There are so many beautiful places in Kansas that it’s almost overwhelming. From our majestic ancient rock formations to our Flint Hills, we have many incredible natural wonders. One of our favorite nominees for Most Beautiful Place in Kansas is the Cheyenne Bottoms. This stunning wetland may not be what most people think of when they picture the Sunflower State landscape, but it sure is gorgeous!
The Cheyenne Bottoms wetlands span around 41,000 acres. This is the largest interior wetland in the country.
Danielle Heath/Google Maps
The Bottoms are separated into distinct pools with the use of artificial dikes.
Tim Marchio/Google Maps
It’s not fully understood what caused the Cheyenne Bottoms to form. Since much of Kansas is semi-arid, it seems unusual for this marshy wetland to be so large.
Kansas Tourism/Flickr Some scientists believe the area was caused by a large sinkhole or perhaps sand dunes that blocked off drainage.
Whatever their source, the Cheyenne Bottoms are absolutely stunning.
Stephen Muehleisen/Flickr Along with Quivira National Wildlife Refuge, the Cheyenne Bottoms are considered one of the Eight Wonders of Kansas. More than 60,000 people visit each year.
Bird watchers will be in heaven here. Amazingly, nearly 50% of all shorebirds in the entire country pass through Cheyenne Bottoms.
seligmanwaite/Flickr
Unsurprisingly, this place has been designated as a Wetland of International Importance.
seligmanwaite/Flickr More than 350 species of birds have been observed here. This is especially impressive when you consider that there are only 482 bird species in all of Kansas!
We don’t know about you, but we think that this just may be the most beautiful place in Kansas!
Nick Varvel/Flickr
Please note that the Cheyenne Bottoms Preserve is managed by the Nature Conservancy and has different rules than the Cheyenne Bottoms Wildlife Area, which is managed by the state of Kansas. Bird-watching and sightseeing are allowed in both areas, but hunting is only permitted in state-managed areas.
Danielle Heath/Google Maps
Tim Marchio/Google Maps
Kansas Tourism/Flickr
Some scientists believe the area was caused by a large sinkhole or perhaps sand dunes that blocked off drainage.
Stephen Muehleisen/Flickr
Along with Quivira National Wildlife Refuge, the Cheyenne Bottoms are considered one of the Eight Wonders of Kansas. More than 60,000 people visit each year.
seligmanwaite/Flickr
More than 350 species of birds have been observed here. This is especially impressive when you consider that there are only 482 bird species in all of Kansas!
Nick Varvel/Flickr
Have you ever been to the Cheyenne Bottoms, or do you have another suggestion for the most beautiful place in Kansas? Share your thoughts in the comments!
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Address: Cheyenne Bottoms, Cheyenne, KS 67544, USA
