scenic byways of scenic byways of kansas scenic byways

Expand your scenic horizons.

Like apple pie and baseball, there’s something very American Kansas is home to nine scenic byways, two of which are officially about hitting the road and taking in the scenery. It’s a genuine designated National Scenic Byways. In addition to the breathtaking sense of freedom as you meander through the beautiful surroundings, you’ll enjoy an abundance of activities and a variety of landscapes, the historic settings, the man-made panoramas and more. incredible terrain, wildlife and living styles. This book offers a glimpse Each scenic byway tells a story, and the stories in Kansas are as into each of our unique byways, along with maps and destinations to fascinating as they come. experience along the way. We look forward to seeing you on the road!

1 Flint Across the Grassland Sea With its sweeping grasses and tawny limestone bluffs, the just might be the most famed landscape in Kansas. It’s certainly the most revered, as the area represents the largest remaining Hills tract of tallgrass prairie in North America.

Kaw Mission State Historic Site

70 —Council Grove 177 The Kaw Mission reveals the story of a building that served as home and school to 30 Kaw boys from 1851 to 1854. It’s also a tribute to the Kaw (or Kansa) Indians, who gave our state its name. They lived in the Neosho Valley when, MORRIS despite an impassioned plea by Chief Allegawaho, the U.S. government relocated Council Grove the Kaw to Indian Territory (now Oklahoma). 56

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Strong City Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve Cottonwood Falls —Strong City 50 The 10,984-acre reserve is an amazing combination of unspoiled prairie and Matfield Green CHASE 35 rare wildflowers. Discover more than 400 species of plants, 40 species of grasses, 200 species of birds, 30 types of mammals, plus reptiles and amphibians. BUTLER Cassoday

scenic places POINTS OF INTEREST FESTIVALS & EVENTS

• • Cassoday Bike Run, Cassoday (March thru November) • Cottonwood River Bridge, Cottonwood Falls Chase County Courthouse, Cottonwood Falls •  • Prairie Fire Festival, Cottonwood Falls (April) • Schrumpf Hill Overlook, Cottonwood Falls Chase County Historical Museum, Cottonwood Falls •  • Symphony in the Flint Hills (June) • Allegawaho Memorial Heritage Park, Council Grove Hays House 1857 Restaurant & Tavern, Council Grove • • Wah-Shun-Gah Days, Council Grove (June) • Guardian of the Grove, Council Grove Madonna on the Trail, Council Grove • • Flint Hills Rodeo, Strong City (June) • Neosho River Walk, Council Grove Pioneer Bluffs Historic District, Matfield Green

2 Flint Hills Scenic Byway 1 flint hills 3 ksbyways.org ild Indigo Blue W May-June Baptisia australis History abounds in Council Grove – the northernmost History point of abounds in Council Grove the byway. Mission State Historic Site, Council Oak and the Old the Kaw Explore and its National Preserve Prairie Tallgrass Further south is the Jail. Cowboy and an enormous Schoolhouse three-story Creek limestone mansion, Fox find the Chase County Courthouse, you’ll Falls in Cottonwood barn. Down Bridge. River museums and the historic Cottonwood two Carolina Anemone -May April Anemone caroliniana Cobaea Beardtongue cobaea May-June Penstemon he endless vistas have remained unchanged for thousands of thousands for unchanged remained and years, he endless vistas have ofa variety called the Flint Hills home. have plants and wildlife people, found and used the chert here (flint) they The Plains Indians once lived ofThese residents days, the Flint Hills include weapons. tools and for the occasional and even fox, cotton-tailed rabbits, hawks, red-tailed rattlesnake. massasauga T wildflowers ALS & EVENTS FESTIV Across the Grassland Sea the Grassland Across Frontier Marching Through History 2 The Frontier Military Scenic Byway is a fascinating journey through pre-Civil War era history. The byway extends roughly 167 miles, tying Fort Leavenworth in the north with Baxter Springs Military in the south at the Oklahoma border.

