20 Reasons We Love Kansas

The wild side of Kansas is home to two of North America's most crucial wetlands, both near the Arkansas River town of Great Bend (population: 15,000). Each spring, nearly 25 percent of North American shorebirds migrating east of the Rockies stop over at the Cheyenne Bottoms State Wildlife Area (left) and Quivira National Wildlife Refuge.

Trails, causeways and backroads provide opportunities to view pelicans, pintails, herons and gulls. Both areas have driving tours with brochures available at the entrances. The 77-mile Wetlands and Wildlife National Scenic Byway connects these two important preserves. byways.org

Cheyenne Bottoms State Wildlife Area

Quivira National Wildlife Refuge

Great Bend Convention and Visitors Bureau

Wetlands and Wildlife National Scenic Byway