Photo: Scott Hereford/USFWS · Public domain, cropped to fit and resized
Wildlife refuge in Mississippi
Mississippi Sandhill Crane Refugefall & winter wildlife
At Mississippi Sandhill Crane National Wildlife Refuge, Guided crane tours, one of the best chances to see the cranes, generally run from late fall to late winter, staffing permitting, per the Fish and Wildlife Service. Next window starts in about 6 weeks (late fall).
Checked against 3 official sources.How we check
Local timing
Late fall to late winter
Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
Add the usual window to my calendarAbout Mississippi Sandhill Crane Refuge
What it is
A wildlife refuge in Mississippi
What you'll see
- Mississippi sandhill cranes, best viewing late fall to late winter
Before you go
- Hours: Open in daylight only; the visitor center closes on federal holidays and Christmas Eve.
Sources: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Mississippi Sandhill Crane National Wildlife Refuge ↗
Right now at Mississippi Sandhill Crane Refuge
From the Weather Service and the Park Service
Next 7 days
Forecast: National Weather Service
- Today80° 68°93% rain
- Mon83° 67°39% rain
- Tue84° 65°28% rain
- Wed85° 63°9% rain
- Thu86° 64°15% rain
- Fri83° 65°56% rain
- Sat82° 67°68% rain
Heads up. Windy (winds up to 20 mph): Saturday.
Today: sunrise 6:50 a.m., sunset 6:38 p.m., light until 7:02 p.m. Moon waning crescent, 32% lit (our calculation).
Your guide to the area
Best spots and nearby places
- Mississippi Sandhill Crane Refuge
- Best spot
- Nearby, next winter
- Town
Map: approximate positions; state lines US Census; Canada, Mexico and lakes Natural Earth; spot positions agency pages.
Where to watch
C.L. Dees Trail
A ¾-mile trail through the wet pine savanna; pick up a trail guide at the visitor center
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service ↗ · Under the place's pin
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service ↗Under the place's pin2Fontainebleau Trail
A 1-mile trail with its own trail guide
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service ↗ · On the map
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service ↗On the map
Around Mississippi Sandhill Crane Refuge
In season first, then nearest; straight-line miles
The year at Mississippi Sandhill Crane Refuge
From the official sources, starting now
Fall
Sep to Nov
Nothing listed
Winter
Dec to Feb
Mississippi sandhill cranes
Late fall to late winter
Guided crane tours
Late fall to late winter
Wintering grassland sparrows
Winter
Spring
Mar to May
Crane pairs lay eggs
Late winter or early spring
Crane colts hatch; savanna wildflowers along the trails
Spring
Summer
Jun to Aug
Young cranes learn to fly
Summer
Questions people ask
When is the best time to see wildlife at Mississippi Sandhill Crane National Wildlife Refuge?
Best viewing: late fall to late winter. Guided crane tours, one of the best chances to see the cranes, generally run from late fall to late winter, staffing permitting, per the Fish and Wildlife Service.
Is it wildlife season at Mississippi Sandhill Crane National Wildlife Refuge right now?
Not yet: its usual fall & winter wildlife timing is late fall to late winter, local timing.
When can I see cranes on a tour at Mississippi Sandhill Crane Refuge?
Guided crane tours generally run from late fall to late winter, depending on staffing; the refuge calls them one of the best chances to see the cranes.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Mississippi Sandhill Crane National Wildlife Refuge ↗ (opens in a new tab)
When are crane chicks born at Mississippi Sandhill Crane Refuge?
In spring: the colts hatch feathered and can walk soon after; pairs generally lay two eggs in late winter or early spring.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Mississippi Sandhill Crane National Wildlife Refuge ↗ (opens in a new tab)
When is Mississippi Sandhill Crane Refuge open?
During daylight hours only; the visitor center is closed on federal holidays and Christmas Eve.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Mississippi Sandhill Crane National Wildlife Refuge ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Where are the best spots in Mississippi Sandhill Crane National Wildlife Refuge?
The best spots are C.L. Dees Trail and Fontainebleau Trail. C.L. Dees Trail: a ¾-mile trail through the wet pine savanna; pick up a trail guide at the visitor center. Fontainebleau Trail: a 1-mile trail with its own trail guide.
What is Mississippi Sandhill Crane National Wildlife Refuge like through the year?
Mississippi Sandhill Crane National Wildlife Refuge has something to see in 10 months of the year. Crane pairs lay eggs: Feb–Mar. Crane colts hatch; savanna wildflowers along the trails: Mar–May. Young cranes learn to fly: Jun–Aug. Guided crane tours: Nov–Feb. Wintering grassland sparrows: Dec–Feb.
How we know
The official pages behind every date on this page