Fort Kearny State Recreation Area offers 186 acres dotted with sandpit lakes. This is a great area for watching Sandhill Cranes at sunset and sunrise as well as viewing a variety of woodland and grassland birds. The visitor center at the state historical park located 1.5 miles west of the recreation area opens in early March for the crane migration and provides information about crane and waterfowl viewing.

The historical park offers a great place to view Sandhill Cranes feeding in adjacent fields. The park also has a restored version of Fort Kearny including a stockade, parade grounds, blacksmith shop, pony express, stage station. The fort was originally built to protect Overland Trail travelers. This area has an interpretive center and concessions area. There is a nice bird feeding station located by the rangers’ quarters north of the interpretive center. The historical park blends the history of the Platte River Valley with its ecology and natural history.

Where to go in the park

The paved Hike-Bike Trail starts at the recreation area and extends 1.8 miles to Bassway Strip Wildlife Management Area. The trail goes across the Platte River on a former railroad bridge and provides excellent viewing of Sandhill Cranes at sunrise and sunset. Birds that can be seen along the trail include Bald Eagles, geese, and ducks in January and February; Sandhill Cranes in March; warblers and other passerines in April, May, and June. Sometimes American Woodcocks can be seen displaying near the north end of the bridge at sunset in March.

Site’s notable birds

• Sandhill Crane
• Bald Eagle

Birds recently observed

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Common birds

• Baltimore Oriole
• Yellow Warbler
• Belted Kingfisher
• Northern Cardinal

Field checklist

• Download printable list

Birdability

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