Photo: Shared with permission from Instagram user @hmoline.
The International Crane Foundation in Baraboo is the only place in the world where visitors can see all 15 species of cranes. 11 of them are considered threatened or endangered.
Their 300 acres are home to a captive population of cranes that are cared for year-round. The birds do not migrate.
Spring and summer are a great time to visit because cranes will dance and call more often at these times of year.
Each season offers something different. Spring flowers and dramatic threat displays from the cranes greet early-season visitors. April through June there are many field trips that go through the site. Summer offers an explosion of color in the exhibits and on the prairie. Autumn colors are also spectacular.
Visitors can hike around their nature trails and see the birds up close.
Our Calendar Editor Bridget recently visited with her family. Here are her observations:
“The International Crane Foundation is a great destination for a nature loving family.
It is located in Baraboo, WI, about a 2-hour drive from Milwaukee. It is the only location that homes all 15 species of cranes.
It’s a short walk around the grounds to see all of the beautiful species of cranes. Each viewing area is covered, so you can relax and watch the cranes in the shade, and if it rains, you can still stay relatively dry.
There are also nature trails to explore and a gift shop inside. Plan to spend 1 to 3 hours, depending on how much exploring you want to do.
They are open daily May through October and you can get in free if you have a Milwaukee Zoo membership.”
There are no concessions. Snacks are sold in the gift shop, or you can pack your own picnic. There are several picnic tables and spots on our site that are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Baby changing facilities are available in the George Archibald Welcome Center’s restrooms.
The organizations asks that you do not feed or pet the cranes. Pets are not allowed.
For more information, head to savingcranes.org.
Calie Herbst, Editor-in-Chief of Milwaukee With Kids, has spent over a decade combining her experiences as a parent of three to create a hub for Milwaukee’s family adventures.
Her decade-long teaching career in Milwaukee Public Schools and academic background, including a Master’s in Teaching from Marquette University and dual B.A.s in Sociology and Spanish from the University of Wisconsin – Madison, fuel her passion for inclusive and engaging family content.
Calie is also a recognized voice in local media, contributing to WISN Channel 12 News, WTMJ Wisconsin Morning News, Fox 6’s Real Milwaukee, and B93.3.
Discover more about Calie’s journey and editorial approach on her About Page and Editorial Policy Page.
