Wetlands & Wildlife National Scenic Byway

Story of the Byway

Along the Wetlands & Wildlife National Scenic Byway, you'll encounter landscapes and communities shaped by the powerful forces of motion and change. You're entering a region formed by ancient and ongoing geological movement, anchored by two internationally important wetlands nestled in the heart of America and the Central Flyway, Cheyenne Bottoms and Quivira National Wildlife Refuge. A land characterized by stunning bird migrations, wild winds and weather, and of richly layered human history. Everywhere you look, you'll see evidence of motion and change - from rippling wheat fields on wide open landscapes to the grand spectacle of a hundred thousand shorebirds alighting in the Byway wetlands. More than 60,000 acres of wetlands host millions of migrating birds each year, including waterfowl, shorebirds, even Whooping Cranes. No wonder this region has been named one of the Eight Wonders of Kansas. Along the Wetlands and Wildlife National Scenic Byway, develop your understanding of the byways five themes: wetlands; birds and wildlife; geology; weather; and movement and man.

The wetlands are a bird watcher’s and hunter’s dream! The 41,000 acre Cheyenne Bottoms and 22,000 acre Quivira National Wildlife Refuge are designated Wetlands of International Importance due to their role as stopover locations for thousands of migrating birds along the Central Flyway. More than 350 species of birds have been documented at the wetlands, including ducks, geese, herons, cranes, ibis, pelicans, and sandpipers, along with an abundance of other Kansas wildlife. Sand and gravel roads, just off the Byway route, give excellent access to the wetlands. Scenic overlooks and observation towers are accessible at both locations. Taking in a Kansas sunset or sunrise at one of these locations is worth the time. Submit a photo to the Cheyenne Bottoms Chronology project to help document seasonal and annual changes to the wetland landscape.

Birds are not the only visitors to the wetlands. Visitors from all over the United States, and even other countries, flock to the area to bird watch, hunt, photograph, and see the expansive landscapes and wildlife. The Kansas Wetlands Education Center, located at Cheyenne Bottoms is a great stop to learn more about the wetlands.

The Wetlands & Wildlife National Scenic Byway allows visitors to explore the wetlands as well as the unique communities surrounding the wetlands and connects two of the world's most significant natural wetlands — Cheyenne Bottoms and Quivira National Wildlife Refuge.. The Byway takes visitors through Barton, Stafford, and Reno counties in central Kansas. The 77-mile route moves through radiant wetlands exploding with wildlife; prairie vistas with immense blue skies; and seven rural communities shaped by nature, a rich history of life on the plains, and the entrepreneurial spirit. The 7 Byway Communities welcome visitors with unique opportunities to explore and enjoy. Be sure to stop in Hoisington, Claflin, Ellinwood, Great Bend, Hudson, St John, and Stafford. The area is highlighted by historic native stone buildings, underground tunnels, metal street art, WPA art projects, an operating flour mill, exoduster history, part of the Santa Fe Trail, SRCA Drag Strip, and more.