Wetlands & Wildlife Scenic Byway overview

The Wetlands and Wildlife National Scenic Byway is the gateway to a panoramic display of birds and wildlife. It curves around Cheyenne Bottoms and Quivira National Wildlife Refuge for 76 miles.

These wetlands are comprised of acres of radiant water that are the temporary home for clouds of birds as they make their annual migrations. Opportunities abound for bird and wildlife watching, hiking and many other nature activities.

The litany of a local naturalist sums it nicely, "There are 650 bird species in the United States, 417 in Kansas and 320 in Cheyenne Bottoms."

The Cheyenne Bottoms Wildlife Area covers 20,000 acres of which 12,000 acres generally are covered with shallow fresh water. It is considered the largest marsh in the interior of the United States and the most important migration point for shorebirds in North America. Visitors can drive along the dikes for some magnificent birdwatching.

Less than 20 miles away from Cheyenne Bottoms (as the bird flies), is the other jewel of the Wetlands and Wildlife Scenic Byway, Quivira National Wildlife Refuge.

Quivira is 22,135 acres of prairie grass, saltwater marshes, sand dunes, canals, dikes and timber. During spring migration Quivira is a staging area for over 500,000 birds.

Hiking trails include the wheelchair-accessible Migrant's Mile Nature Trail and the easy and scenic Birdhouse Boulevard. Quivira also has a lovely Visitor's Center with interpretive displays.

Plans are underway for a Kansas Wetlands Interpretive / Education Center midway along the Byway. It will tell the story of the Kansas Wetlands complex and will offer visitors additional opportunities to experience wildlife viewing.

Byway communities also provide opportunities to enjoy Kansas natural offerings. Great Bend is home to the Central Kansas Raptor Rehab Education Facility. In addition, the Hoisington High School Environmental Science class has built a songbird habitat.

Byway visitors can also explore the Underground Tunnels in Ellinwood or stop in Claflin where the 100-year old furniture store has literally taken over the entire town with "old fashioned" storefronts throughout.

For more information about the Wetlands and Wildlife Scenic Byway, contact:

Cris Collier
Director of the Great Bend CVB
620-792-2750
PO Box 274
Great Bend, KS 67530
cvb@visitgreatbend.com