Fort Leavenworth

—Leavenworth Established in 1827, Fort Leavenworth is the oldest fort in continuous operation west of the Leavenworth Fort Leavenworth Lansing Mississippi River. It was originally opened to protect fur trade, safeguard commerce and maintain WYANDOTTE LEAVENWORTH 5 peace among the inhabitants. Today, you can see a host of interesting things, including the Buffalo Kansas City Soldier Monument – a tribute to the 9th and 10th Cavalry of Black Soldiers and the Permanent Merriam 70 Lenexa Indian Frontier. Overland Park Olathe JOHNSON

35 Louisburg MIAMI Paola Mine Creek Battlefield State Historic Site 69 LINN La Cygne —Pleasanton Walk the battlefield and learn more about the events that took place in 1864. Prairie loop and Pleasanton timber loop trails are filled with informative signage, and a visitor center features displays on the Battle at Mine Creek, the Price Campaign of 1864 and other aspects of the Civil War. BOURBON

Fort Scott Arcadia Arma CRAWFORD scenic places POINTS OF INTEREST FESTIVALS & EVENTS Pittsburg • Mined Land Wildlife Area, • Frontier Army Museum, Fort Leavenworth • Little Balkans Days, Pittsburg (August) Cherokee & Crawford Counties CHEROKEE • Fort Scott National Historic Site, Fort Scott • Frontier Days, Fort Scott (September) • Marais des Cygnes Wildlife Area, • Gordon Parks Center for Culture and Diversity, Fort Scott • Spinach Festival, Lenexa (September) La Cygne Baxter Springs • Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop and • Cider Fest, Louisburg (September/October) • Ernie Miller Nature Center, Olathe State Historic Site, Olathe • Wild West Show & Bullwhacker Days, • Overland Park Arboretum, Overland Park • Pittsburg State University Veterans Memorial Amphitheatre, Pittsburg Olathe (September) • Hillsdale Lake, Paola

4 Frontier Military Scenic Byway 2 FRONTIER MILITARY 5

ksbyways.org Lead Plant Amorpha canescens June-August opportunities to enjoy, from the county and city parks to the beautiful native and city parks to the beautiful native the county from opportunities to enjoy, and lush prairie route. grasses sprinkled along this historic wildflowers You’ll encounter a number of importantYou’ll historic and cultural attractions Merriam Center, Historic Baxter Springs Heritage including along the way, Lansing Historical Museum, Scotty’s in Arcadia, Plaza, the Cato School also plenty of are Classic Cars in Arma But there more. and much recreational Prairie Groundsel April-June plattensis Packera Rose Verbena Glandularia canadensis May-June rive along the byway, and you’ll retrace the old military retrace trail used by and you’ll along the byway, rive The forts. the frontier the Army to transport and supplies between troops forts tell the stories of themselves to protect military development early of on many pioneers, and also touch incidents leading up the westward War. to the Civil D wildflowers ALS & EVENTS FESTIV Marching Through History Through Marching Glacial The Pioneering Spirit 3 Glaciers in Kansas? Obviously not any more, but millions of years ago our state was covered by ocean water and gigantic glaciers. As the formations receded north, they carved out the gorgeous Hills rolling hills and rock-strewn valleys that we see today.

White Native American Heritage Museum Cloud —Highland Highland This cultural center shares stories of present-day Kansas tribes. You can share in the 36 Troy journey of those who were forced to emigrate to Kansas in the 1800s, as well as learn DONIPHAN about family life, partake in workshops and enjoy tours with interactive exhibits.

Atchison

ATCHISON 7 59 Amelia Earhart Birthplace Museum Leavenworth —Atchison Overlooking the Missouri River bluffs, this is the historic birthplace of the internationally famed aviatrix. See family heirlooms, displays, photos and more at LEAVENWORTH this award-winning museum, which has undergone a number of impressive restoration efforts over the years. 70

scenic places POINTS OF INTEREST FESTIVALS & EVENTS

• Lewis & Clark Kiosks, • Amelia Earhart Earthwork Atchison, Kansas City, Leavenworth & White Cloud • White Cloud Flea Market, White Cloud (Spring and Fall) at Warnock Lake, Atchison • Santa Fe Depot, Atchison • Amelia Earhart Festival, Atchison (July) • Independence Park, Atchison • C.W. Parker Carousel Museum, Leavenworth • First City Festival, Leavenworth (September) • Leavenworth Landing Park, Leavenworth • Carroll Mansion, Leavenworth • Pioneer Days, Troy (September) • Four State Lookout, White Cloud • Tall Oaks Indian Monument, Troy • Oktoberfest, Atchison (October)

