Summer and early fall are perfect for exploration, especially if you get a lot of beauty without a lot of travel time. This scenic drive might not take long, but you’re bound to be stopping along to way to soak it all in. Next time you’re looking for adventure and wanting to see something new, check out this amazing scenic byway hiding right under our noses.
Welcome to today’s adventure, a drive along the Wetlands & Wildlife Scenic Byway, which hits some amazing wetlands nature preserves between Hoisington and St. John.
chemisti/Flickr
This short drive usually takes much longer than the road would tell you, because you’ll be stopping along the way often to enjoy the views presented.
Kansas Byways Facebook
The drive alone is about 90 minutes if you just follow the road, but we Kansas better than that. You could easily spend half a day taking in all this beautiful scenery as you go, especially from the two major highlights.
Quivira National Wildlife Refuge Facebook
The first area you’ll really want to stop by is Cheyenne Bottoms National Refuge. It’s a haven for all sorts of wetland animals, and just another example of how different Kansas can be after a few miles of travel.
Nick Varvel/Flickr
Highlight number two, depending on which direction you’re headed on the byway, is Quivira National Wildlife Refuge, another amazing wetlands area that’s full of birds and other wetlands inhabitants almost year-round.
USFWS Mountain-Prairie/Flickr
However, in the late summer when things finally start to cool down, you’ll find thousands upon thousands of shorebirds migrating through the area. So many, you might not be able to see the sky!
Kansas Byways Facebook
As with any Kansas trip, if you can time the sunset with your travels and exploration, you’ll be in for a real treat like none you’ll see elsewhere.
Nick Varvel/Flickr
You can find a link to the driving route here.
chemisti/Flickr
Kansas Byways Facebook
Quivira National Wildlife Refuge Facebook
Nick Varvel/Flickr
USFWS Mountain-Prairie/Flickr
These views are gorgeous, but everyone has a favorite drive. What section of Kansas road is your favorite? Share with us in the comments below so we can all take the relaxing, beautiful drive. If you’re feeling extra curious, you should also check out what happens in the Cheyenne Bottoms area every fall.
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