Kansas Wetlands Education Center

Winter Wonder Wetlands!

Winter months provide some unique times to get outdoors! Outdoor activities and venues continue to be a safe haven for social distancing during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Cheyenne Bottoms and the Kansas Wetlands Education Center (KWEC) are synonymous with wetlands, wildlife, birds, and nature. The winter months are no different. There are many great opportunities to experience the wetlands during the winter and holiday seasons!

The wetlands in the winter can be an incredible time for a self-guided tour. Thousands of birds, especially ducks, geese, bald eagles, hawks, and sparrows, overwinter at the wetlands. Miles of raised dike roads and county roads provide for an exciting driving tour of the largest marsh in the interior U.S.

Do you have family visiting over the holidays? KWEC is open Tuesdays through Saturdays 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sundays 1-5 p.m. Admission to the Center is always free.

For those more inclined for the outdoors, the KWEC nature trail offers a ½ mile walk where birds, rabbits, deer, and other wildlife are often encountered.

And finally, as you shop local for your Christmas gifts this year, be sure to check out The Wetlands Gift Store for some unique gift ideas, such as animal and plant field guides, nature themed books, art, apparel, hoodies, and ‘Made in Kansas’ items. Other unique gift ideas include Insect Shield apparel and gear, including built-in bug repellent. KWEC’s new children’s book Ava: A Year of Adventure in the Life of an American Avocet, would make a great gift for your littles. Local merchandise from Kansas Earth & Sky Candle Co., Artisan Soaps, MY Studio, Dunworkin Pottery, and several nature photographers also make great gifts.

Shipping delays are projected to be a real problem during the holiday season this year. Bypass shipping by shopping local this year!

Mention seeing this article in the Tribune’s Home for the Holidays magazine, and receive 40% off a single item purchase throughout the holiday season, excluding consignment items.

Take advantage of your 40% discount during the KWEC Holiday Open House on Saturday, December 4!

The Kansas Wetlands Education Center is located at Cheyenne Bottoms, 10 miles northeast of Great Bend, KS along K-156 Highway. Contact the KWEC at 877-243-9268 or visit wetlandscenter.fhsu.edu to view other activities or events.

Gift Store showcase Unique Gift Ideas and Stocking Stuffers! Nature books, art, local products, jewelry, puzzles, science toys, bird feeders

592 NE K-156 Highway, Great Bend 1-877-243-9268 wetlandscenter.fhsu.edu Kansas Wetlands Education Center Gift Store

Valid 11-2 - to 12-31- . Excludes consignments, tours and binocular purchases. Not valid for cash or cash equivalent. May not be combined with other coupons. One transaction per person.