Festival of the Cranes---RESCHEDULED to January 18, 2025

Festival of the Cranes---RESCHEDULED to January 18, 2025

January 18th, 2025Visit website for event schedule and locations

Decatur

Due to the threat of winter weather in Decatur and across north Alabama, this weekend’s 2025 Festival of the Cranes is rescheduled as a one-day celebration now set for Saturday, Jan. 18 – with all events hosted at the Alabama Center of the Arts in downtown Decatur. The safety of attendees, volunteers, speakers, and facility staff are our top priority, and we appreciate your understanding as we reimagine this year’s event. An updated schedule of events will be released soon on the Wheeler Wildlife Refuge Association website and social media platforms that spotlight our local natural resources and the positive impact of conservation.

Join us in January for the Festival of the Cranes at Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge. Over 20,000 Sandhill cranes along with 20 or more Whooping cranes, spend the winter at the Refuge. Events include viewing the cranes up close, birding workshops and nature walks, kid’s activities, sponsor booths, live raptors, and much more!   Visit website for event schedule and locations.

  • Alabama Birding
Visit Website
Festival of the Cranes---RESCHEDULED to January 18, 2025

Visit Us

Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge/Visitor Center
  • 3121 Visitor Center Rd.
  • Decatur, AL 35603
Personalized Directions

Directions

The Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge is a 35,000 acre National Wildlife Refuge located along the Tennessee River near Decatur, Alabama.

Region

Decatur is located in the Huntsville & Decatur Area of the North Alabama Region

Fees

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Where to Stay

Point Mallard Campground

A Good Sam park located on 25 wooded acres.

Jay Landings Marina & RV Park

Visit website for information

Comfort Inn

Book a room at the Comfort Inn hotel in Decatur, AL

Comfort Inn & Suites

Visit website for information.

Hampton Inn-Decatur

Not provided

Doubletree by Hilton Decatur Riverfront

Decatur's only full service hotel. Daily breakfast, lunch Sun-Fri., dinner buffet Mon-Fri, Sunday Brunch.

Quality Inn

Book a room at the Quality Inn hotel in Decatur, AL

Econo Lodge

Book a room at the Econo Lodge hotel in Decatur, AL
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Where to Eat

Hard Dock Cafe

Located at the Riverwalk Marina, Hard Dock is seafood at its best served in a relaxing atmosphere along the beautiful and commanding Tennessee River.

Morgan Price Candy Company

Morgan Price Candy Company is a quaint shop that abounds with seasonal treats and scores of baskets, ribbons and unique gift items.

Smokey C's Bar-B-Que & Wings

Smokey C's Bar-B-Que & Wings

Simp McGhee's

Colorful history and a delectable menu rival one another for the spotlight at Simp McGhee's, Decatur's signature restaurant.

Moe's Original Bar B Que

Moe's Original Bar B Que serves up an award-winning, all things Southern, Alabama BBQ experience

Let's Do Lunch

Opened in 1988, Let's Do Lunch is a casual restaurant, located in downtown Decatur. We offer a friendly environment with menu options for the entire family.

Marco's Pizza

Authentic Italian Pizza with dough made fresh every day! Try our Specialty Pizzas, Pizza Bowls, Subs, Chicken, Salads, and Desserts. Voted "Best Pizza in Decatur". Carryout and Delivery!

Cross-Eyed Owl Brewing Co,

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The Brick Deli

"Welcome to The Brick Deli, a well known restaurant in historic downtown Decatur, where friends and families have gathered to enjoy delicious and unique sandwiches for over 20 years. Our warm and inviting atmosphere is a great place to gather any s...
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What to See & Do

Jay Landings Marina & RV Park

Not provided

Old State Bank, The

Pre-Greek Revival structure is oldest bank in state. Used as hospital during Civil War, one of only four buildings left standing when war ended.

Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge/Visitor Center

Orientation video, observation building, walking trails, interpretive center with wildlife and habitat exhibits. Best wildlife viewing 1 to 2 hrs. before sunset Dec.-Feb.

Old Decatur and Albany Historic Districts

See Alabama's largest concentration of historic Victorian homes along 116 acres.

Point Mallard Park

750-acre park. Camping, hiking and biking trails, golf. Aquatic Center: wave pool, Olympic-size diving pool, water slides, kiddie pools.

Brickyard Landing Marina

Not provided

Rhodes Ferry Park/Cherokee Trailhead

The city of Decatur was initially known as Rhodes Ferry Landing, named for Dr. Henry W. Rhodes, an early landowner who operated a ferry that crossed the Tennessee River in the 1810s at the present-day location of Rhodes Ferry Park.

Princess Theatre Center for the Performing Arts

Downtown's historic theater and performing arts center. Check website for upcoming events.

Jack Allen Recreation Complex

Complex includes 10 international-size lighted soccer fields on three tiers. Site of many tournaments including the Alabama Soccer Association's coveted Governor's Cup.
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