Want a unique nature experience? Then, visit the Kansas Wetlands Education Center. KWEC overlooks Cheyenne Bottoms; the largest inland marsh in the United States and a Ramsar designated, Wetland of International Importance.

The KWEC is managed by Fort Hays State University in cooperation with the Kansas Department of Wildlife Parks & Tourism.

Walk through state-of-the-art exhibits that tell the story of Cheyenne Bottoms from its ancient geological formation to the management challenges of the future. Discover the magnificence of these wetlands and the animals and plants living there.

From inside the Center or out, watch Great Blue Herons stalking prey or Mallards tending their young. Submerge yourself in the wetland experience by walking to the observation point. Naturalists will be on hand to enhance your visit and answer questions.

Are you ready for the ultimate experience? Take a tour of the Cheyenne Bottoms Wildlife Area and the Cheyenne Bottoms Preserve. During migration seasons, have your breath taken away as thousands of shorebirds or waterfowl take flight. While driving the miles of dikes and roads, you may see American Avocets, Long-Billed Dowitchers, and much more right out your car window.

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Hours:

April 1 – October 31
Monday – Saturday: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Sunday: 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.

November 1 – March 31
Closed Mondays
Tuesday – Saturday: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Sunday: 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.

Admission is always FREE!

The KWEC is available for after hours use by reservation.
We are closed New Years Day, Easter, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and Christmas.

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The KWEC appreciates donations. Donations to the KWEC go toward enhancing our educational programming.

To find out more about how you can make a donation to the KWEC, please visit the KWEC Donations Page.[/stextbox]

Do you have photos of Kansas wetlands and wildlife? Photos from a recent field trip? Join the Kansas Wetlands Education Center’s Group on Flickr and start sharing.