Sandhill Crane Viewing & Hike, + optional pre-hike — Sherburne Natl Wildlife Refuge, Zimmerman, MN

Trip Full Wait List OpenCategory: Hiking

Sun, 3:45pmOct 262025

Max Trip Size: 25 people

Description:

Each fall, thousands of sandhill cranes migrate south via a stop at the Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge, near Zimmerman, MN. By the date of this event, there are usually tens of thousands of cranes gathering there! Cranes spend their days in nearby farm fields and return to the refuge each evening in the hour before sunset (6:09 pm). This year’s plan is a little different than what we have done the last two years, so read on!

We plan to start the event by gathering everyone at THIS MEETING LOCATION at 3:45 pm, where we will do introductions and go over the plan. This parking area is slightly south of the intersection of Refuge Rd and 184th St NW in Sherburne NWR. (This is NOT where we met in the past.) From there, we will organize carpooling to the areas where the cranes are expected to be feeding during the day. We will drive around the fields and stop when we find good viewing spots.

At 4:45 everyone meets back at the parking area, ready to hike 2 miles to a wetlands area, where we will hopefully find good views of cranes returning for the night!

Once we get to our planned viewing area, we should have about an hour of waning daylight in which to watch the cranes. After that, we will hike back to our cars. The total hiking distance is 4 miles.

Here are some things you should consider bringing:

a flashlight for the return hike
binoculars
a chair if you want to carry it two miles each way.
warm clothing for waiting at the viewing area
bug spray- just in case
water
snacks (it’s our dinner time, too!)

Here is a map of the refuge

This map showing where the cranes hang out.

Participants need to sign up with Barry or Ruth because we need to limit the numbers. Non-Rovers members are welcome with the waiver below.

OPTIONAL PRE-HIKE: For those who want a longer hike, we are offering a 3-mile loop hike on the Mahnomen Trail at 2:30 pm sharp. If you wish to add this hike, be sure to mention that in your RSVP. The meeting place for this extra hike is here.

Coordinator(s):

Barry S.

Ruth R

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Last Revised: October 2024