Kansas Wetlands Education Center

from Barton County Source 2021-2022

Pawnee Rock

Experience the Wetlands

What comes to your mind when someone says Cheyenne Bottoms? So many local residents have memories and stories of their experiences at Cheyenne Bottoms. It’s a local jewel and an amazing natural resource we can all be proud of.

Cheyenne Bottoms is a 41,000 acre wetland complex designated a Wetland of International Importance due to its importance as a stopover for migrating birds along the Central Flyway. More than 350 species of birds have been documented at the wetlands. Ducks, geese, herons, egrets, cranes, pelicans, and sandpipers are commonly seen throughout the year.

Birds are not the only visitors to the largest wetland on the interior of the United States. watch, hunt, and to see the expansive landscape and wildlife.

The wetlands include the Cheyenne Bottoms Wildlife Area managed by Kansas Department of Wildlife Parks and Tourism and the Cheyenne Bottoms Preserve managed by The Nature Conservancy. Visitors can easily immerse themselves in the wetlands by vehicle by driving raised dike roads and county roads through the wetlands. Check out the observation tower located at the K-4 Highway overlook for one of the best views of the wetlands.

The Kansas Wetlands Education Center (KWEC) is your one-stop shop for every visit to Cheyenne Bottoms and is located at Cheyenne Bottoms along K-156 highway 10 miles northeast of Great Bend. The 11,000 square foot museum operated by Fort Hays State University is home to the Koch Wetlands Exhibit gallery with newly renovated interactive exhibits, a classroom with live animal exhibits, an auditorium, and the Wetlands Gift Store. Admission is free! Van tours, a nature trail, a pollinator garden, and many public programs provide a glimpse of what Kansas about Cheyenne Bottoms! Staff at the KWEC will answer your questions about the wetlands and give advice for how you can experience Cheyenne Bottoms.

The KWEC is open Monday through Saturday 9a.m. to 5p.m. and Sunday 1-5p.m. The Center is closed on Mondays from November 1 through March 31 and on major holidays.

The KWEC offers a wide selection of public programs and events throughout the year. Check the KWEC website (http://wetlandscenter.fhsu.edu) for more information or call 877-243-9268.

Plan your visit around these favorite programs: Perseid Meteor Shower viewing party Hunter Appreciation Breakfast (October), Star Gazing (October), KWEC Holiday Open House (December), Winter Kids nature programs (February), Greater Prairie Chicken Lek Tours (April), Wings & Wetlands Birding Festival (odd years in April), Summer Kids nature camps (July), and many other public programs throughout the year.