TOPEKA – “Byways of Kansas” is the title of a new travel guide from the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism and the Kansas Department of Transportation. Kansas boasts 11 scenic and historic byways – including two national scenic byways, including the area’s own Wetlands and Wildlife Scenic Byway – that offer travelers the opportunity to get away from the more heavily-traveled highways and experience Kansas landscapes, history, attractions, culture, entertainment, and hospitality.
The Wetlands byway is featured prominently in the guide, said Cris Collier, president of the Great Bend Convention and Visitors Bureau and marketing director for the scenic route. In fact, it is the first byway discussed.
 The 50-page guidebook features stunning color photography by Kansas photographers Harland Schuster and Doug Stremel. Each byway is described with engaging historical narrative, quick facts, must-see points of interest and amenities such as lodging, shopping and dining options. Stremel also shares his own behind-the-lens insights for each excursion.
 Copies of the guide are available at no charge from KDWPT offices, Collier’s CVB office, visitors’ bureaus around the state, and many travel stops such as motels and restaurants. Copies can also be ordered online at www.TravelKS.com/ksbyways or by calling 1-800-684-6966.
 Perfect complements to “Byways of Kansas” are 11 new videos – one for each byway – that showcase the scenery, people, and history of the byways, Collier said. The videos range from 3 to 4 minutes apiece and were professionally produced by Gizmo Pictures of Topeka. Dynamic, sweeping videography embellished with music and narration gives viewers a lively, entertaining glimpse into the beauty and attractions to be found along each byway. View the Kansas Byways videos at www.TravelKS.com/ksbyways.
The video was shown to the Barton County Commission Tuesday morning.
 The $200,000 video project was funded primarily by a $160,000 2009 National Scenic Byway grant. KDWPT and KDOT each contributed $20,000 toward the remaining expense.
Kansas has 11 byways, eight scenic, two of which are National Scenic Byways and three historic byways. Each is situated in a unique geographic area of the state.
The two national scenic byways are Flint Hills National Scenic Byway and Wetlands and Wildlife National Scenic Byway. The state byways are Frontier Military Historic Byway, Glacial Hills Scenic Byway, Gypsum Hills Scenic Byway, Native Stone Scenic Byway, Post Rock Scenic Byway, Prairie Trail Scenic Byway, Route 66 Historic Byway, Smoky Valley Scenic Byway and Western Vistas Historic Byway. Visit TravelKS.com/KSByways for more information.
 The Kansas Byways program is co-managed by KDOT and KDWPT.