About This Festival

Marsh Madness is an annual bird migration festival held in Linton, Indiana, celebrating the spectacular spring migration of sandhill cranes, whooping cranes, and various waterfowl at the Goose Pond Fish and Wildlife Area, a 9,000-acre restored wetland complex. The event offers guided and self-guided birding tours, educational nature sessions, wildlife exhibits, food and craft vendors, and family-friendly activities. It is held over two days, typically mid-February.

The festival’s vibe is nature-focused, educational, and community-oriented with a strong conservation and ecotourism emphasis. It attracts around 1,000 visitors who come to enjoy the cranes and the rich biodiversity of Goose Pond. It boosts the local economy and fosters appreciation for wetland habitats and migratory birds.

Location and Surroundings

  • The event centers around Humphreys Park, the Goose Pond Visitor Center, and related facilities in Greene County, Indiana.
  • Goose Pond is known as a Midwest birdwatching hotspot with restored prairie and marshland attracting thousands of wildlife watchers annually.
  • The area combines wetland ecosystem beauty with visitor-friendly infrastructure such as visitor centers and trails.

Event History and Founding

  • Established around 16 years ago by Friends of Goose Pond, a nonprofit dedicated to habitat restoration and wildlife conservation.
  • Originated to celebrate and raise awareness for sandhill crane migration through southern Indiana and to support the wetlands restoration.
  • Goose Pond was acquired by Indiana DNR in 2005 and restored as a large wetland complex, with an official visitor center added in 2016.

Typical Schedule and Activities (2025 Example)

  • Friday evening kickoff (Linton Elks Club): Doors open 5 PM with a buffet dinner, silent and live auctions, and keynote speakers. This gathering fosters community and conservation fundraising.
  • Saturday (Humphreys Park, Goose Pond Visitor Center): Doors open early morning (around 8:30 or 9 AM) and activities run until mid-afternoon (around 4-5 PM).
  • Activities include:
    • Guided bus and walking birding tours showcasing sandhill cranes and other migratory birds.
    • Self-guided nature walks and birdwatching opportunities in the wetlands.
    • Educational nature sessions covering bird biology, habitats, and conservation efforts.
    • Exhibits by local wildlife organizations, including displays of native reptiles, amphibians, and birds of prey.
    • Arts and crafts fair featuring local artists and vendors.
    • Family and children's nature activities and games to engage young naturalists.
    • Screening of educational films about the wetlands and wildlife (in some years).

Admission

  • Tickets available for one or both days, with a typical price around $30 for both days and $5 for a single day. Children often admitted free or at reduced cost.

Overall, Marsh Madness offers a vibrant combination of wildlife celebration, education, community engagement, and cultural festivities in a beautiful natural setting focused on bird migration and wetland conservation.