Marsh Madness

About the Event

Imagine the thrill of witnessing thousands of majestic Sandhill Cranes and rare Whooping Cranes filling the skies during their spring migration—a spectacle that transforms late winter into a symphony of wings and calls. Marsh Madness, the beloved Sandhill Crane Festival, captures this magic at Goose Pond Fish and Wildlife Area, blending wildlife wonders with family-friendly fun, educational insights, and community spirit. Held in late February, this multi-day celebration at Humphreys Park and the Goose Pond Visitor Center in Linton invites bird lovers, nature enthusiasts, and families to immerse themselves in Indiana's richest wetlands. What makes it special is the perfect timing with peak crane arrivals, turning a vast restored marsh into a living classroom and vibrant gathering spot. Attendees rave about the electric atmosphere: crisp air alive with crane bugles, hands-on activities sparking wonder in kids, and heartfelt connections over shared conservation passion. It's more than an event—it's a heartfelt invitation to witness nature's grand comeback and leave inspired to protect it. ## The Surrounding Area
Nestled in charming Greene County, southern Indiana, Linton offers a cozy small-town welcome with big-hearted hospitality, just a short drive from Interstate 69 for easy access from Indianapolis or Evansville. Humphreys Park serves as the bustling hub, with its Roy Clark Building and shelter houses overlooking rolling prairies and wetlands, while the expansive Goose Pond Fish and Wildlife Area—nearly 9,000 acres of restored marsh, prairie, and forest—stretches nearby as a birder's paradise. This corner of Indiana shines for its conservation success story: once barren farmland, now a global stopover for over 25,000 Sandhill Cranes, waterfowl, and shorebirds. Visitors love exploring nearby gems like the Goose Pond Visitor Center's panoramic views, nature trails, and exhibits on wetland wonders. Dining shines with on-site breakfast and lunch from the Linton Civitan Club, plus local favorites in Linton—think hearty diners, pizza spots, and farm-fresh cafes. Stay in comfortable motels or Airbnbs, and don't miss the Carnegie Arts and Heritage Center for a cultural twist. It's an ideal getaway blending wild beauty, friendly locals, and serene countryside drives. ## Activities & Attractions
Marsh Madness bursts with engaging options for all ages, centered on cranes, wildlife, and hands-on discovery.

• Guided Wetland Bus Tours: Hop aboard expert-led buses from Humphreys Park (starting 8:30am, last at 3pm) or Goose Pond stops, spotting Sandhill and Whooping Cranes up close with 14 on-site guides—perfect for immersive birding.
• Live Birds of Prey and Wildlife Displays: Watch captivating demos at 10am and 2pm in the Roy Clark Building, plus all-day Hoosier Herpetological Society exhibits of live reptiles and amphibians.
• Educational Sessions: Catch talks like "Protecting Indiana's Feathered Future" at 11am, "Amphibians of Indiana" at 12pm, and herpetology insights at 1pm in the Girl Scout Cabin.
• Kids' Favorites: Owl pellet dissections, nature scavenger hunts with prizes, squirrel feeder and bat house building (10am-2pm), and coloring stations—endless fun with wildlife learning tables.
• Food and Crafts: Savor Linton Civitan Club breakfast and lunch (8am-4pm), browse arts and craft vendors (9am-4pm), and snag cool merchandise.
• Goose Pond Visitor Center Highlights: Master tracker programs, crane banding demos, photo ops with Hope the Whooping Crane (9-9:30am and 12:30-1pm), indoor exhibits, spotting scopes, and nature trail walks.
• Expert Tables and More: International Crane Foundation outreach, veteran support, tourism info, and interactive displays round out a full day of inspiration. ## Schedule & Logistics
  Kick off the excitement on Friday, February 20, 2026, at Linton Elks Club: doors open 5pm, full buffet dinner at 6pm, followed by silent and live auctions—tickets $30 include Saturday access. The main action unfolds Saturday, February 21, 2026, 8am-4pm at Roy Clark Building in Humphreys Park (tickets $5 at door or bus stop, kids free; bus tours included) and Goose Pond Visitor Center (8:30am-4pm). Expect a fluid schedule with day-of guide postings: early bus tours, morning kids' activities and breakfast, midday talks and demos, lunch, afternoon crafts and prey birds, wrapping by 4pm. Free parking abounds at all venues. Admission is affordable and accessible—arrive early for popular buses. Dress in layers for February chill, bring binoculars and sturdy shoes, and note DNR accommodations for all abilities (request in advance). ## History & Heritage
  Launched over a decade ago by Goose Pond Fish and Wildlife Area and Friends of Goose Pond, Marsh Madness marked its 17th year in 2026, born from a visionary grant to celebrate the wetland's transformation from drained farmland to crane haven. Before restoration, Greene County had zero Sandhill Crane records; now it hosts record flocks of 25,000+, including endangered Whooping Cranes. Founders aimed to draw Midwest visitors with interpretive programs fostering conservation ethics, and it's grown into a community cornerstone—boosting Linton's economy, uniting volunteers, and educating thousands on prairie-marsh ecosystems. This festival honors Indiana's wild heritage, blending cultural events with wildlife triumphs that inspire lasting stewardship.