6 Glacial Hills Scenic Byway 3 GLACIAL hills 7 ksbyways.org Stiff Goldenrod Solidago rigida August-October Several other people who helped shape American history have been a part helped shape American history other people who have Several of Cooper Union renowned this region. Abraham Lincoln practiced his Counties, and Doniphan and Leavenworth in Atchison, in 1859 speech not But it’s on this byway. home is also found childhood Amelia Earhart’s river towering the by be enchanted You’ll fascinating. are just the people who running and clear crests streams. sharp-edgedbluffs, ridge Rosinweed July-September Silphium integrifolium Pitcher Sage July-October Salvia azurea he receding glaciers also left behind some of glaciers he receding the most beautiful and fertile Perhaps attracted farmers all over. and settlers from land in the state, which Lewis and Clark. the explorers were to pass through people the most famous Independence made camp and celebrated 4, 1804, their expedition On July as Atchison. known now area in the Day T wildflowers The Pioneering Spirit Pioneering The Gypsum A Colorful Heritage 4 Named for the underlying layers of gypsum, this unique byway boasts an incredible variety of geographic features. Also known as the Red Hills, you’ll see flat mesas, deep canyons, sharp high Hills hills and caprock formations, all within a 42-mile drive.

Lake Coldwater

—Coldwater The only lake in southwest Kansas that allows water-related sports, Coldwater is a 250-acre area for boating, swimming, fishing, bird watching, camping and hiking. 281

Coldwater Wilmore BARBER 160 Medicine Lodge 183 COMANCHE Carry A. Nation Home & 160 Stockade Museum

—Medicine Lodge The infamous Carry Nation lived in Medicine Lodge, where she embarked on tirades against alcohol and smashed saloons. A museum replica of an 1873 stockade includes historical artifacts of dinosaur bones, a 130+ year-old Smith Log Cabin and even a jail in the courtyard. The home is a National Historic Landmark.

scenic places POINTS OF INTEREST FESTIVALS & EVENTS

• Gypsum Hills Trail Rides, Barber County • Barber State Fishing Lake, Medicine Lodge • Comanche County Historical Museum, Coldwater • Spring Wildflower Tour, Barber County (May) • Flower Pot Mound, Medicine Lodge • Heritage Memorial Park, Coldwater • Indian Summer Days, Medicine Lodge (September) • Red Cedar Nature Trail, Barber County Lake, Medicine Lodge • Stan Herd Murals, Coldwater & Wilmore • Kansas Championship Ranch Rodeo, Medicine Lodge (September) • Scenic Byway Overlook and Turn Out, Medicine Lodge • Memorial Peace Park, Medicine Lodge • Peace Treaty Pageant, Medicine Lodge (Fall, every 3 years) • Twin Peaks, Medicine Lodge • Wisner Fountain, Medicine Lodge

8 Gypsum Hills Scenic Byway 4 GYPSUM HILLS 9 ksbyways.org Indian Blanket Flower May-September pulchella Gaillardia

Interestingly enough, it was the bison herds from centuries ago that originally that originally centuries ago from the bison herds enough, it was Interestingly to Plains Indian cultures prehistoric from Everyone attracted people here. Earp himself Fifteen thousand Wyatt the stellar hunting. came for tribes to and Medicine Lodge 1867 to sign peace treaties, in Indians camped here Pageant. Treaty with the Peace years three every commemorates the event ampson Black-Sampson Echinacea June-July angustifolia Echinacea Compass Plant July-September Silphium laciniatum he Gypsum Hills area is known for its abundance of its abundance for is known he Gypsum Hills area spring and summer ofblanket a color to complement the naturally provide which wildflowers, Wildlife prairie and green cedar trees. red soil, mixed green springs, flowing quail pheasant, also populates the region as a number of turkey, coyote, deer, of a glimpse bobcat, catch even may beaver, You abound. and prairie chicken and armadillo!porcupine T wildflowers (Fall, every 3 years) (Fall,  Lodge Medicine Pageant, Treaty Peace Kansas Championship Ranch Rodeo, Rodeo, Ranch Championship Kansas (September) Lodge Medicine  Barber County Rides, Barber Trail Hills Gypsum (May) County Barber Tour, Wildflower Spring (September) Lodge Medicine Days, Summer Indian  • • • • • A Colorful Heritage A Colorful Native A Slice of American Landscape 5 All the elements of nature, including sun, wind, fire and rain, helped lend a hand in shaping this scenic byway. The limestone from which the route gets its name was formed from the sediments of Stone shallow seas that existed 240 million years ago.

