KIRWIN, Kan. - Cyclists from across Kansas and Nebraska gather annually at Kirwin National Wildlife Refuge for Take a Ride on the Wild Side, a recreational biking event that combines outdoor adventure, wildlife viewing and an opportunity to experience the natural beauty of north-central Kansas.
Hosted in partnership with the Phillips County Convention & Visitors Bureau, the noncompetitive event invites cyclists of all ages and experience levels to explore the refuge through three designated routes. Participants can choose from a 6-mile, family-friendly course designed for beginners, a 14-mile route for intermediate riders or a more challenging 31-mile course for experienced cyclists.
Each route offers a unique perspective of the refuge's diverse landscapes, where sweeping views of Kirwin Reservoir meet expansive mixed-grass prairies and seasonal wildflowers. Along the way, cyclists may encounter some of the area's native wildlife, including white-tailed deer, ring-necked pheasants and northern bobwhite quail, which are frequently observed near refuge roadsides.
More than a recreational outing, Take a Ride on the Wild Side serves as an opportunity to connect communities with public lands and the wildlife they support. The event draws both local residents and visitors from throughout the region, including participants traveling from Wichita and Garden City, Kansas, and Lincoln and Gothenburg, Nebraska.
The event's growing regional reach underscores the value of partnerships in introducing new audiences to the National Wildlife Refuge System. By working together, refuge staff and the Phillips County Convention & Visitors Bureau provide an accessible outdoor experience while encouraging tourism and strengthening relationships between the refuge and surrounding communities.
For participants, the ride offers more than miles traveled. It provides an opportunity to slow down, observe wildlife and discover the importance of protecting the landscapes that make these experiences possible. Whether navigating the shorter family route or completing the 31-mile course, cyclists experience firsthand the connection between healthy habitats, thriving wildlife populations and outdoor recreation.
The event also highlights the broader conservation mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. As part of the National Wildlife Refuge System, Kirwin National Wildlife Refuge helps conserve wildlife and habitat while providing opportunities for the public to experience and appreciate the natural world.
Through events such as Take a Ride on the Wild Side, the refuge demonstrates how recreation, conservation and community engagement can work together to foster a lasting appreciation for America's natural resources.
For cyclists who return year after year, and for those discovering the refuge for the first time, the event offers a reminder that connecting with nature can begin with something as simple as a bicycle ride.
