Doniphan

The Nature Conservancy owns 4,600 acres and has easement on 2,800 more on land parcels west of Grand Island known as Platte River Prairies. A map of these wetlands and grasslands is available at nature.org. 13650 S. Platte River Dr., Wood River. (402) 342-0282

The Crane Trust Nature and Visitor Center hosts the spring migration of sandhill cranes and the visitors who flock here to see them. 9325 S. Alda Rd., Wood River. (308) 382-1820

Prairie Nature Trail is open to the public dawn to dusk. 13650 S. Platte River Dr., Wood River.

Mormon Island State Recreation Area

includes lakes, sandy beaches and the Platte River. I-80 Exit 312, Doniphan. (308) 385-6211

Tent and RV camping spots are available at Hall County Park mid-April through mid-October. Hike and bike trails within view of scenic Stuhr Museum and the Wood River provide an escape to nature close to the city. 3138 W. Schimmer Dr. (308) 385-5087 Stuhr Museum of the Prairie Pioneer’s Railroad

AJ Dahm

Sandhill crane migration on the Platte River near Grand Island