leopold Shack and Farm. The trail loop is approximately one mile long and features various terrain types.

9 a.m. to 5 p.m.: Unearthed Art Display by Pamela Sloan

Aldo Leopold Foundation Foyer

By burying paper in strategic locations, soil erosion transforms paper into the foundation for this ongoing project by artist Pamela Sloan. Once removed from the soil, the artist determines whether the paper remains untouched, minimally modified, collaged, or digitally composited.

9 a.m. to 5 p.m.: Boundaries Vs. Connections Art Display by Melanie Tallmadge-Sainz

Aldo Leopold Foundation

Boundaries vs. Connections will explore the colonialist notion of land and maps that control and define people's relationship with land through hard lines and divisions. As a Ho-Chunk tribal member and artist raised in rural Wisconsin, Sainz explores the Indigenous relationship to the land and its inhabitants, characterized by connections and stewardship. Featuring a variety of arranged temporary installations juxtaposed with diverse cultural objects that reflect an objection to planned obsolescence, the lecture and exhibition will also include new mixed media work created by Sainz set in indoor and outdoor areas at the Aldo Leopold Center.

10 to 10:45 a.m.: Hoo Woods Live Raptor Demo with Diane Moller

Aldo Leopold Foundation Lecture Hall

Join us for one of the two live raptor demonstration programs given by the Hoo's Woods Raptor Center! Come learn about the lives and habitats of these majestic birds and see a live Bald Eagle, Snowy Owl, Saw Whet Owl, and one additional raptor! Each presentation is 45 minutes in length. Seating will be extremely limited, so be sure to arrive early for the best chance to view this program!

We ask that you follow these simple rules for the live demonstration:
- Absolutely no pets or service animals.
- Please limit your photos: No flash photography, tripods or video.

10 to 11 a.m.: Guided Nature Hike

Meet near the Leopold Memorial Site

Bring your questions and join the Aldo Leopold Foundation's seasoned naturalists for a one-mile guided walking tour of our Prairie Vista loop Trail! Whether a first-time visitor or a regular patron, participants will enjoy the scenery of our restored oak savanna and tallgrass prairie, some of the most threatened ecosystems in the world. This guided nature hike is a great way to learn more about the work of the Aldo Leopold Foundation, phenology, ecology and the Land Ethic.

This one-mile hike could be strenuous for some, as it will be through varied terrain on improved hiking trails. Please arrive dressed for the appropriate weather conditions of the day.

11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.: Guided Leopold Shack Tour

Leopold Shack and Farm

The landscape surrounding the historic Leopold Shack was the primary inspiration for Aldo Leopold's essays in A Sand County Almanac and continues to be a living classroom for exploring ecological relationships and conservation history. Come hear the stories about the pioneering restoration work initiated by Leopold and his family, experience the inside of the Shack, stroll through one of the second oldest prairie restorations in the world, and enjoy the historic woods near the Wisconsin River. This tour is led by the Aldo Leopold Foundation's knowledgeable guides and lasts about two hours.

11:20 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.: Hoo Woods Live Raptor Demo with Diane Moller

Aldo Leopold Foundation Lecture Hall

Join us for one of the two live raptor demonstration programs given by the Hoo's Woods Raptor Center! Come learn about the lives and habitats of these majestic birds and see a live Bald Eagle, Snowy Owl, Saw Whet Owl, and one additional raptor! Each presentation is 45 minutes in length. Seating will be extremely limited, so be sure to arrive early for the best chance to view this program!

We ask that you follow these simple rules for the live demonstration:
- Absolutely no pets or service animals.
- Please limit your photos: No flash photography, tripods or video.

12 to 1 p.m.: Guided Nature Hike

Meet near the Leopold Memorial Site

Bring your questions and join the Aldo Leopold Foundation's seasoned naturalists for a one-mile guided walking tour of our Prairie Vista loop Trail! Whether a first-time visitor or a regular patron, participants will enjoy the scenery of our restored oak savanna and tallgrass prairie, some of the most threatened ecosystems in the world. This guided nature hike is a great way to learn more about the work of the Aldo Leopold Foundation, phenology, ecology and the Land Ethic.

This one-mile hike could be strenuous for some, as it will be through varied terrain on improved hiking trails. Please arrive dressed for the appropriate weather conditions of the day.

12:30 to 1:30 p.m.: Aldo Leopold Was for the Birds! with Dr. Stan Temple

Aldo Leopold Foundation Lecture Hall

Although widely recognized for his book, A Sand County Almanac, and his contributions to modern conservation, Aldo Leopold was also a life-long birder. A well-worn pair of birding binoculars was often around his neck whenever he was in the field. Leopold not only enjoyed bird watching, but he also wrote some of his most poignant essays about birds and their conservation. He faithfully recorded many of his bird observations, providing important historical records that allow us to understand how birds are responding to such environmental factors as climate change. Stan Temple will review Leopold's love of birds and birding and explain why his writings are so important for bird conservation efforts today.