1878 Sage Inn & Stagecoach Station

—Dover Originally built in 1865, the Sage Inn opened its doors to travelers on the Southwest Trail. The inn was expanded to present-day size in 1878 to include a livery, a corral for horses and a blacksmith shop. The stagecoach carried freight, mail and passengers to other destinations. Today it is found on the National Register of Historic Places.

Topeka 4 Alma 70 Keene Dover 75 99 177 SHAWNEE The City of Native Stone 4 Eskridge —Alma WABAUNSEE Alma contains 26 historical Native Stone structures built between the 1880s

99 and 1930s. In fact, 98% of the business district is constructed with native stone. Enjoy a walking or driving tour of the area, and you’ll be reminded of the superior craftsmanship of years past.

scenic places POINTS OF INTEREST FESTIVALS & EVENTS

• Native Stone Festival, Alma (May) • 1905 Henry Sump Barn, Alma • Skyline Mill Creek Scenic Drive • Dover Heritage Days, Dover (June) • Underground Railroad Sites, Alma & Keene • Alma City Lake, Alma • Labor Day Rodeo, Eskridge (September) • Wabaunsee County Courthouse, Alma • Echo Cliff Park, Dover • Fall German Meal, Alma (October) • Wabaunsee County Historical Museum, Alma • Lake Wabaunsee, Wabaunsee County • Veteran’s Day Celebration, Eskridge (November) • Security State Bank & Waugh Law Office Building, Eskridge

10 Native Stone Scenic Byway 5 NATIVE STONE 11 ksbyways.org New England Aster novae-angliae Symphyotrichum September-October eed Of plenty of are course, there Paleo-Indians other cultural influences. Kansa, Shawnee Osage, the local creeks. and mussels from harvested clams views. And the remarkable and enjoyed here tribes lived and Potawatomi came immigrants the Old Northwest and New England Free-State from spirit These a cowboy days, slavery. from Kansas free to make and voted farmers as the inhabitants include and ranchers. through seems to reign Sweet Joe-pye W purpureum July-September Eupatorium vening E Primrose Missouri May-July macrocarpa Oenothera oday, you can see examples of can see examples you barns, in the stone fences, usage limestone oday, Alma, one of the communities dot the roadway. that homes and buildings called the City of is actually of Stone. Many Native the along the byway, hailed from pioneer stonemasons who by built limestone structures were and Germany. Sweden T wildflowers ALS & EVENTS FESTIV A Slice of American Landscape of American A Slice Post Nature’s Roller Coaster 6 Sweeping around Wilson Lake and over the geological formations of the Saline River valley, Post Rock Scenic Byway offers a picturesque pathway you won’t soon forget. The endless sky Rock is a favorite of photographers, and a number of interesting sites are found throughout.

Garden of Eden

—Lucas Created by Civil War veteran Samuel Perry Dinsmoor in the early 1900s,

LINCOLN the Garden of Eden is Kansas’ only Visionary Sculpture Environment 181 and stone log cabin.

