Wetlands and Wildlife Scenic Byway

A bobcat suns itself in the early morning light along the Migrant's Mile Nature Trail at Quivira National Wildlife Refuge.

Boys take advantage of the walking and hiking opportunities at various locations along the Kansas Wetlands and Wildlife Scenic Byway.

A man demonstrates a flighted bird of prey during National Wildlife Refuge Week at Quivira National Wildlife Refuge during October of every year.

The white stone of the Barton County courthouse shines brilliantly on a sunny summer day.

A group of red-clad participants march in a parade as part of the Labor Day Festival in Hoisington.

The sun glints off the Wetlands and Wildlife Scenic Byway sign in front of the Kansas Wetlands Education Center.

A small sign marks the Martin Cemetery in St. John, Kansas, an African-American cemetery where a number of Exodusters are buried.

The Martin Cemetery, final resting place for a number of former slaves, sits amid green trees on a sunny day.

A display of historical artifacts begins the Exoduster exhibit at the Barton County Historical Village.

A number of posters on a storyboard show the work of Oscar Devereaux Micheaux, author, film director, and independent producer of over 40 films in the early 20th century.

A storyboard display at the Stafford County Museum explains the role of Exodusters in the history of Stafford County.

A Civil War Cannon sits on display in the Stafford County Museum.

The grave of Oscar Micheaux, the first African American filmmaker, rests in the Great Bend Cemetery.

A serene park in St. John, Kansas provides a sunny area to enjoy a peaceful break next to the water fountain.

A flag-lined paved pathway welcomes visitors to the Stafford Cemetery in Stafford, KS.

Monument of Stafford stonecutter JR Carmichael, who hand-carved the Grand Army of the Republic Memorial.

Twins Elsie (1889-1981) and Lela (1889-1962) Scott, two of 17 children belonging to Stafford County Exodusters John and Julia Scott, pose in the W. R. Gray Studio in 1910. This photo is featured in the Stafford County Historical Museum's glass negatives collection.

The grave of Samuel Gracey, Exoduster and Stafford County homesteader, rests peacefully in the Eden Valley Cemetery.

Surrounded by flowers on a sunny summer day, the Barton Historical Village's Western Union Telegraph and Cable Office teaches visitors about old-fashioned communication.

"The Rifleman" stands guard over the Barton County Courthouse Square, commemorating the lives of local Civil War veterans.

The fiery reds and oranges of autumn dress the trees along Main Street in downtown Great Bend.

Oscar Micheaux, the first African American filmmaker, was the son and grandson of Kansas Exodusters.

The grave of Francis Clark Diggs, who earned the Distinguished Service award for his service as a Union Soldier in the Civil War, sits in the Grand Army of the Republic Circle in the Great Bend, KS Cemetery.

A homemade gravestone memorializes the grave of a baby who died in 1925.

Charming folkart headstones like this one decorate the Hoisington Cemetery.

Migratory birds flock along the water in the Cheyenne Bottoms Wildlife Area near Hoisington, KS.

The headstone of Harriet and Napoleon Robinson, aunt and uncle of the first African-American filmmaker Oscar Micheaux, rests in Great Bend's Eden Valley Cemetery.

A statue of a Civil War soldier, known as "The Rifleman" Monument, stands in the Barton County Courthouse Square as a memorial to the lives of local Civil War veterans.

A field of Plains Coreopsis wildflowers bloom in wet or seasonably wet habitat.

This photo provides a "bird's eye view" of the 19,587 acre Cheyenne Bottoms Wildlife Area.

This shelter belted songbird area was developed at the site of the Kansas Wetlands Interpretive Center to provide variety to the birdwatcher's "menu". Benches, feeders, and some interpretive signage is provided along this half mile walk. This trail will soon connect to a boardwalk through the adjacent mitigation marsh. The Byway provides many opportunities for those who like to view nature "on foot".

A Great Blue Heron attempts to swallow a fair-sized (approximately 3-pound) largemouth bass at Quivira National Wildlife Refuge.

A doe leaping over a fence is fairly common sight at Quivira National Wildlife Refuge.

A group of birders gather at Cheyenne Bottoms Wildlife Area for the Wings and Wetlands Birding Festival.

Visitors to the 2002 festival participated in the dedication of Quivira National Wildlife Refuge as a RAMSAR site.

The Kansas Wetlands and Wildlife Scenic Byway is a paradise for birdwatchers such as those shown here. Both beginners and experts will find a visit to the wetlands an exciting experience. Most birdwatchers simply stop along the dikes and roadways with binoculars and spotting scopes as indicated in this photo.

Flocks of egrets are common sights at the Cheyenne Bottoms Wildlife Area. Even the most novice of wildlife watchers will appreciate the beauty and vastness of the flocks within the wildlife areas. Spring migration will showcase sights similar to this egret photo - while fall migration waterfowl flocks often produce daily populations on the wetlands of 50,000.

