CraneFest
Bellevue, Michigan

Presented by Kiwanis Club of Battle Creek

The CraneFest event is now owned by the Kiwanis Club of Battle Creek. If you would like more information about the event or if you have questions, please contact the Kiwanis Club of Battle Creek through their Facebook page or by email at kiwanis.battlecreek@gmail.com.

CraneFest was formed to raise awareness and appreciation of our natural heritage and to support the ongoing educational and conservation efforts of Michigan Audubon as they apply to the Bernard W. Baker Sanctuary. Michigan Audubon, in partnership with the Kiwanis Club of Battle Creek, has organized this Sandhill Crane and art festival since 1994. The festival has been held at the Kiwanis Youth Conservation Area in Bellevue, Mich., overlooking Big Marsh Lake.

Historically, this family-friendly event featured artists, vendors, food, and a variety of environmental and conservation-related information and educational activities. The main attraction, the “fly-in” of hundreds and sometimes thousands of Sandhill Crane, typically begins slowly throughout the afternoon with the best viewing of cranes between 5 p.m. and dusk. 

Learn more about Sandhill Crane.