creamer's field migratory waterfowl refuge

I was introduced to sandhill cranes and their migration in Indiana USA. It was wonderful to see them here in their northernmost habitat. There is a beautiful and most interesting walk through arboreal forest to the rear of the Refuge. The walk is on raised platforms through the trees with some very interesting comment available on plaques along the way. It is not a long walk, just a pleasant amble for about 30-45 minutes. We visited in September with the leaves turning and cool weather - it was lovely.

You can use the Blue Line of the city buses to get here from downtown and continue to the University. It's best to stop here if you are a walker. Most buses run every hour which gives one time to walk to the barns after looking for migratory fowl in the fields. The boards along the parking lot explain the birds that come through, just in case none there during your visit. I've noticed evenings or early mornings are a good time to catch the Canadian Geese in the area.

I love this place. It is so cool to see the different birds come and go during the seasons. I don't know much about birds but there are some really devoted people there who love to share their knowledge.

If you want to just wander by yourself, the trails are clearly marked and have some great information posted throughout, explaining different formations or landscapes throughout.If you check the times at the adorable old farmhouse, you can catch a guided tour with one of the many avid Creamer's Field volunteers who will regale you with the history of Charlie Creamer and his farthest-north dairy. The old farmhouse is the original, as are the barns.The Fish and Games guy is often out and about, and he is incredible to talk to. A bit all over the place, but super smart and knowledgeable and a blast to talk to. He can and will mimic any animal call in the area, and knows everything about Fairbanks and the boreal forests. He will also have no problem sharing all of this info with you, so be prepared to learn EVERYthing. The farmhouse has informational displays set up in it, as well as a small gift store with mainly local-volunteer-made artwork and gifts. They do lots of school groups and events, and have a Crane Festival and an Artist Walk as well, which are great.If you come in winter, all the fields are opened up to skiers, snowshoers, skijorers, dog sleds, and walkers. Some trapping is permitted in certain places, and it abutts with the local musher's hall. There's about 5 miles of trails that open up when the last cranes leave.The cranes that come through in summer are incredible! Thousands of them are just wandering the fields and pond, flying, dancing, raising their strangely violent babies and chasing foxes, and it is amazing to witness. Don't harass them, though. That would make you a jerk. Stay on the trails in summer and explore the paths and viewing towers and have fun.Best. Place. Ever. Bring your dog and a leash. Everyone's welcome.

Very quiet and beautiful. Sure it would be beteer in summer for the wildlife but still worth a visit

I love to follow the trails and walk in Creamer's field, it is a respite in the middle of town, and you feel like you had hours away to think, even it you only took 30 minutes. A treasure for Fairbanks and a delight for all.

When I was there I saw more mosquitoes than birds. Nice ground and saw a red squirrel. I guess I was there at a bad time.

My wife and I snowshoed around the former dairy and enjoyed the ice covered trees and level trails. If you know about animal tracking, you're likely to get even more out of the property. It's a nice place to walk around and get some fresh air. If you're there in January though, dress warmly.

I had driven past this place years before and not understood what it was. An old dairy farm from the turn of the century that is now a park and reserve for birds on their way north and south each year. The story of the farm and dairy can be read at the dairy location. Another example of Alaskan Spirit and forbearance.There are lots of level trail on the property, wooded sections of walks and open fields.The highlight for most people are the Sandhill cranes that flock there at this time of the year. The fields can be full of them, trumpeting away at all hours and dancing to attract mates.Take you binoculars and be prepared to spend time in one of the elevated look outs (the land is flat and the grass is high)But be warned, this is were all the mosquitoes in Fairbanks live. You cannot find a respite from them anywhere. Spray up well before you get there and even then be prepared for the incessant buzzing.

Was a nice afternoon to see the birds. Take binoculars if you have them. Not many people. Very relaxing and peaceful. Take a lunch and have a picnic.

We went just off season. It was not very crowded and there were no bugs.There are several hiking loops. The boreal forest loop was particularly tranquil. There were also quite a few identifiable migratory birds in the area.

This area has great trails meandering all over the place. I'm not really a bird person, but I love walking my dogs through the woods and all around the area. There are wooden walkways built through the trees and great paths around the field. The mosquitos are exceptionally bad throughout the summer on the wooden pathways in the woods, but everywhere else they are bearable.

Nice little system of trails. Most of the birds had gone south, but it was a great place for a flat and easy stroll without leaving town. Wasn't too cold while we were there, and not enough snow to need snowshoes.This is clearly the place locals go to do get their daily exercise; saw lots of folks walking their dogs and a toddler trying out x-country skis. Quiet, and a nice view to the little woods at the edge of the property. Not super exciting, but very pleasant.

Grounds are beautifully managed for migrating waterfowl, waders, and other birds. Although we missed the huge flocks that spend summers there, we did get up close to several Sandhills cranes. A thrill for me!

This is a great place to see Sandhills cranes and other waterfowl during spring and fall migration. Also a good place to ski-jour in the winter. Lots of trails to walk to see moose and other wildlife year round.