A Golden Eagle soars in front of the moon at Quivira National Wildlife Refuge. Not nearly as common at Quivira as the Bald Eagle, a few Golden Eagles do visit and hunt at the refuge each winter.

Groups of birders set up their gear and watch for birds at the Wings and Wetlands Festival.

Guarding the sand prairie like a lone sentinel, this old cottonwood stands along the Kansas Wetlands and Wildlife National Scenic Byway north of Quivira National Wildlife Refuge.

A lone Whitefront Goose makes its way across slick ice against a strong headwind at Quivira National Wildlife Refuge.

Whether it's because of global warming or mild winters, armadillos have been moving up from the South and may be seen in and around the Wetlands and Wildlife Byway in Kansas.

American white pelicans near Wetlands and Wildlife National Scenic Byway in Kansas.

Cyclists ride near the Arkansas River in Kansas.

Cyclists ride on the Arkansas River off-road bike route in Ellinwood, Kansas.

Cyclists ride on the Arkansas River off-road bike route in Ellinwood, Kansas.

An avocet stands in the water along Wildlife Drive at the Quivira National Wildlife Refuge in Kansas. The refuge was established to provide and protect vital habitat for migratory waterfowl in the Central Flyway. Its 22,135 acres feature a unique combination of rare inland salt marsh and sand prairie.

Avocets in the water along Wildlife Drive at the Quivira National Wildlife Refuge in Kansas. The refuge was established to provide and protect vital habitat for migratory waterfowl in the Central Flyway. Its 22,135 acres feature a unique combination of rare inland salt marsh and sand prairie.

Barton County Courthouse in Great Bend, Kansas.

Barton County Courthouse in Great Bend, Kansas.

Belpre Santa Fe Depot at Barton County Historical Society Museum in Great Bend, Kansas.

Dodge House at Barton County Historical Society Museum in Great Bend, Kansas.

Beaver swimming at Cheyenne Bottoms WIldlife Area in Kansas. At 41,000 acres, Cheyenne Bottoms is the largest inland marsh in the US.

Beaver at Quivira National Wildlife Refuge in Kansas. The refuge was established to provide and protect vital habitat for migratory waterfowl in the Central Flyway. It's 22,135 acres feature a unique combination of rare inland salt marsh and sand prairie.

Bird flying at Cheyenne Bottoms Wildlife Area in Kansas. At 41,000 acres, Cheyenne Bottoms is the largest inland marsh in the US.

Bird in the grass during winter near Wetlands and Wildlife National Scenic Byway in Kansas.

Bird at Cheyenne Bottoms Wildlife Refuge in Kansas. At 41,000 acres, Cheyenne Bottoms is the largest inland marsh in the US.

Birds flying at Cheyenne Bottoms Wildlife Area in Kansas. At 41,000 acres, Cheyenne Bottoms is the largest inland marsh in the US.

Birds flying at Cheyenne Bottoms Wildlife Area in Kansas. At 41,000 acres, Cheyenne Bottoms is the largest inland marsh in the US.

Birds landing on the water at Cheyenne Bottoms Wildlife Area in Kansas. At 41,000 acres, Cheyenne Bottoms is the largest inland marsh in the US.

Birds on the water at Cheyenne Bottoms Wildlife Area in Kansas. At 41,000 acres, Cheyenne Bottoms is the largest inland marsh in the US.

Birds at Cheyenne Bottoms Wildlife Area in Kansas. At 41,000 acres, Cheyenne Bottoms is the largest inland marsh in the US.

Alligator at Brit Spaugh Zoo in Great Bend, Kansas.

Lioness at Brit Spaugh Zoo in Great Bend, Kansas.

Cheyenne Bottoms Wildlife Area in Kansas. At 41,000 acres, Cheyenne Bottoms is the largest inland marsh in the US.

Cheyenne Bottoms Wildlife Area in Kansas. At 41,000 acres, Cheyenne Bottoms is the largest inland marsh in the US.

Crane in the water at Cheyenne Bottoms Wildlife Area in Kansas. At 41,000 acres, Cheyenne Bottoms is the largest inland marsh in the US.

Curlew at Cheyenne Bottoms Wildlife Area in Kansas. At 41,000 acres, Cheyenne Bottoms is the largest inland marsh in the US.

Ducks flying at Cheyenne Bottoms Wildlife Area in Kansas. At 41,000 acres, Cheyenne Bottoms is the largest inland marsh in the US.

Egrets in the water along Wildlife Drive at Quivira National Wildlife Refuge in Kansas. The refuge was established to provide and protect vital habitat for migratory waterfowl in the Central Flyway. It's 22,135 acres feature a unique combination of rare inland salt marsh and sand prairie.

Interpretive sign at George Stumps Nature Trail located near the Kansas Wetlands Education Center in Great Bend, Kansas. The center overlooks Cheyenne Bottoms, the largest inland marsh in the US at 41,000 acres.