4 to 5 p.m.: Green Building Tour

Meet in the Aldo Leopold Legacy Center foyer

Come take an inspirational tour of one of the greenest buildings in the world and learn how this building contributes to Aldo Leopold's legacy and the Land Ethic.
 
Using materials harvested from the Leopold-Pines Conservation Area, the Aldo Leopold Foundation sought to construct a building that reflected Leopold's Land Ethic. The Aldo Leopold Legacy Center meets the highest standards of the U.S. Green Building Council's LEED certification (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design). Learn about the building features like geothermal earth tubes, radiant floor heating, forward thinking design and art from local artists.

8 a.m. to 5 p.m.: International Crane Foundation

Visit the International Crane Foundation's global headquarters
- Lectures
- Art displays
- Guided and Self-Led Prairie Walks
- Access to on-site nature trails
- Guided and Self-Led Cranes of the World Tours
- Access to the newly renovated Migration Center Exhibit
- Access to Cranes of the World Exhibits and George Archibald Welcome Center and Gift Shop
- Food trucks

9 to 10 a.m.: Guided Cranes of the World Tour – North American Cranes

Meet behind the George Archibald Welcome Center

This guided Cranes of the World tour offers the chance to learn about the two North American Crane species and their unique natural histories, as well as their recovery from low population numbers. Participants will learn about the history and ecology of Sandhill and Whooping Cranes, the importance of wetlands, and how international cooperation is used to protect vital crane ecosystems.

10:15 to 11:15 a.m.: Guided Prairie Walk

Meet at the Branch Family Trailhead

When you visit the International Crane Foundation's headquarters, you walk back in time and experience what the landscape of southern Wisconsin may have looked like. Explore the beautiful on-site trails during these guided prairie walks and learn about prairie and wetland restoration and land management over the past 30 years. Guests will experience various native ecosystems, including oak savanna, native prairie, and wetlands.

10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.: Bird Joy for All with Dexter Patterson

Ron Sauey Memorial Library

Join Dexter Patterson, also known as the Wisco Birder, for his presentation "Bird Joy for All." Dexter's educational and entertaining online birding videos have gained millions of views on social media, making him a well-respected figure in the birding community. Learn about the physical and mental health benefits of birdwatching, hear personal stories from Dexter about his birding journey, and explore how birding can foster curiosity and a love for nature. His presentation will dive into the importance of diversity in birding communities and practical tips for introducing children to birding and creating memorable family adventures. "Bird Joy for All" will also showcase birders' role in conservation efforts and insights on ensuring safety while birding, particularly for people of color, women, and differently-abled individuals. Celebrate the joy of birdwatching and depart with practical tips, inspirational stories, and a deeper appreciation for the wonders of birding.

11:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m.: Guided Cranes of the World Tour – Crane Behavior 101

Meet behind the George Archibald Welcome Center

This guided Cranes of the World tour offers the chance to learn about complex crane behavior, including the basics of crane anatomy, how to identify different behaviors, the practice of costume-rearing crane chicks, and stories about the International Crane Foundation's work worldwide.

1 to 2 p.m.: Reintroducing Whooping Cranes in Wisconsin with Hillary Thompson

Ron Sauey Memorial Library

Have you ever wondered how we release cranes into the wild and learn so much about their lives? Whooping Crane Project Manager Hillary Thompson will present how the International Crane Foundation reintroduces and monitors Whooping Cranes in Wisconsin and what research the North American team is doing to learn more about the population.

2:15 to 3:15 p.m.: Guided Prairie Walk

Meet at the Branch Family Trailhead

When you visit the International Crane Foundation's headquarters, you walk back in time and experience what the landscape of southern Wisconsin may have looked like. Explore the beautiful on-site trails during these guided prairie walks and learn about prairie and wetland restoration and land management over the past 30 years. Guests will experience various native ecosystems, including oak savanna, native prairie, and wetlands.

2:30 to 3:30 p.m.: Guided Cranes of the World Tour – Cranes in Folklore

Meet behind the George Archibald Welcome Center

During this guided Cranes of the World Tour, guests will learn how cranes are connected to cultures across the globe. This tour will focus on people worldwide who use cranes in storytelling, how these cultural connections relate to cranes and conservation, and connections between folklore and actual crane behaviors.

3 to 4 p.m.: BOSQUE Winter Wings, An Author Presentation with Susan J. Preston

Ron Sauey Memorial Library

Bird photographer, mindfulness guide, and author Susan J. Preston shares her inspiring journey of wonder and grief that unfolded in the company of the Sandhill Cranes and the enchanting winter landscapes of Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge. In this artful presentation, Susan will share photographs and stories from her international award-winning coffee table book BOSQUE, Winter Wings. Her presentation will be followed by a book signing.

4 to 4:45 p.m.: Book Signing – BOSQUE Winter Wings by Susan J. Preston

Ron Sauey Memorial Library

Following her presentation on BOSQUE Winter Wings, author and photographer Susan J. Preston will be available for a book signing.

