LINTON — The annual migration of sandhill cranes and nature enthusiasts is back as Marsh Madness 2026 officially takes flight this weekend. The two-day festival, celebrating the natural beauty and wildlife of the Goose Pond Fish and Wildlife Area, promises a mix of education, hands-on workshops, and breathtaking outdoor tours.
Friday: The Kick-Off Celebration
The festivities begin Friday, February 20th, at the Linton Elks Club. Doors open at 5:00 p.m. for a community kick-off event featuring:
- Full Buffet Dinner: Served at 6:00 p.m.
- Fundraising: Both silent and live auctions will be held throughout the evening.
- Tickets: Admission is $30, which also includes access to all Saturday events.
Saturday: A Day of Discovery at Humphreys Park
On Saturday, February 21st, the action moves to Humphreys Park and the Goose Pond Visitors Center from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Tickets are $5 at the door (all children are free), and this fee includes the popular guided bus tours.
The Roy Clark Building will serve as the festival hub, hosting the Hoosier Herpetological Society’s live reptiles, the International Crane Foundation, and arts and crafts vendors.
| Time | Event | Location |
| 10 a.m. & 2 p.m. | Birds of Prey Presentation | Roy Clark Building |
| 11 a.m. | Owl Pellet Activity (with Amy Kearns) | Girl Scout Cabin |
| 12 p.m. | Beekeeping (with Randall Burcham) | Girl Scout Cabin |
| 1 p.m. | Indiana’s Elusive Amphibians (with Nate Engbrecht) | Girl Scout Cabin |
One of the festival’s biggest draws is the Guided Wetland Bus Tours. Three buses will run throughout the day, each staffed with an expert guide to help spot cranes and other migratory birds. Tours depart from the East Shelter House starting at 8:30 a.m., with the final bus leaving at 3:00 p.m.
In addition to the bus guides, 17 expert bird guides will be stationed across the Goose Pond property to assist visitors with spotting scopes and identification.
Goose Pond Visitors Center Highlights
The Visitors Center will be open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., offering:
- “Hope” the Whooping Crane: Meet and take a photo with the mascot from 9:00–9:30 a.m. and 12:30–1:00 p.m.
- Interactive Exhibits: Master tracker programs and nature trail walking tours.
- Indoor Viewing: Spotting scopes will be set up inside for those who want a closer look at the marsh without the winter chill.
For those staying all day, Wilkes Concessions will provide breakfast and lunch at the Roy Clark Building.
