Sandhill Crane Viewing Area

There is a small grass covered parking area that is roped off on the northern edge of the Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge that provides great viewing of sandhill cranes either leaving or returning to their nightly roosting spot. The parking lot is located on County Highway 70 (22nd Street) 0.7 miles west of 313th Avenue. This is about 10 miles west of the city of Princeton.

Late October and early November are the best times to view the sandhill cranes as they prepare for their migration south. During peak times, there are thousands of cranes that roost at the Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge. In the morning the cranes leave the roosting area and fly to nearby fields in search of food. For those visiting in the morning, it is best to arrive around sunrise; in the evening arrive about an hour before sunset. The cranes are easy to hear and to spot, sometimes flying directly overhead.