Attractions

Crane Viewing: enjoy the spectacle of thousands of cranes flying in to Baker Sanctuary, a brief pit stop on their way to warmer nesting grounds. Visitors to the festival can bring binoculars, video cameras, spotting scopes and cameras to record the event. Bleachers are set up in one viewing area to accommodate observers.

Birders’ Soiree: Michigan Audubon will host our top supporters during a fun, festive evening on Friday, October 7.  Michigan’s star birdwatcher, Caleb Putnam, will entertain the crowd with a program titled, Chasing Rare Birds in Michigan – Stories and more!”  One lucky attendee will walk away with a brand-new pair of 10×42 binoculars, courtesy of Eagle Optics.  A silent auction fundraiser will feature a number of intriguing prizes, including framed bird art, a Sandhill Crane yard sculpture by Bill Stovall, a pair of Vanguard Endeavor binoculars, gift certificates, overnight stays at Michigan Audubon sanctuaries, outdoor apparel from Moosejaw Mountaineering, and more!

  Click here to register!

30 artists will be on hand for CraneFest XVII

Art Festival: the work of some of Michigan’s top professional artists will be displayed and on sale.

In addition to the art work, cranes, and the fall colors, the Festival features guided nature walks, creative movement and nature photography workshops, nature crafts, a large selection of nature and wildlife books, picnic areas and food concessions, hay rides and much more. Live hawks, falcons and owls will also be on display.