Visitors enjoy the walking trail at George Stumps Nature Trail located near the Kansas Wetlands Education Center in Great Bend, Kansas. The center overlooks Cheyenne Bottoms, the largest inland marsh in the US at 41,000 acres.

Grasses at Cheyenne Bottoms Wildlife Area in Kansas. At 41,000 acres, Cheyenne Bottoms is the largest inland marsh in the US.

Heron in the water at Cheyenne Bottoms Wildlife Area in Kansas. At 41,000 acres, Cheyenne Bottoms is the largest inland marsh in the US.

Kansas Wetlands Education Center in Great Bend, Kansas. The center overlooks Cheyenne Bottoms, the largest inland marsh in the US at 41,000 acres.

Kansas Wetlands Education Center in Great Bend, Kansas. The center overlooks Cheyenne Bottoms, the largest inland marsh in the US at 41,000 acres.

Kansas Wetlands Education Center in Great Bend, Kansas. The center overlooks Cheyenne Bottoms, the largest inland marsh in the US at 41,000 acres.

Limestone bridge across Beaver Creek in Barton County, Kansas.

Mount Pleasant United Methodist Church in Stafford County, Kansas.

Overlook at Quivira National Wildlife Refuge in Kansas. The refuge was established to provide and protect vital habitat for migratory waterfowl in the Central Flyway. It's 22,135 acres feature a unique combination of rare inland salt marsh and sand prairie.

Overlook at Quivira National Wildlife Refuge in Kansas. The refuge was established to provide and protect vital habitat for migratory waterfowl in the Central Flyway. It's 22,135 acres feature a unique combination of rare inland salt marsh and sand prairie.

Cowboy and windmill in pasture near Wetlands and Wildlife National Scenic Byway in Kansas.

Pasture near Wetlands and Wildlife National Scenic Byway in Kansas.

Pelicans flying over marshland near Wetlands and Wildlife National Scenic Byway in Kansas.

The First United Methodist Church in Stafford, Kansas, is architecturally designed in the prairie style.

Interpretive sign at Quivira National Wildlife Refuge in Kansas. The refuge was established to provide and protect vital habitat for migratory waterfowl in the Central Flyway. It's 22,135 acres feature a unique combination of rare inland salt marsh and sand prairie.

Santa Fe Trail crossing sign in Barton County, Kansas.

St Catherine Catholic Church in Debuque, Barton County, Kansas.

Stafford County Courthouse in St John, Kansas.

Stained glass windows in Shafer Art Gallery at Barton Community College in Great Bend, Kansas.

Star-Wolfe Hotel in Ellinwood, Kansas.

Cheyenne Bottoms Wildlife Area in Kansas. At 41,000 acres, Cheyenne Bottoms is the largest inland marsh in the US.

Cheyenne Bottoms Wildlife Area in Kansas. At 41,000 acres, Cheyenne Bottoms is the largest inland marsh in the US.

Cheyenne Bottoms Wildlife Area in Kansas. At 41,000 acres, Cheyenne Bottoms is the largest inland marsh in the US.

Quivira National Wildlife Refuge in Kansas. The refuge was established to provide and protect vital habitat for migratory waterfowl in the Central Flyway. It's 22,135 acres feature a unique combination of rare inland salt marsh and sand prairie.

Train engine at Spaugh Park in Great Bend, Kansas.

Turtle swimming at Quivira National Wildlife Refuge in Kansas. The refuge was established to provide and protect vital habitat for migratory waterfowl in the Central Flyway. Its 22,135 acres feature a unique combination of rare inland salt marsh and sand prairie.

Underground tunnel in Ellinwood, Kansas.

Underground tunnel in Ellinwood, Kansas.

Saloon in underground tunnel in Ellinwood, Kansas.

Washroom in underground tunnel in Ellinwood, Kansas.

Warbler along Wildlife Drive at the Quivira National Wildlife Refuge in Kansas. The refuge was established to provide and protect vital habitat for migratory waterfowl in the Central Flyway. Its 22,135 acres feature a unique combination of rare inland salt marsh and sand prairie.

Wetlands Water Park at Great Bend in Great Bend, Kansas.

Wetlands Water Park at Great Bend in Great Bend, Kansas.

Wetlands Water Park at Great Bend in Great Bend, Kansas.

White heron near Wetlands and Wildlife National Scenic Byway in Kansas.

White-tailed deer near Wetlands and Wildlife National Scenic Byway in Kansas.

White-tailed deer along auto tour route at Quivira National Wildlife Refuge in Kansas. The refuge was established to provide and protect vital habitat for migratory waterfowl in the Central Flyway. It's 22,135 acres feature a unique combination of rare inland salt marsh and sand prairie.

Wild horses during winter near Wetlands and Wildlife National Scenic Byway in Kansas.

Winter near Wetlands and Wildlife National Scenic Byway in Kansas.