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

Category: Hiking, Other Summer Activities

Sun, 2:45pmNov 12026

Max Trip Size: 20 people

Description:

Here’s another opportunity to see migrating sandhill cranes! The Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge, near Zimmerman, is a location where thousands of cranes stop by each fall in late Oct/Early Nov. Cranes spend their days in nearby farm fields and return to the refuge each evening in the hour before sunset (5 pm for our date- 1st day w/o daylight savings). This trip will include viewing them in both locations.

We plan to start the event by gathering everyone at THIS MEETING LOCATION at 2:45 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. From there, we will organize carpooling to where the cranes are expected to be feeding. We will drive around the fields and stop when we find good viewing spots, until 3:30 when we will head back to the parking lot.

At 3:45, back at the parking area we start the 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
water
snacks

Here is a map of the refuge

I’ll bring along a modified map showing where the cranes feed to share with you.
Participants need to sign up 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 1:30 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):

Ruth Robinson - ruthrobinson19@gmail.com - (952) 220-1813

Liability waiver for non-members

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Last Revised: October 2024