The Wetlands and Wildlife National Scenic Byway is anchored by two of the largest wetland ecosystems in the world: Cheyenne Bottoms Wildlife Area and Quivira National Wildlife Refuge. The giant marshes draw clouds of sandhill cranes, squadrons of pelicans, bald and gold eagles, scurrying shorebirds, elegant whooping cranes, and scores of waterbirds.

Besides birds, there are also numerous species of mammals, reptiles and amphibians.

The local communities offer numerous opportunities to learn about the importance of the marshes on the history of the area.