Every spring, Baraboo is one of the best places in the Midwest to witness the sandhill crane migration. Thousands of sandhill cranes return to Wisconsin’s Driftless Region, filling the skies and wetlands with their unmistakable calls and sweeping wingspans. The area’s glacially untouched landscape creates an ideal mix of river corridors, marshes, and open farmland that cranes rely on during migration. Nearby conservation efforts, including the world-renowned International Crane Foundation, make Baraboo a hub for crane research, education, and responsible wildlife viewing. For birders and nature lovers alike, the sandhill crane migration in Wisconsin offers rare proximity to these ancient birds.
Beyond birding, there are so many things to do in Baraboo that make a spring visit especially appealing. Explore Devil’s Lake State Park, go hiking, or take a scenic drive to see why the Driftless Region is so distinct. Stroll the historic downtown square, browsing in local shops, cafes, and galleries. You can take in outdoor recreation in the morning, culture in the afternoon, and finish your day with dinner at one of the best restaurants in Baraboo.
After exploring all our town has to offer, Ringling House Bed and Breakfast offers a refined place to return. Our historic Baraboo, WI Bed and Breakfast is a former Ringling Bros. property with timeless architecture and thoughtful modern comforts. Compared to standard Baraboo lodging options, we offer an elevated experience with gourmet breakfasts made with care, personalized hospitality, and a location near crane-viewing areas, while still providing privacy. If you are planning a spring escape to view the sandhill crane migration and birding in Wisconsin, book your stay today!
The Best Places for Wisconsin Sandhill Crane Migration Viewing
Watching the sandhill crane migration in Baraboo is on the bucket list of many birders, and rightly so. It’s the kind of experience people will talk about for years to come. Reservations are often snapped up well in advance, so a bit of advance planning goes a long way.
Each spring, usually from late February through April, thousands of sandhill cranes return to Wisconsin, using the wetlands and river valleys of the Driftless Region as critical stopover habitat. These birds are among the oldest living species on Earth, with fossil records dating back millions of years, and seeing them gather and dance in the open fields is the closest thing most people will get to viewing the prehistoric. Baraboo is a natural crossroads for migration, which is why crane numbers are consistently strong here.
Some of the best places to see sandhill cranes in spring include the wetlands surrounding the Baraboo River, nearby farm fields at dawn and dusk, and, of course, the grounds and viewing areas associated with the International Crane Foundation. Sandhill cranes can stand up to 4 feet tall, have wingspans nearing 7 feet, and mate for life. Their dancing behavior, which includes jumping and tossing sticks, is used for bonding and communication, and it is one of the most fascinating behaviors birders can witness in Wisconsin. Early mornings and golden-hour evenings are the most active times when cranes lift off in groups or return to roosting sites.
While Baraboo is an exceptional home base for the sandhill crane migration, it also puts several iconic Wisconsin crane viewing areas within easy reach. Horicon Marsh, located about 1 hour and 15 minutes from our Bed and Breakfast, is the largest freshwater cattail marsh in the United States and hosts tens of thousands of sandhill cranes during peak migration. Boardwalks, auto tours, and observation platforms make it accessible for all levels of birders, especially at sunrise and sunset when cranes lift off in dramatic waves.
Within an hour of Baraboo, the Necedah National Wildlife Refuge offers another outstanding viewing experience, known for its wide open marshes and consistent crane activity throughout spring. White River Marsh State Wildlife Area, also roughly an hour away, provides a quieter, less developed option where patient visitors are often rewarded with close views and rich bird diversity.
Located just outside Baraboo, the Aldo Leopold Shack and Farm is an inspiring stop for anyone interested in conservation and the story of Wisconsin’s natural landscapes. This modest cabin was where Aldo Leopold wrote A Sand County Almanac, one of the most influential environmental works ever published. Walking the grounds offers context for why birding in Wisconsin, including sandhill cranes, is so deeply connected to thoughtful land stewardship. Spring is an especially good time to visit, when the fields and river bottoms that inspired Leopold are coming back to life.
The International Crane Foundation is a must-see during the sandhill crane migration in Wisconsin. This world-renowned conservation center offers walking trails, live crane exhibits, and deep insight into crane species worldwide. Plan at least a couple of hours, and go earlier in the day for quieter paths and better bird activity.
For those who love wildlife, the Baraboo sandhill crane migration isn’t just a seasonal event; it is a reason to plan a trip.
Stay at Our Baraboo WI Bed and Breakfast
After days watching the sandhill crane migration and exploring the Driftless Region, our Bed and Breakfast is the ideal place to warm up and relax. Our historic Baraboo, WI Bed and Breakfast offers a level of comfort and care that goes beyond typical lodging, blending its Ringling Bros. legacy with thoughtful modern touches. Mornings begin with gourmet breakfasts made with high-quality ingredients, served with genuine hospitality. Our location places you close to crane habitats, the International Crane Foundation, and the best spots for birding in Wisconsin, while still offering a peaceful place to unwind at the end of the day.
For those traveling with family or friends, our cottage is an excellent option for larger groups. The Conway Cottage allows guests to stay together while still enjoying the same personalized service and insider knowledge that make our Baraboo WI Bed and Breakfast special. Whether your visit centers on sandhill crane migration in Wisconsin, conservation-focused travel, or simply discovering things to do in Baraboo, our Bed and Breakfast is elegant and inviting. Reserve your room now!
