Jasper-Pulaski Fish and Wildlife Area
Jasper-Pulaski Fish and Wildlife Area
Jasper-Pulaski Fish and Wildlife Area
4.5
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birdlady07
Merrillville, IN479 contributions
I come to the Jasper Pulaski Fish and Wildlife area every spring and fall to see the migrating sandhill cranes. A short trail leads to the viewing platform. At the raised viewing platform there are several viewing scopes for a close up view of the cranes. I always bring my binoculars just in case. Tip: It is always a little colder and windier up on the platform so bring a jacket or sweater to keep warm. The best time to view the cranes is at sunrise or starting an hour before sunset. I've always viewed them before sunset. Mid-November in Fall is usually the best time to see the most cranes. In fall, the cranes are there from about mid-October through mid-December. Some cranes stay during the winter. In spring, I always go the beginning or middle of March, although they usually start arriving in February. I've always seen more cranes there in the fall than the spring. There is plenty of parking and you can view the cranes right from your car if you don't want to get out and walk to the viewing platform. They fly in from the nearby fields. This is a free attraction. No admission charged. I've seen several thousands of cranes there a few times. Sometimes, only several hundred. One thing for sure, you will definitely see cranes and they are beautiful. This attraction is a must-see for all crane lovers.
Written February 27, 2007
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
wetravelalot007
Rossville, IN1,297 contributions
Nov 2014 • Family
We had driven by this State Fish and Wildlife Area for years. This year we decided to explore this area for mushrooms in the spring. No luck in the mushroom department, however we found a hidden gem of a property. During our exploration we found a couple of great quiet and secluded places to picnic (which we utilized for just an amazing afternoon). While on our quest for mushrooms we happened upon the stand built for the observation of Sandhill Cranes. It did not look like much in late April, just a mowed field of many acres of grasslands. Still in April we observed a few cranes, wild turkey and deer. After getting home we researched this and found that mid-November is the time to observe the migration of thousands of cranes. So we decided to go back on November 15th. Mid November is the time to go for sure...us and couple hundred others made the pilgrimage to the observation area. It is best to go late afternoon/early evening right before dark. At that time thousands of cranes just soar into this area. You look up in the sky and watch them come in together in a study stream of V formations of 10 - 100 birds at a time. They came down a midst a large grouping of deer. It was a sight well worth the visit. People watching is also something that was interesting to us. We came unprepared, others had the long scopes, binoculars and high powered zoom lenses all lined up along the observation area. There were three bus loads of people there at the time we were, plus a plethora of cars steadily coming and going. We highly recommend this place for a free and must see to believe experience. It is hard to believe that this phenomenon is not better publicized, but it is probably better for the conservation of the area if it is limited. But now that you have read about it put it on your to do list for mid-November!
One other tip for those who have experienced those elementary school science projects of collecting leaves. This place has a tree farm that has well over twenty documented tree types. So that would make the leaf collection process easy and fun.
One other tip for those who have experienced those elementary school science projects of collecting leaves. This place has a tree farm that has well over twenty documented tree types. So that would make the leaf collection process easy and fun.
Written November 17, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
tnt03
Orland Park, IL113 contributions
Nov 2013 • Family
We heard that thousands of sandhill cranes migrated here. We have always wanted to see this. They are there at sunrise and sunset. We were not there at sunrise. We arrived about 1:30 pm and there were about 70 or so of them in the field. They were pretty close to us so we were able to see their dance. It was pretty amazing. We were disappointed because they all flew away after about one hour. We stuck around because we heard about sunset. About 4;30 pm they started to arrive. It was amazing, unbelievable. They came flying from every direction. This lasted about one hour. It was absolutely amazing. You heard them talking so loud. We have only seen them before flying very high over our house and still heard them pretty loud. It was so cool to hear them from that close. I would estimate that there were about 6000 of them. It was one of the most amazing sights I have ever seen. Definitely worth going to see!!!! if you are a nature/bird lover you need to see this. Only disappointment was that we wish they were closer to us. I would have loved some close up pictures of the beautiful sandhill cranes. Still we can't wait to go back again to see these beautiful birds!!
Written November 16, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
dbfritz
Lombard, IL138 contributions
Nov 2013 • Family
This made for a delightful day trip from suburban Chicago. We joined several others on the viewing platform about an hour before sunset, and feasted on the sounds and sights of small and large groupings flying in and landing in a large field. Binoculars are recommended, though the DNR has provided 2-3 permanent telescopes on the platform. All along the path one walks from the parking lot to the viewing platform is a series of trivia questions about sandhill cranes, and the answers are at the end of the path, posted on a kiosk with additional information. Two very clean port-a-potties are there, too. You can either climb stairs or walk up a ramp, making this an accessible destination for wheelchairs, strollers, or others with limited mobility.