Lucas 18 Sylvan Grove

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70 Wilson RUSSELL Wilson Lake —Russell County Located in the heart of the , the park is considered by many to be the most beautiful in the state. It’s divided into two parts: Hell Creek and Otoe ELLSWORTH Park. Excellent fishing, hunting and hiking adds to the area’s popularity.

scenic places POINTS OF INTEREST FESTIVALS & EVENTS

• Mini Park Mural, Lucas • Florence Deeble Rock Garden, Lucas • Wings Over Wilson, Lucas (June) • Bur Oak Nature Trail, Wilson Lake • Flying Pig Studio and Gallery, Lucas • After Harvest Czech Festival, Wilson (July) • Dakota Sandstone Rock Formations, Wilson Lake • Grassroots Arts Center, Lucas • Poker Run, Wilson Lake (July) • Overlook, Wilson Lake • Midland Hotel, Wilson • Adam’s Apple Festival, Lucas (Labor Day Weekend) • Red Cedar Trail, Wilson Lake • Round Stone Jail, Wilson • Oktoberfest, Wilson (October)

12 Post Rock Scenic Byway 6 POST ROCK 13 ksbyways.org Prairie Spiderwort occidentalis May-August Tradescantia In town you’ll find the Grassroots Art Center, Florence Deeble’s Rock Rock Art Deeble’s find the Grassroots Florence Center, you’ll In town of as the Garden listed as well are Garden and Cabin Home, which Eden is ofWilson of the town on the National Register Historic Places. Nearby, the Opera House and Museum. And throughout Czech Wilson home to the than 225 species of encounter more may you including birds, byway entire and bald eagles. waterfowl Resinous Skullcap May-July Scutellaria resinosa ucca Y May-June glauca Yucca iles of of to the ingenuity posts stand as a tribute stone fence the early farmers quarried and ranchers of a lack settlers. Facing the innovative trees, become a trademark have today needed, which they the fences to create rock essence certainly carriedofThat on, as creative the Smoky Hills region. ofthe town Art Grassroots the Lucas is considered Capital of Kansas. M wildflowers Lucas (Labor Day Weekend) Day (Labor Lucas Festival, Apple Adam’s (October) Wilson Oktoberfest, Lucas (June) Lucas Wilson, Over Wings (July) Wilson Czech Festival, Harvest After (July) Lake Wilson Run, Poker      • • • • • ALS & EVENTS FESTIV Nature’s Roller Coaster Roller Nature’s Prairie A Trail of Adventure 7 Spanning 56 miles in , Prairie Trail Scenic Byway has a little bit of everything. You’ll discover scenic, historic, natural, cultural, archeological and recreational sites Trail and activities just about everywhere you turn.

Coronado Heights

—Lindsborg Located just outside Lindsborg, Coronado Heights was named after the 70 Salina legendary explorer who is believed to have passed through the area in the 1500s. Ellsworth You’ll encounter a castle, which affords breathtaking views of Lindsborg and 140 SALINE the Smoky Valley. 141

Lindsborg ELLSWORTH Smoky Valley Rd 4 Marquette Roxbury e Av Maxwell Wildlife Refuge 27th 14 56 Canton —Canton Explore 2,800 acres of native prairie complete with guided tours of buffalo herds. The refuge also features roaming elk, more than 100 species of birds MCPHERSON 135 and a bluebird trail.

scenic places points of interest festivals & events

•  • 1883 Pioneer Jail, Canton • Millfest, Lindsborg (May) • McPherson State Fishing Lake, Canton • Birger Sandzén Memorial Gallery, Lindsborg • Thunder on the Smoky, Marquette (May) • Millennium Legacy Trail, Kanopolis State Park • Old Mill Museum, Lindsborg • Midsummer’s Day Festival, Lindsborg (June) • Valkommen Walking Tour, Lindsborg • , Marquette • Prairie Days, Canton (June) • Mushroom Rock State Park, Marquette • Kansas Motorcycle Museum, Marquette •  Days, Kanopolis (July)

