If you’ve never made the trek to Kearney or North Platte to see the Sandhill Crane pitstops in Nebraska, you’re missing out. Tourists seek out prime bird-watching stops to see a half-million birds congregate each spring and fall. It’s impressive. But the thing is, morning is prime viewing so you’ll probably needed a hotel.
So where do you stay if you’re new to it all?
First, read through the beginner’s guide to Sandhill Crane viewing to see which city suits you more: Kearney or North Platte. Use it to figure out when to plan your trip because it’s a narrow window each spring when you get to see the most birds in one spot.
Now that that’s out of the way, here are the top-rated accommodations for each city based on visitor reviews.
Where to stay in Kearney
Here are a few things to know about Kearney: Located in central Nebraska in the Platte River Valley, it’s known as the Sandhill Crane Capital of the World. So it’s really tempting to stay there, right?
If you stay in Kearney, you will be near Rowe Sanctuary and Audubon Center, one of the top places to see the cranes.
With a population of more than 30,000 and home to the University of Nebraska at Kearney, you’ll have plenty of dining and entertainment options after you’re done watching birds.
Best reviewed hotel in Kearney
I’m a fan of Booking.com so I check there to see what’s rated the highest. The best-reviewed hotel at 9.3 stars is a brand I’m familiar with: Candlewood Suites.
The draw for this hotel, besides the pool and WiFi, is that each room has its own kitchenettes.
Other highly-rated places to stay in Kearney
Most unique place to stay in Kearney
If you’re more into vacation homes, there are plenty of Kearney options on VRBO, including a two-bedroom cabin and a five-star yurt.
Where to stay in North Platte
With a great location between the confluence of the North and South Platte rivers, the west-central city of North Platte attracts a lot of birders. While this area in Nebraska “only” attracting about 200,000 Sandhill cranes, it’s still a bucket-list-worthy stop to see these birds.
Beyond seeing the cranes, North Platte is home of Buffalo Bill, so you’ll see several nods to the historical figure. The city is also home to the world’s largest rail yard.
Best reviewed hotel in North Platte
Again, I looked to Booking.com to find out the highest-rated hotels in North Platte. I’ve stayed in North Platte a few times, as it makes a nice mid-way point if you’re driving to Colorado. The hotels below are newer and nicer than the ones I’ve stayed at. LOL
There are fewer accommodations to choose from in North Platte, but several familiar brands. The best hotel according to travelers rating them on Booking.com is Tru by Hilton. The stylish hotel has a billiards table in its lounge. Plus, a free breakfast.
Other highly-rated places to stay in North Platte
Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites North Platte