Written November 23, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
meezer3
Chicago, Illinois1,285 contributions
Nov 2013 • Friends
We read about the migratory cycle of birds but do we ever really get to see it in action, right before our eyes?? Well, every year the opportunity lies within our reach, just a short drive from our homes....the cyclic event of the migration of the Sandhill Cranes. Beautiful, large and majestic birds that flock together to make their yearly track from their summer breeding grounds to the north and fly to the their over wintering grounds of Florida to the far south. That path just happens to lead them through Indiana and the stopping off to rest and fuel up here at Jasper-Pulaski Wildlife Refuge.
From mid October to mid December huge groups of adult and this seasons young cranes funnel through the woods, fields and meadows that are in and around this Refuge. In the tens of thousands they circle, fly and call to one another.
Nicely located is a viewing platform for the public where you can really get a "birds eye view" of the coming and goings of the Cranes in a beautiful meadow.
Its well worth the trip to see this extraordinary event take place. You will be amazed.
Tip: If you want to see the largest concentration of birds make sure to go in mid-November and visit either at dawn, or just before dusk. You will also see many deer dispersed around the meadow near the viewing tower also.You can check the concentration of birds there at any given time by checking at the Indiana Department of Natural Resources website for the bird count. And don't forget your camera. Its a great educational tool for young children as well as the whole family also.
From mid October to mid December huge groups of adult and this seasons young cranes funnel through the woods, fields and meadows that are in and around this Refuge. In the tens of thousands they circle, fly and call to one another.
Nicely located is a viewing platform for the public where you can really get a "birds eye view" of the coming and goings of the Cranes in a beautiful meadow.
Its well worth the trip to see this extraordinary event take place. You will be amazed.
Tip: If you want to see the largest concentration of birds make sure to go in mid-November and visit either at dawn, or just before dusk. You will also see many deer dispersed around the meadow near the viewing tower also.You can check the concentration of birds there at any given time by checking at the Indiana Department of Natural Resources website for the bird count. And don't forget your camera. Its a great educational tool for young children as well as the whole family also.
Written November 5, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
John T
Burr Ridge, Illinois, United States5 contributions
Nov 2014 • Friends
Photographing at the observation tower is better in the morning because of the sun being behind you, but it helps if the people on the tower are quiet - which they weren't for our visit! Better yet was driving in the area prior to sunset to find the birds in the fields feeding! VERY limited for places to eat nearby or stay if you wanted to catch the early morning viewing (maybe up in Valparaiso?)
Written November 18, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
FunfromMI
Auburn Hills, MI162 contributions
Nov 2013 • Couples
The Greater Sandhill Crane Migration in Indiana is something all bird lovers will never forget. The beauty of them in flight, the dancing and the sounds of their calls are something that touched my soul in a way I can't explain. Come for the gathering of upwards to 10,000 4 foot tall , silver grey, red cap on their heads and 7 foot wing span birds socializing and dancing is like a dream. Great platform for viewing, handicap accessible beautiful surroundings and free. You can't beat it, nature at it's best.
Written November 23, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ImmerWandern
Palos Heights, IL7,264 contributions
Nov 2018 • Couples
Advice for fall crane-watching:
1. Monitor the Indiana DNR website for for their weekly crane count and other updates
2. Arrive at least 1 hour before sunset. If coming from Chicagoland and points west remember that this is in the Eastern time zone and adjust your timing accordingly.
3. Dress warmly, bring hat and gloves; you will be just standing still in the cold (and maybe rain and snow)
4. Bring binoculars, spotting scopes, cameras with powerful zoom lenses. The cranes do not gather close to the viewing area but several hundred feet away.
5. Be aware there are no toilets or concession stands here. There are toilets just east of the viewing area at the fish and wildlife area offices.
6. Be patient; sandhill cranes were arriving for awhile well after the sun had set.
It was fall and for days now we had been hearing the endearing calls of the migrating sandhill as they flew overhead (sometimes hearing the calls and not spotting their flying “V” formations). Finally we just had to heed their call. We had last visited this wildlife area in Indiana over 10 years ago also for the fall migration (there is a spring migration visit as well, of course). While we were impressed by the number of cranes I don’t recall being blown away by the sight. This time we were left mouths agape at this fall spectacle. At times the dusk sky was full of cranes sweeping and swirling as they came in to land. Their continuous rattling, gurgling, bugle-like calls (“kuh-roo, kuh-roo!”) drowned out our whispered conversations of awe; I don’t know why we even whispered, the cranes were so loud they couldn’t have heard us anyway. It was nothing like this 10 years ago.
