Frequently Asked Questions

No, the International Crane Foundation is home to a captive population of cranes that we care for year-round. Our birds do not migrate.

Most visitors spend at least two hours on site. It is best to schedule two to four hours.

Yes, our Gift Shop offers a wonderful array of items from around the world, as well as clothing, books, light snacks and drinks.

The main exhibit area has paved ADA-accessible trails with gentle slopes. However, the unpaved nature trails do traverse several larger hills and some are uneven and steep.

Our gift shop sells beverages and a variety of healthy snacks. There are no concessions on our site.

Cranes dance and call throughout the year. These behaviors tend to be more frequent during the breeding season in spring and early summer.

Each season offers something different. Spring flowers and dramatic threat displays from the cranes greet our early-season visitors. Summer treats visitors to an explosion of color in our exhibits and on our prairie. Autumn colors are spectacular on our site and all over south-central Wisconsin.

We host approximately 8,000 school children each year. During the months of May and early June, please consider visiting us in the afternoon or on the weekends if you would prefer to avoid large school groups.

We have wheelchairs and individual motorized scooters that are available on a first-come-first-serve basis.

No, there are no lockers or storage areas on the site.

No, our cranes are given scientifically formulated diets. To ensure the health and well-being of our cranes, please do not feed them.

Baby changing facilities are available in the George Archibald Welcome Center’s restrooms.

No, for the safety of you and the cranes, please do not attempt to touch the birds.

The cranes that live at the International Crane Foundation are captive birds and do not migrate.

YES! We encourage you to take a lot of photos and videos! The International Crane Foundation is the only place in the world where visitors can see all 15 species of cranes.

We do not allow pets beyond the admissions area for the safety of our birds. We appreciate your cooperation.

We do not accept injured or orphaned animals. Please contact the National Wildlife Rehabilitator’s Association.