Hope on the Road in Minnesota
Hope is at the center of everything we do. Every wetland restored, every crane chick hatched, every person who falls in love with these extraordinary birds—it all starts with the belief that a better future is still possible.
This fall, we’re bringing that hope on the road to Duluth, the Twin Cities, and Rochester from Nov. 5 – 10, 2026. Join the International Crane Foundation for stories from the field and an honest look at what it takes to protect cranes—and the wild places where they dance.
Events will include an extra special screening with our staff of “Dances with Cranes,” at the Bell Museum in St. Paul, crane viewing opportunities at Crex Meadows State Wildlife Refuge, Birds & Brews at your local breweries, and more!
Questions? Contact Hannah Field at 608-356-9462 ext. 117
Tag your photos: #minnesotacranes
Illustration by Hannah Petrilli/International Crane Foundation
All About Cranes! Youth Afterschool Program
Thursday, Nov. 5, at 3:30 p.m.
Duluth Public Library, 520 W Superior St, Duluth, Minnesota
Why do cranes dance? What do cranes have for lunch? Where do cranes go in the winter? Join the International Crane Foundation for this free afterschool program to learn more about Sandhill Cranes and how they live. We will explore how cranes communicate, what habitats cranes need, and where they go when they are not in Minnesota.
Event free, no max capacity, no pre-registration required.
Birds & Brews–All About Cranes!
Thursday, Nov. 5, 6 – 9 p.m.
Bent Paddle Brewing Co., 1832 W Michigan St, Duluth, Minnesota
Cranes have long captivated people around the world with their calls and dances. Join the International Crane Foundation for an evening to celebrate cranes and learn more about what makes these birds so unique and how we are working around the world to save cranes and the places where they dance.
Event free, no max capacity, pre-registration requested but not required.
“Dances with Cranes:” Film Screening and Q&A
Friday, Nov. 6, 6:30 – 9 p.m. (doors open at 6:00 p.m.)
Bell Museum, 2088 Larpenteur Ave W, St. Paul, Minnesota
The Whooping Crane is one of North America’s most iconic and endangered bird species, with fewer than 700 individuals remaining in the wild. Since its founding in 1973, the International Crane Foundation has worked to bring this species back from the brink of extinction. Join us at the Bell Museum for a special evening celebrating Whooping Crane conservation. The event will include a screening of Dances with Cranes, which follows our staff in the regions where we work with Whooping Cranes. The film screening will include a Q&A with our crane researchers, followed by a reception. Enjoy a special guest appearance by our mascot, Hope!
*The University of Minnesota is not endorsing or sponsoring the activities conducted by the International Crane Foundation on the University of Minnesota campus. The relationship between the University of Minnesota and the International Crane Foundation is solely that of licensor and licensee.
Cranes at Crex: Guided Crane Viewing
Saturday, Nov. 7, 3:30 – 7 p.m.
Crex Meadows State Wildlife Refuge, 102 E Crex Ave, Grantsburg, Wisconsin
**A $30 ticket purchase is required, and space is limited. Ticketed attendees meet at the Crex Meadows Wildlife Education and Visitor Center**
Watch wild Sandhill Cranes gather in stunning numbers during peak migration. Learn from biologists and naturalists from both the International Crane Foundation and Crex Meadows as the birds roost at dusk. Bring your binoculars and dress for the weather.
Participants of this field trip will provide their own transportation to Crex Meadows State Wildlife Refuge, which is approximately one hour and 15 minutes North of Minneapolis. Upon arrival at the visitor center, you will join the International Crane Foundation for a lecture and orientation, a sub sandwich picnic dinner (meal included with ticket purchase), and then board a school bus for your guided crane experience. The bus will bring you back to the main parking lot before you journey home.
Let’s Go Birding! with the International Crane Foundation and Urban Bird Collective
Sunday, Nov. 8, 9 – 10:30 a.m.
Mississippi Gateway Regional Park, 10360 W River Rd, Minneapolis, Minnesota
Join us for this free, public birding walk with the International Crane Foundation and Urban Bird Collective. We will search for birds in the park, and learn about birds and cranes from the Foundation’s biologists along the way. Coffee and donuts will be provided!
Brews & Biologists
Sunday, Nov. 8, 3 – 6 p.m.
Pryes Brewing Company, 1401 West River Rd N, Minneapolis, Minnesota
Grab yourself a local brew and get to know the scientists, field researchers, and conservationists working to protect cranes! A casual, come-and-go event with great conversation and great beer. You will have the opportunity to meet the International Crane Foundation’s expert crane scientists who lead our work in the Midwest and beyond.
Birds & Brews–All About Cranes!
Tuesday, Nov. 10, 6 – 9 p.m.
Forager Brewery, 1005 6th St NW, Rochester, Minnesota
Cranes have long captivated people around the world with their calls and dances. Join the International Crane Foundation for an evening to celebrate cranes and learn more about what makes these birds so unique and how we are working around the world to save cranes and the places where they dance. Arrive before 7 p.m. for a special presentation, followed by time to mingle with our staff.
Event free, no max capacity, pre-registration requested but not required.
