Each year in late August, several thousand sandhill cranes gather together at Creamer's Field Migratory Waterfowl Refuge on College Road to gain nourishment and rest up before their long migration south for the winter.  

 

Changing seasons and the Sandhill Crane’s iconic trumpet call 

The raspy call of the sandhills from spring to fall are part of Fairbanks' fabric that's rooted in nature. The call always signifies the changing of seasons—an audible reminder of the year-round beauty of Fairbanks.  

To celebrate the sandhill cranes in Fairbanks, Creamer's Field Migratory Waterfowl Refuge hosts an annual special event dedicated to the elegant bird. This event is your perfect chance to experience the wonders of nature in Fairbanks.  

There’s nothing quite like hearing and seeing the cranes in person. Surround-sound magnificent bird calls and golden sunshine make for a dreamy experience. Take a look and listen to get a taste of what you’ll experience.  

 

All about this year's Sandhill Crane Festival 

A sandhill crane with a red crown stands in tall grass, with a blurred background of green and yellow wildflowers.On August 18-24, 2025, the Friends of Creamer's Field will hold the Annual Sandhill Crane Festival. For a glorious seven days at Creamer's Field, it's a celebration of all things crane! This wonderful, family-friendly event is full of bird and migration themed activities for kids and adults, such as crane walks, a crane calling contest, crane crafts, crane viewing, crane poetry and drawing. There are also plenty of opportunities to learn more about this species from accomplished scientists, featured speakers, and nature walks. 

This year’s keynote speaker is Dennis Olson, Conservation Educator for the Flathead Audubon Society. With nearly 45 years of experience, Olson has dedicated his career to sharing birds with the public as an author, through theater, education, and his incredible ability to mimic more than 200 bird calls. Linda Schandelmeier, a renowned teacher, gardener and poet will be leading a Haiku workshop, and Susan Grace, an incredible vocalist and folk musician will be sharing stories of cranes and culture. Several other bird experts will be leading workshops and experiences, perfect for all ages. Learn how to make a paper crane, sketch cranes with featured artist Mark Ross, watch the release of newly banded birds, and much more.  

There will be food (and ice cream) available and many walks, talks, workshops and craft activities to attend. Events are free of charge unless noted, but donations are welcomed.  

Click here for a complete schedule. See you there! 

 

Get to know the Sandhill Cranes 

  • Each year thousands of sandhill cranes migrate to Fairbanks, Alaska. If you miss the festival, it’s still well worth your time to stop by Creamer’s Field and be amazed by the beautiful sandhill cranes.  
  • These big birds are hard to miss! Ranking as some of the largest birds in North America, adult sandhill cranes have a wingspan of 6-7 feet. 
  • You’ll hear them before you see them! Iconic and shrill, the sandhill crane’s trumpet-like call can be heard from as far as 2 ½ miles away. 
  • Sandhill cranes are some of the oldest living creatures! Sandhill crane fossils as old as 2.5 million years old have been found in North America.   
  • Longtime love birds, sandhill cranes often mate for life. 
  • Sandhill cranes nest and lay eggs in Creamer’s Field. If you find yourself at Creamer’s Field earlier than August (hint, hint in June), you’ll have the adorable chance to see BABY cranes. Grab a tissue- they're beyond cute.  
  • One more, just for fun: sandhill cranes sometimes snore. Find your way to Creamer’s Field to enjoy the midnight sun, and you might hear the soft hum of snoring cranes.  

A sandhill crane wades through shallow water, lowering its beak to the ground to drink.

 

Save the Date 

What: The Tanana Valley Sandhill Crane Festival 

When: August 18-24, 2025, with main festival weekend events on August 23-24 

Where: Creamer’s Field Migratory Waterfowl Refuge 

Hours: Vary by event. For more information and the full schedule, visit Tanana Valley Sandhill Crane Festival | Friends of Creamer’s Field 

Admission: Events are free of charge unless noted, but donations are welcomed.   

 

References:

Sandhill Crane Species Profile, Alaska Department of Fish and Game 

Sandhill Crane Facts, Iain Nicolson Audubon Center at Rowe Sanctuary