Resources
ADA Accessibility and Scooters: Accessibility and safety are very important to the International Crane Foundation. The main trails throughout the crane exhibit area are paved and easily accessed by visitors utilizing wheelchairs, strollers or scooters. We also offer individual, motorized scooters at no additional charge for those visitors who may need assistance walking. The scooters are available on a first-come, first-served basis. For safety reasons, these scooters are not allowed on unpaved trails.
Some of our nature trails are not handicap accessible. We encourage visitors to consult our site map and staff regarding those areas that may present challenges to wheelchairs, strollers or motorized scooters.
Parking space is reserved for disabled guests, and visitors are welcome to drop disabled visitors off directly at the Welcome Center entrance if preferred. For assistance with additional handicap parking, please inquire at the welcome desk upon arrival.
For more accessibility information, please contact our Conservation Education Department at 608-356-9462, ext. 127.
Policies
Pets: Pets, leashed or unleashed, are not allowed past the Welcome Center entrance. Please make appropriate accommodations for your pets during your visit.
Cameras: Visitors are welcome to take pictures and videos during their visit. Flash photography is allowed.
Food and beverages: Visitors are encouraged to enjoy lunch or a snack while visiting the International Crane Foundation. Visitors may bring food and non-alcoholic drinks or purchase snacks and beverages in the gift shop. There are several picnic tables and spots on our site that are available on a first-come, first-served basis. There is a covered gazebo that visitors may reserve for group tours by calling 608-356-9462 ext. 127.
Smoking: The International Crane Foundation is a smoke-free environment.
Nature trails: Visitors are encouraged to explore our site’s three miles of nature trails weaving through prairie, oak savanna, wetland and oak forest ecosystems. However, walking off trails is not allowed since the restorations and fragile ecosystems could be damaged. Please do not pick flowers and grasses.
Feather collection: Visitors are not allowed to take crane feathers off the site. Various laws protect each crane species, and permits are needed to obtain or hold crane feathers. Please contact a member of our staff at 608-356-9462 ext. 127 if you have questions regarding feather collection regulations.
Littering: Cranes may ingest bits of metal, plastic or other litter they find. Please be careful with litter while you are visiting. Trash cans and recycling bins are located throughout our site.
Interacting with exhibit birds: The cranes found in our exhibit area may walk to the front of their enclosures as visitors approach. This is not a friendly behavior indicating the birds are hungry or curious. This behavior is aggressive protection of their territory. Please respect our cranes by not reaching past the fences and guardrails surrounding their enclosures, vocalizing with the birds or mimicking their movements.
Cancellation policy: If you need to cancel your reservation, please provide us with as much advance notice as possible.
Skateboards: No skateboards, rollerblades, bicycles, tricycles or scooters are allowed past the admissions area. Please feel free to park bikes near the Welcome Center entrance.
Thank you for observing our policies. Have a wonderful visit with the cranes!
Accessibility features of our site include:
- Paved trail system throughout our main exhibit area.
- Handicap accessible restrooms.
- Handicap accessible parking spaces.
- ADA-approved door handles.
- Handicap accessible Welcome Center and Gift Shop.
- Highly visible enclosures for crane observation.