14 Prairie Trail Scenic Byway 7 PRAIRIE TRAIL 15 ksbyways.org Ten-petal Mentzelia Ten-petal decapetala July-September Mentzelia Prairie Trail meanders into Lindsborg, known as “Little Sweden U.S.A.,” as U.S.A.,” meanders into Lindsborg, known Sweden “Little Trail Prairie horses and a number wooden tall “Dala” four-foot be greeted by you’ll where of is the art and museums. Another must-see stop on the byway galleries find some of you’ll where Park, State the most Rock unique Mushroom formations of on the face rock interesting the earth. ild Four-o’clock W May-August nyctaginea Mirabilis Common Sunflower Helianthus annuus July-September he byway begins in Canton, not far from where the Santa Fe and Chisholm the Santa Fe where from begins in Canton, not far he byway itselfThe town in the 1800s. and cattle back in travelers brought Trails and houses the Stars and Stripes Military Museum, an 1883 Pioneer Jail on, the Maxwell the last Carnegie in Kansas. Moving built Library ever of spans 2,800 acres guided prairie and features Refuge native Wildlife and elk. buffalo tours among the roaming T wildflowers Canton (June) Canton Days, Prairie (July) Kanopolis Days, Harker Fort Lindsborg (May) Lindsborg Millfest, (May) Marquette Smoky, the on Thunder (June) Lindsborg Festival, Day Midsummer’s      • • • • • als & events festiv A Trail of Adventure of A Trail Into the Valley 8 Smoky Named for their hazy appearance at sunrise and sunset, the Smoky Hills provide an interesting transition between the mixed-grass and short-grass prairie of the plains. Native wildflowers dot Valley the region, including coneflowers, yucca and sky-blue pitcher sage.

Cedar Bluff State Park & Reservoir TREGO 283 —Trego County WaKeeney Ogallah A great place to camp, hike, fish, bird watch and boat. The reservoir hosts 70 a number of fishing tournaments and other events throughout the year, Trego including “Th’ Gatherin’” – a Celtic celebration with food, games and music. Center

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4 Ransom Brownell Threshing Machine Canyon

— This historic site was the location of an 1867 Native American attack on a wagon train, which was transporting a threshing machine to Salt Lake City.

283 The remains of the machine could be seen for years following the attack. N ESS

scenic places points of interest festivals & events

• Emanuel Lutheran Church, Ogallah • Agave Ridge Hiking/Biking Trail, • Th’ Gatherin,’ WaKeeney (May) • Kansas Veteran’s Cemetery, WaKeeney Cedar Bluff State Park • Trego County Fair, WaKeeney (July) • Trego County Courthouse, WaKeeney • Scenic Overlook, Cedar Bluff State Park • Christmas City of the High Plains, WaKeeney (December) • • Butterfield’s Overland Despatch, WaKeeney Trego County Historical Museum, WaKeeney • Wilcox Schoolhouse, WaKeeney

16 Smoky Valley Scenic Byway 8 smoky valley 17 ksbyways.org Curly-cup Gumweed June-September Grindelia squarrosa The croplands provide a panorama ofThe provide green the emerald croplands from of vegetation, of the world reds to the rich winter wheat is known Smoky Hill chalk milo. in of the fossils been discovered for that have other sea life and reptiles over these formations. At Cedar Bluff a trip to the top of Dam & Reservoir, the and an ideal a stunning view of for makes bluffs tall 100-foot below, the area to spot wildlife. way Scarlet Globe Mallow coccinea May-August Sphaeralcea White Beardtongue albidus May-July Penstemon

hroughout the hills you’ll be greeted by a multitude of be greeted by the hills you’ll hroughout windmills. picturesque the limestone from too, elsewhere history rich is exemplified The area’s to the names carved Despatch Overland identifying Butterfield’s markers centuries. two after nearly still legible into limestone bluffs, T wildflowers als & events festiv Into the Valley the Into Wetlands Time to Fly 9 Stretching some 76 miles, the Wetlands & Wildlife National Scenic Byway brings you up close and personal with the Central Flyway – North America’s most important migration route. It’s &Wildlife undoubtedly one of the most subtly beautiful natural regions in the country.

Cheyenne Bottoms Wildlife Area

BARTON Each year, Cheyenne Bottoms attracts anywhere from 45% to 90% of North Hoisington Claflin 156 America’s shorebirds during the spring and fall migrations. This 64-square-mile 4 basin is a surprising interruption of the prairie landscape, as well as a critical e Av NE

96 100t h resting and feeding place for migrating birds. e Av NE

60t h

Great Bend 56 Ellinwood e Av

RICE SE 60

56 e Av

NE 140th St NE 40th Quivira National Wildlife Refuge Hudson Quivira National Wildlife Refuge is comprised of 22,135 acres of prairie grass, Raymond Rd St. John NE 70th St salt marshes, sand dunes, canals, dikes and timber. Little Salt Marsh and Big Salt 50 Stafford Marsh are ancient basins that play host to more than 500,000 birds during STAFFORD RENO spring migration. The refuge features a visitors center, as well as several hiking 281 trails to bring you closer to nature.

