Each January, thousands of cranes return to Alabama’s winter wetlands, and the Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge in Decatur becomes the perfect place to witness them.
From January 9–11, 2026, the annual Festival of the Cranes offers visitors the chance to see more than 20,000 Sandhill cranes and at least 20 rare Whooping cranes in their seasonal home. Beyond the spectacle of birds in flight, the festival celebrates community, culture, and the deep connections between Alabamians and nature.
The refuge’s wetlands and woodlands are ideal for guided birding tours and observation walks. Naturalists lead visitors along the marshy paths, explaining crane behavior, migration patterns, and the important role wetlands play in supporting wildlife. Additionally, the festival offers the perfect opportunity for photographers and nature enthusiasts to capture cranes in flight against the winter sky.
(Decatur Morgan County Tourism/Contributed)
Interactive Learning and Family Fun
The festival’s schedule is designed to engage visitors of all ages. On Friday, attendees can enjoy a Meet & Greet with Hope, the International Crane Foundation’s mascot, or join story time at the Decatur Public Library. Evening entertainment includes a special concert by bluegrass band The Cleverlys at The Princess Theatre.
Saturday offers workshops and hands-on activities that make conservation tangible. Guests can attend sessions like “Cranes Can Dance,” “Building Blocks of Crane Behavior,” or the live raptor presentation “Wings to Soar,” which brings hawks and owls into full view. Children can explore nature-themed crafts, interactive games, and kid-friendly walks, while adults can dive into photography workshops, lectures, and guided tours that highlight both the beauty and complexity of Alabama’s winter ecosystems.
Art, Culture, and Community
Beyond wildlife, the festival celebrates regional creativity. The Festival of the Cranes Art Exhibit at the Alabama Center for the Arts features works by students, alumni, and local artists inspired by the wetlands and crane migrations. Visitors can explore these galleries alongside presentations by nature photographers like Paul Bannick and conservation filmmakers such as Michael Forsberg, who share stories of birds and habitats across North America. Local vendors, live music, and performances round out the experience, blending art, culture, and nature into one immersive weekend.
A Focus on Conservation
Central to the festival’s impact are the people who protect Alabama’s wetlands. Conservationists, educators, and volunteers lead walks and talks throughout the weekend, sharing their knowledge and inviting visitors to consider their own role in preserving these delicate ecosystems. From family-friendly activities to expert-led workshops, every element of the festival emphasizes connection—between people, the land, and the wildlife that call it home.
(Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge/Contributed)
Plan Your Visit
The 2026 Festival of the Cranes runs January 9–11 at Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge and across key venues in Decatur, including the Visitor Center, The Princess Theatre, Cook Museum of Natural Science, Decatur Public Library, and the Alabama Center for the Arts. For a full schedule of events and locations, and to learn more about the presenters, visit the festival’s main page here.
Whether you come for the cranes, the hands-on workshops, the art exhibits, or the simple joy of walking among winter wetlands, the Festival of the Cranes offers a weekend to witness Alabama’s wildlife in full flight.