What did we do differently this time? Basically, better timing. We monitored the Indiana Dept of Natural Resources website for the weekly crane counts: 2,067-4,591-5,965-12,722. These were issued on Tuesdays. The highest count was >32,000 back in 2002, so we figured that since the crane count had doubled in the previous week the subsequent weekend might see near-peak numbers. We this committed to viewing them on the next weekend, no matter the weather.
The parking lot was a short distance away from the viewing area. One could observe the cranes from ground level (behind a wood barrier) and from a raised wood platform which had telescopes. We could see deer in the distance beyond the ever-growing flock of cranes on the ground; the deer must have figured out this was a no-hunting-allowed part of the wildlife area. Cranes are omnivores eating not only roots, tubers, and seed but insects, snails, snakes, frogs, rodents and even other bird chicks (!). During the fall migration, however, they take advantage of the recent fall harvest to feed in the surrounding farms feasting on grain left on the ground before spending the night at this refuge. These particular sandhill cranes were on the Eastern Flyway and were headed for their winter grounds in Florida. While they are strong flyers able to maintain speeds for 30mph cranes are also excellent gliders who naturally prefer to use the wind to their advantage and save energy. Like hawks they use thermals - rising columns of warmer air - to gain altitude. With favorable tailwinds they can travel 500 miles in a day. Their flying “V” formations are no mere accident or coincidence but another technique to maximize their flying efficiency. Arrayed at approximately 45 degree angulation with the following crane slightly higher than the one in front, the vortices created by their flapping wings makes it easier for the next crane to fly. Scientists have even shown that they don’t flap in unison but in a particular sequence to enhance this effect.
We had arrived well before sunset and were getting cold. We had already seen more cranes than before and decided to leave after the sun set. We had just walked a short distance away from the platform when the background noise of the bugling cranes rose in a sudden crescendo accompanied but what sounded like a rush of wind. We turned around and saw massive flock after flock take to the air. We had no idea why and hurried back to see what was going on. It turned out we had almost missed the climax of the entire evening because even though cranes were flying off suddenly in large numbers thousands more were suddenly flying in from all directions. We didn’t know which way to look. My camera kept focusing and refocusing as cranes kept swooping into and out of its field of vision. They darkening sky may not have been blotted out by flocks of cranes but it came pretty close to it. THIS is what we had imagined and it was incredible to have finally experienced it for ourselves.
The count for our weekend came out to 23,727. Having seen the magnificent chaos of the migrating cranes understanding how the Indian DNR even comes up with such an exact number is beyond me. But there certainly were thousands of them there that evening.
1. Monitor the Indiana DNR website for for their weekly crane count and other updates
2. Arrive at least 1 hour before sunset. If coming from Chicagoland and points west remember that this is in the Eastern time zone and adjust your timing accordingly.
3. Dress warmly, bring hat and gloves; you will be just standing still in the cold (and maybe rain and snow)
4. Bring binoculars, spotting scopes, cameras with powerful zoom lenses. The cranes do not gather close to the viewing area but several hundred feet away.
5. Be aware there are no toilets or concession stands here. There are toilets just east of the viewing area at the fish and wildlife area offices.
6. Be patient; sandhill cranes were arriving for awhile well after the sun had set.
It was fall and for days now we had been hearing the endearing calls of the migrating sandhill as they flew overhead (sometimes hearing the calls and not spotting their flying “V” formations). Finally we just had to heed their call. We had last visited this wildlife area in Indiana over 10 years ago also for the fall migration (there is a spring migration visit as well, of course). While we were impressed by the number of cranes I don’t recall being blown away by the sight. This time we were left mouths agape at this fall spectacle. At times the dusk sky was full of cranes sweeping and swirling as they came in to land. Their continuous rattling, gurgling, bugle-like calls (“kuh-roo, kuh-roo!”) drowned out our whispered conversations of awe; I don’t know why we even whispered, the cranes were so loud they couldn’t have heard us anyway. It was nothing like this 10 years ago.
What did we do differently this time? Basically, better timing. We monitored the Indiana Dept of Natural Resources website for the weekly crane counts: 2,067-4,591-5,965-12,722. These were issued on Tuesdays. The highest count was >32,000 back in 2002, so we figured that since the crane count had doubled in the previous week the subsequent weekend might see near-peak numbers. We this committed to viewing them on the next weekend, no matter the weather.
