Kiwanis Club CraneFest XXX 2025

The Kiwanis Club of Battle Creek invites you to come with us and enjoy a day outdoors from noon to dusk. The festival coincides with the annual fall migration of thousands of Sandhill Cranes. Each evening in October, just before dusk, these majestic cranes leave their favorite feeding fields and head to Big Marsh Lake. Visitors come from all over Michigan and beyond to witness this breathtaking migration. CraneFest has truly become one of Michigan’s gala artistic and environmental events. 

Come early to take advantage of the Artist Village, featuring many of Michigan’s best nature artists displaying and selling their work. Artists, vendors, nonprofits, and other outdoor-minded groups offer an array of thought, wares, and tastes intended to enhance your afternoon experience. 

Guided Nature Walks with a local naturalist will explore the nature trails, seasonal birds, and wildlife from about 1 pm to 4:30 pm. 

We have a pavilion and restrooms but come prepared for the changing Michigan weather. 

Directions 
Events will be held from noon until dusk at the Kiwanis Youth Conservation Area, 22300 15 Mile Road, Bellevue, Michigan 49021. From I-94, just East of Battle Creek, take I-69 north. Turn West (left) on N Dr. North (Exit 42). Follow N Dr. North (.5 mile to the stop light at Cornwell’s Turkeyville). Turn North (right) onto 15-1/2 Mile Rd. You will be joining 15 Mile Rd. along the way. Continue (3.6 miles) to the gate of the Kiwanis Youth Area on the right (.6 mile) past T Dr. North. 

Contact 
Don Stilwell, Kiwanis Coordinator
(269) 883-6578
Kiwanis.battlecreek@gmail.com