A lifelong Virginia resident, Beth loves exploring different parts of the world and currently resides in Charlottesville. She holds a degree in English Literature and one of her short stories has been featured in the Shenandoah Review. Other interests include hiking, songwriting, and spending time in the mountains.
There’s no season more magical than fall in Indiana. This notion is especially true in the charming yet unassuming town of Medaryville, which hosts a truly magnificent natural phenomenon each year. From mid to late fall, thousands upon thousands of gorgeous sandhill cranes will make a temporary stopover in Pulaski County before heading south. A trip to this corner of the Hoosier State promises the best view in town.
Attention, all wildlife lovers. An incredible spectacle is making its way to Northern Indiana in mid-October and the Jasper-Pulaski Park in Medaryville offers a front row seat.
The shallow marshes of this wildlife area are the perfect landing spot for the sandhill cranes. The roosting marshes are closed to the public; however, the designated Goose Pasture Viewing Area makes for the perfect viewing platform.
If you've never seen this beautiful bird before, prepare to be amazed. These majestic creatures are between two and four feet tall and have a wingspan of approximately 20 inches wide.
While the sandhill cranes can be observed throughout the day, the best time to see them is approximately one hour before sunset, when they can be seen socializing in Goose Pasture.
So whether you're a true wildlife aficionado or enjoy embracing all that Indiana has to offer this time of year, you'll agree that experiencing the crane migration is a true bucket list item.
To see a glimpse of this beautiful phenomenon in action, watch the brief video below:
According to wildlife officials, the cranes will begin arriving to Pulaski County in mid-October, with the peak occurring anywhere between mid-November and early December. The Jasper-Pulaski Fish and Wildlife Area is located at 5822 Fish and Wildlife Ln, Medaryville, IN 47957. Have you experienced this phenomenon before? We’d love to hear about it! For more information about the great sandhill crane migration, you can refer to the Indiana Department of Wildlife webpage by clicking here.