The parking lot was a short distance away from the viewing area. One could observe the cranes from ground level (behind a wood barrier) and from a raised wood platform which had telescopes. We could see deer in the distance beyond the ever-growing flock of cranes on the ground; the deer must have figured out this was a no-hunting-allowed part of the wildlife area. Cranes are omnivores eating not only roots, tubers, and seed but insects, snails, snakes, frogs, rodents and even other bird chicks (!). During the fall migration, however, they take advantage of the recent fall harvest to feed in the surrounding farms feasting on grain left on the ground before spending the night at this refuge. These particular sandhill cranes were on the Eastern Flyway and were headed for their winter grounds in Florida. While they are strong flyers able to maintain speeds for 30mph cranes are also excellent gliders who naturally prefer to use the wind to their advantage and save energy. Like hawks they use thermals - rising columns of warmer air - to gain altitude. With favorable tailwinds they can travel 500 miles in a day. Their flying “V” formations are no mere accident or coincidence but another technique to maximize their flying efficiency. Arrayed at approximately 45 degree angulation with the following crane slightly higher than the one in front, the vortices created by their flapping wings makes it easier for the next crane to fly. Scientists have even shown that they don’t flap in unison but in a particular sequence to enhance this effect.
We had arrived well before sunset and were getting cold. We had already seen more cranes than before and decided to leave after the sun set. We had just walked a short distance away from the platform when the background noise of the bugling cranes rose in a sudden crescendo accompanied but what sounded like a rush of wind. We turned around and saw massive flock after flock take to the air. We had no idea why and hurried back to see what was going on. It turned out we had almost missed the climax of the entire evening because even though cranes were flying off suddenly in large numbers thousands more were suddenly flying in from all directions. We didn’t know which way to look. My camera kept focusing and refocusing as cranes kept swooping into and out of its field of vision. They darkening sky may not have been blotted out by flocks of cranes but it came pretty close to it. THIS is what we had imagined and it was incredible to have finally experienced it for ourselves.
The count for our weekend came out to 23,727. Having seen the magnificent chaos of the migrating cranes understanding how the Indian DNR even comes up with such an exact number is beyond me. But there certainly were thousands of them there that evening.
Written November 24, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Marty E
Peotone, IL1 contribution
Nov 2014 • Couples
We decided to view the cranes and didn't go until late Nov. Traveling on Ind. 10 from the west we started seeing cranes 10 miles away from the park. The farm fields were loaded with them.
We arrived at the park and on the viewing platform around 3:30 PM. The field to the west had 4 herds of deer numbering around 60. Right around 4 PM the cranes started moving from every direction heading mainly towards the west of the platform. The estimated numbers from the DNR were 10 to 12,000. It truly was amazing to see the sky full of cranes. They were still moving well after sunset. John T. was right on about photographing the birds. With them moving towards the west they were flying towards the sunset.
We arrived at the park and on the viewing platform around 3:30 PM. The field to the west had 4 herds of deer numbering around 60. Right around 4 PM the cranes started moving from every direction heading mainly towards the west of the platform. The estimated numbers from the DNR were 10 to 12,000. It truly was amazing to see the sky full of cranes. They were still moving well after sunset. John T. was right on about photographing the birds. With them moving towards the west they were flying towards the sunset.
Written January 20, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Pingaree
4 contributions
Got there about 45 minutes before sunset. Few small groups of birds flying in at first but about 30 minutes before sunset they increased in number of groups and size of groups. Quite a sight and sound to see them all coming in from the distance over the trees. Only went on for another 15 minutes but well worth the visit.
Written October 18, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
L8210MKnancys
2 contributions
When is the Spring migration? Coming back up from the South
KenyaLou
Dyer, Indiana4 contributions
I called the Jasper-Pulaski fish and wildlife area. They said the spring migration is now until the 1st week of March. They also said the birds do not stop in the great numbers like in the fall. Fall is the best viewing time.
Lisa&Larry
2 contributions
Is the observation area open Sun 11 Nov 2018
john b
Valparaiso, IN862 contributions
I'm sure. To be honest, I see no way to "close" it. Parking lot to the south, about a 1-2 city block walk to the platform. No fences or gates that I can remember. Best 1 hour before official sunset( the birds know). They come back to this area from all directions during the hour...thousands. A sight to behold.
I think you would see birds during the day but they'd just be "sitting" around...not much fun to watch.
k890290
Indianapolis, IN2 contributions
Is the viewing platform handicap accessible?
DayTrip308852
Crown Point, IN
Yes it is. Nearby handicap parking lot with ramp up to viewing platform as well!
Mary B
Fairland, IN2 contributions
are the cranes still there and does the cold air bother them
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Jasper-Pulaski Fish and Wildlife Area Information
Excellent Reviews | 32 |
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Very Good Reviews | 10 |
Jasper-Pulaski Fish and Wildlife Area Photos | 68 |