The Crane Trust protects Platte River habitat and runs one of the best visitor centres for the sandhill crane migration. In March, guided blind tours put you near the river roosts at dawn or dusk, when thousands of birds lift off or return in loud, shifting waves.
Even outside migration season, the centre has trails, exhibits, an observation tower, and a bison herd. It is near Wood River rather than downtown Grand Island, but it belongs on this page because it is the main reason many travellers base themselves here.