Discovering a state attraction that you had no idea even existed is always exciting. It’s even more exciting when you find out that it’s FREE. Luckily, Mississippi is full of things to do that don’t require opening your wallet. However, of all the free activities you’ll find in Mississippi, there’s one that shouldn’t be missed. Take a look:

The Mississippi Sandhill Crane National Wildlife Refuge, which is located in Gautier, offers "safari" tours, incredible hiking, and more. Even better, it's all FREE!
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Spanning 19,000 acres, the refuge is the only place in the world you’ll find the endangered Mississippi Sandhill Crane.
Mississippi Sandhill Crane National Wildlife Refuge/Facebook
Dubbed the "rarest bird in North America," there are only about 100 Mississippi Sandhill Cranes in existence!
Lacey C/TripAdvisor
One of the best ways to catch a glimpse of the rare cranes is with a Fall/Winter Crane Tour. Free of charge, the 2-hour guided tour will take you through the refuge in search of its elusive inhabitants.
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Don't forget to wear comfortable shoes and warm clothing. Even though you’ll be riding in a vehicle for most of the tour, some walking or climbing may be necessary in order to catch a glimpse of the cranes.
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*Please note: Reservations are required for tours since seating is limited.

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For those who’d rather explore the refuge on their own, there are two hiking trails. The C.L. Dees Nature Trail, which can be easily accessed from the parking lot at the Visitor Center, is a ¾-mile loop trail.
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While hiking this trail, be on the lookout for carnivorous plants, like pitcher plants, sundews, and butterworts, which can be found year-round.
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The second trail — the Fontainebleau Nature Trail — is about 1 mile long. Wide and well marked, it meanders through piney woods and…
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…leads to an overlook above Davis Bayou.
Boo n Do Wiseman/AllTrails
Remember, crane sightings are possible on both trails, so be sure to have your camera ready!
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The only place you can get up close and personal with North America’s rarest bird (and for FREE no less), this Gautier gem should be on everyone’s bucket list!
Lacey C/TripAdvisor

Visit the Mississippi Sandhill Crane NWR at 7200 Crane Lane in Gautier. Check out the refuge’s website or Facebook page for more information.

Have you ever visited the Sandhill Crane Refuge? Did you take the guided tour? Hike any of the trails? If so, tell us about your experience in the comments section!

This isn’t the only place you can get up close and personal with nature! Read about another in “This Hidden Resort In Mississippi Is The Perfect Place To Get Away From It All.“

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