6 to 8 a.m.: Sunrise Crane Field Lecture with Anne Lacy

Aldo Leopold Foundation near overflow parking

Come experience the grand spectacle of hundreds, or potentially thousands, of Sandhill Cranes flying overhead as they leave their nearby roosting area for the day. You can sit in a heated tent with light morning refreshments to enjoy the morning cacophony. And bring all your crane questions for Anne Lacy, Director of Eastern Flyway Programs – North America, and her fellow International Crane Foundation and Aldo Leopold Foundation representatives. Please note this event's location is not directly on the Wisconsin River in a crane blind.

You will need a general admission ticket for the day of your viewing. Please drive your vehicle to the Aldo Leopold Foundation's overflow parking lot, where you will be directed to the viewing location nearby.

Add-on event, additional registration required.

3 to 5 p.m.: Sunset Crane Field Lecture with Anne Lacy

Aldo Leopold Foundation near overflow parking

Come experience the grand spectacle of hundreds, or potentially thousands, of Sandhill Cranes flying overhead as they return to their evening roosting area. You can sit in a heated tent with light morning refreshments to enjoy the evening cacophony. And bring all your crane questions for Anne Lacy, Director of Eastern Flyway Programs – North America, and her fellow International Crane Foundation and Aldo Leopold Foundation representatives. Please note this event's location is not directly on the Wisconsin River in a crane blind.

You will need a general admission ticket for the day of your viewing. Please drive your vehicle to the Aldo Leopold Foundation's overflow parking lot, where you will be directed to the viewing location nearby.

Add-on event, additional registration required.

2 to 5:30 p.m.: Crane Congregation Viewing with Dr. Stan Temple (West Blind)

Meet at the Aldo Leopold Foundation

This popular event begins with a presentation at the Aldo Leopold Foundation from world-renowned ornithologist and Senior Fellow Dr. Stan Temple. The presentation will orient attendees to the history and behaviors of Sandhill Cranes. After the presentation, you will drive your vehicle a half mile down the road and join Dr. Temple for an open-air, rustic wagon ride through the floodplain of the Leopold-Pines Conservation Area to our crane viewing blind on the banks of the Wisconsin River. The blind affords space to observe the incredible phenomenon of congregating cranes, one of the 20th century's greatest conservation success stories! This experience runs for about three hours and ends shortly after sunset.

You will need a general admission ticket for the day of your viewing. Please dress appropriately for the weather. The blinds are enclosed, but they are not heated. Space is also very limited; please be thoughtful to other paying guests and leave any large professional photography equipment (e.g., large lenses or tripods) at home or in your vehicle. Small personal cameras are welcome. Please, no flash photography.

Add-on event, additional registration required.

2 to 5:30 p.m.: Crane Congregation Viewing with Aldo Leopold Foundation Staff (Shack Blind)

Meet at the Aldo Leopold Foundation

We invite you to spend the evening with the Aldo Leopold Foundation staff to experience the crane congregations at one of our crane blinds along the banks of the Wisconsin River! The event begins with a presentation at the Aldo Leopold Foundation from world-renowned ornithologist and Senior Fellow Dr. Stan Temple. The presentation will orient attendees to the history and behaviors of Sandhill Cranes. After the presentation, you will drive your vehicle a half mile down the road to park at the historic Leopold Shack, where you will walk a quarter mile to one of our crane viewing blinds alongside the Wisconsin River. The blind affords space to observe the incredible phenomenon of congregating cranes, one of the 21st century's greatest conservation success stories! This experience runs for about three hours and ends shortly after sunset.

You will need a general admission ticket for the day of your viewing. Please dress appropriately for the weather and be prepared to walk on a hiking trail that may be snowy or muddy. The blinds are enclosed, but they are not heated. Space is also very limited; please be thoughtful to other paying guests and leave any large professional photography equipment (e.g., large lenses or tripods) at home or in your vehicle. Small personal cameras are welcome. Please, no flash photography.

Add-on event, additional registration required.

2 to 5:30 p.m.: Crane Congregation Viewing at Riverside Farms

Meet at the Aldo Leopold Foundation

Get up close and personal with Sandhill Cranes and experience the Sandhill Crane congregation from a new perspective! The Aldo Leopold Foundation has partnered with a private landowner on the north side of the Wisconsin River to provide an opportunity to view cranes from a closer proximity! Enjoy a short shuttle trip to the crane viewing location from the Aldo Leopold Foundation. On the way, receive a lecture about the work of the Foundation, the area's natural history and our important partnership with the Pines family. Upon arrival, you will take a short hike to the viewing blind along the banks of the Wisconsin River.

Note: You will need a general admission ticket for the day of your viewing. The blind will be open to the elements and may require laying prone for optimal viewing opportunities. Please dress appropriately for the weather and being outside. Space is also very limited; please be thoughtful to other paying guests and leave any large professional photography equipment (e.g., large lenses or tripods) at home or in your vehicle. Small personal cameras are welcome. Please, no flash photography.

Add-on event, additional registration required.

Click Here to Register