Birds have been migrating through this idyllic little stretch of farmland for millennia, and when the local dairy finally shut its doors, the community rallied to preserve the land.
Spanning 2200 acres, the refuge counts over 100 species that can be seen in summer, including thousands of sandhill cranes during August. Standing 3ft tall, with a wingspan of over 6ft, these are among the largest migratory birds to pass through Alaska. The annual Tanana Valley Sandhill Crane Festival, held over a week in mid-August, celebrates these leggy birds’ return with nature walks, guided wildlife watching, photography workshops and more.
The Farmhouse Visitor Center has a handbook to help you get the most out of the short trails through the nearby boreal forest and wetlands (bring bug spray). Volunteers also lead one-hour nature walks at 10am Monday through Saturday, and at 7pm on Wednesday, from June through August.