scenic places points of interest festivals & events

• Scenic Overlook, Cheyenne Bottoms • Kansas Wetlands Education Center, Cheyenne Bottoms • Wings N Wetlands Birding Festival, Cheyenne Bottoms & Quivira (April, odd number years) • Prairie Walk at Dozier Winery, Ellinwood • Underground Tunnels, Ellinwood Cheyenne • St. John Jubilee, St. John (May) • Arkansas River Hike/Bike Trail, Great Bend • Barton County Historical Society Museum and Bottoms 156 BARTON • After Harvest Festival, Ellinwood (July) • The Nature ConservancyScenic Cheyenne Village, Great Bend Overlook BottomsHoisington Preserve, Hoisington 4 • Kansas Raptor Center, Great Bend • Labor Day Celebration, Hoisington (Labor Day Weekend) • Scenic Overlook, QuiviraK-4 National Wildlife Refuge • • Trail of Lights, Great Bend (November & December)

CR Street Light Metal Art Banners, Hoisington 2-30 96 e Av NE

60th

Great Bend 56

e Av Ellinwood 18

Wetlands & Wildlife ScenicSE 60 Byway 56 e Av

19 NE 40th NE 140th St Quivira Visitor’s Center Raymond Rd St. John NE 70th St 50 STAFFORD 281 91 9 WE TL A N D S & W IL LIF E

T he byway is anchored by two of the largest wetland systems in the world Birds aren’t the only inhabitants you’ll encounter. The Bottoms is home to – Cheyenne Bottoms Wildlife Area and Quivira National Wildlife Refuge. 23 species of mammals, 19 species of reptiles and nine species of These giant marshes host incredible numbers of sandhill cranes, avocets, amphibians. At the Refuge, the marsh waters teem with crabs, crayfish and pelicans, whooping cranes, sandpipers, ducks, geese and many more species frogs, while prairie dogs are alert to , red foxes, bobcats and badgers. full of sound, motion and color. In fact, many naturalists believe Cheyenne Bottoms is the most important migration stopover point in the Western hemisphere.

festivals & events wildflowers

Bull Thistle Common Spiderwort Broom Snakeweed Cirsium vulgare July-September Tradescantia ohiensis May-August Gutierrezia sarothrae August-September

19 ksbyways.org Scenic Byways Etiquette

Scenic byways are home to some of the great natural landscapes in the United States. Please help us preserve this beautiful land of flowers and native grasses and refrain from disrupting natural geological features. These magnificent scenic lands are home to many Kansas residents who welcome you to their communities, shops and restaurants. Please respect their privacy by not straying onto private land, climbing fences or gates or photographing residents and their families. Stay out of the way of wild animals and please, help keep everyone safe by obeying posted speed limits and sharing the roadways with large vehicles.

Acknowledgements Photo Credits

This book has been funded in part by the Kansas Department of Transportation Bob Gress and the Federal Highway Administration National Scenic Byways Program Great Bend Convention & Visitors Bureau through the Kansas Scenic Byways Program. Harland J. Schuster Jerry Segraves For more information on the Kansas Scenic Byways, visit www.ksbyways.org. Mike Haddock, Kansas State University Richard Smalley For hunting and fishing opportunities, visit the Kansas Department of Wildlife Ted Eubanks and Parks at www.kdwp.state.ks.us

U.S. Department of Transportation Contact Information Federal Highway Administration Kansas Department of Transportation Kansas Department of Commerce Kansas Scenic Byways Travel & Tourism Division 700 SW Harrison Street 1000 SW Jackson Street, Suite 100 Topeka, KS 66603-3754 Topeka, KS 66612-1354 800-684-6966 785-296-2009 www.ksbyways.org www.TravelKS.com

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION TRAVEL & TOURISM

20 scenic byways of kansas © 2009 Kansas Department of Transportation JNA161K09 © 2009 Kansas Department ofTransportation