International Crane FoundationAbout International Crane Foundation
The International Crane Foundation is a conservation organization and visitor facility based in the Baraboo area of Wisconsin that works globally to conserve cranes and the ecosystems they depend on. It combines hands-on captive-care, scientific research, habitat conservation, and education at its Baraboo campus.
The site features walkable exhibits, display wetlands, and breeding facilities and holds living collections representing all 15 crane species. The foundation runs field programs worldwide and coordinates reintroduction and habitat-protection efforts.
Founded by crane conservationists who developed captive-care and conservation techniques, the organization now functions as both a public education center and a coordination hub for international crane recovery work. It receives visitors year-round but is most active and accessible during warmer months.
Located in Sauk County near Baraboo in south-central Wisconsin, the campus sits within a landscape of agricultural land and small woodlands and is reachable by road from nearby towns and from Madison.
- Species collection: Houses representatives of all 15 crane species, making it a unique global conservation and education center for cranes.
- Visitor tips: Offers guided tours, keeper talks, and seasonal events; the best time to see active feeding and displays is late spring through early fall.
What to See#
- Visitor center: Includes an on-site visitor center with educational exhibits, interpretive trails and viewing platforms that allow close but managed observation of cranes and wetland habitats.
- Exhibit wetlands and breeding facilities: Maintains display wetlands and flight pens used for public interpretation and for breeding and rearing programs aimed at species recovery.
- Conservation programs: Operates captive breeding and reintroduction programs for several crane species and supports international field projects for habitat protection and species recovery.
Nearby Attractions to International Crane Foundation
Best Time to Visit International Crane Foundation
Spring (April-May) and early fall are especially rewarding for crane activity; summer is best for full visitor programs.
Weather & Climate near International Crane Foundation
International Crane Foundation's climate is classified as Hot-Summer Continental - Hot-Summer Continental climate with warm summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -15°C to 28°C. Moderate rainfall (817 mm/year).
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | - | -15° - -4° | -16° | 26 mm | - | - | 3.7 m/s | - | - |
| February | - | -12° - -1° | -12° | 25 mm | - | - | 3.7 m/s | - | - |
| March | - | -6° - 6° | -5° | 55 mm | - | - | 3.9 m/s | - | - |
| April | - | 1° - 13° | 4° | 75 mm | - | - | 4.3 m/s | - | - |
| May | - | 7° - 21° | 14° | 86 mm | - | - | 3.8 m/s | - | - |
| June | - | 12° - 26° | 19° | 99 mm | - | - | 3.2 m/s | - | - |
| July | - | 15° - 28° | 21° | 98 mm | - | - | 2.9 m/s | - | - |
| August | - | 14° - 27° | 20° | 106 mm | - | - | 2.7 m/s | - | - |
| September | - | 9° - 22° | 16° | 99 mm | - | - | 3.0 m/s | - | - |
| October | - | 3° - 16° | 7° | 60 mm | - | - | 3.5 m/s | - | - |
| November | - | -4° - 6° | -3° | 51 mm | - | - | 3.7 m/s | - | - |
| December | - | -11° - -1° | -11° | 37 mm | - | - | 3.5 m/s | - | - |
How to Get to International Crane Foundation
The International Crane Foundation is located near Baraboo in south-central Wisconsin. The site is most easily reached by car: from Madison take US-12 west to the Baraboo area and follow local county roads to the Foundation (the drive is roughly 45-60 minutes, depending on route and traffic). The Foundation has on-site parking; there is no major intercity rail stop directly at the visitor center, so driving from nearby cities (Madison is the nearest major city) is the usual approach.
Tips for Visiting International Crane Foundation
- Arrive early in the day when cranes are most active and the light is best for photography; the visitor center opens earlier than peak crowds and staff-led programs are scheduled in the morning.
- Book guided tours or special programs in advance-behind-the-scenes or docent-led experiences often have limited capacity and sell out on weekends and holidays.
- Use the foundation's viewing blinds and obey quiet/photography rules to avoid disturbing the birds; plan 1-2 hours to see the exhibits and outdoor habitats without rushing.