Wetlands and Wildlife: Communities | Spotlights | Itinerary | Maps | Images | GPS Tour

If you adore birds, the Wetlands and Wildlife National Scenic Byway’s glistening wetlands and waving prairie grasses will attract you as assuredly as the hundreds of species of migrating and resident fowl found here. The route is anchored by two of the largest wetland ecosystems in the world: Cheyenne Bottoms Wildlife Area and Quivira National Wildlife Refuge. These giant, shallow marshes – averaging less than a foot deep – draw sandhill cranes, pelicans, majestic bald and golden eagles, scurrying shorebirds, graceful whooping cranes and many other water birds.

Also along the route you can experience the charm of rural communities and explore everything from a pioneer-era fort and turn-of-the-century village to sites listed by the National Register of Historic Places and quaint Main Streets. Schedule your visits to enjoy one of several crowd-pleasing festivals, including the popular Wings and Wetlands Birding Festival near Great Bend, the Holiday Trail of Lights in Great Bend, and the After Harvest Festival in Ellinwood.

Highlights along the 77-mile Wetlands and Wildlife Scenic Byway include:

Barton County Historical Village and Museum – Tour a turn-of-the-century church and depot or see exhibits on antique dolls and military history.

Songbird Habitat Park – Learn how to encourage backyard songbirds to roost in your garden at a “living laboratory” park.

Wings and Wetlands Birding Festival – Festivities include guided birding trips to Cheyenne Bottoms and Quivira National Wildlife Refuge, plus workshops.

 

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

Cris Collier
Great Bend CVB
cvb@visitgreatbend.com
620-792-2750