[raindrops]

Has anyone ever been to Kearney ( Hopefully that is the place) to see the Sandhill cranes ???? I would love to go see the cranes this year and I'm looking for some direction/advise ? F.Y.I, our trip would start from Omaha-N.E

[tpabes]

Yes Kearney is one of the places, actually any place from Grand Island to Kearney along the Platte River is a really good place. You can see the cranes just driving on local county road around the Platte in the area. I live in the area and see them all the time. Just hop on I-80 and head west.

To probably get the best experience you can go to one of the sanctuary's, I only know of two and the one near Alda is closed this season due to lack of funds. That said check out Rowe Sanctuary:
Sandhill Cranes at Rowe Sanctuary - Nebraska's Premier Wildlife Spectacle
Rowe is south of Gibbon with is 13 miles east of Kearney, so you can easily find a hotel in Kearney if needed, there is plenty there. Hope that helps, feel free to ask more questions if you need too.

[Happygolucky]

Yes, between GI and Kearney is a great area. Look for an area called Woodriver Exit start there and drive the river roads (these are the roads that run parallel to the river) on the north and south side of the river as close as you can get. Bring your camera with the longest lens you have and binoculars for everyone in the car when you see a bunch of cranes no one is going to want to share their binoculars. Ha HA

The gravel roads are in great shape, do not go down any minimum maintenance roads you might get stuck.

Stop in a small town have lunch or a slice of pie and ask the locals where the best spots are. they will point you int he right direction. The best views are right from your car. you never have to leave it.

Hotels in the area are great, try to stay in a small town motel if you can. The rates are better and you get the small town feel. Have fun.

[raindrops]

Thanks tpabes and happygolucky, any idea on the distance between Omaha and Kearney? Also, do you think this can be done in a day, don't plan to stay overnight, so would like to know is it possible.

[tpabes]

It is about 180 miles from mid-Omaha to Kearney and takes about 2 hr 45 mins. if drive it straight through. You can do it in one day, I have driven it plenty of times, just might be a little tiring of a day, but it is easily possible.

[Dave1215]

Originally Posted by raindrops

Thanks tpabes and happygolucky, any idea on the distance between Omaha and Kearney? Also, do you think this can be done in a day, don't plan to stay overnight, so would like to know is it possible.

If you enjoy driving its very easy to do in a day.. plan to make a full day of it.. relax, stay off the interstate, and enjoy what some small towns have to offer.

Get up early and travel for an hour or so (not on the interstate) and have breakfast in a small town cafe.... finish off the easy drive and arrive mid-morn...

Spend the rest of the morn driving around the river... take a break in another small town cafe for lunch.... spend early afternoon driving around another part/side of the river...

Begin leisurely drive back home (not on the interstate)... take a break and have dinner in a small town cafe... finish up the brief ride home....