The Parkville Nature Sanctuary is an island in nature located just off Missouri Highway 9 and 12th Street in Parkville, Missouri. The 115-acre nature sanctuary is a hidden jewel – a place where visitors can take a detour from busy city life and communicate with nature.
The Nature Sanctuary was born in 1989 when the Parkville Development Company donated the first 46 acres. In 1998, a cooperative agreement between the Missouri Department of Conservation, Park University and the City of Parkville added the 69-acre White Alloe Creek Conservation Area to the sanctuary.
Here, visitors can set out on the three miles of trails in the Jim Reed Trail System and explore waterfalls, a winding stream, an old-growth forest, prairie grasses, an array of wildflowers and butterfly gardens.
Hikers also can catch glimpses of deer, wild turkeys, bluebirds, a variety of songbirds and other wildlife. History is on display here, too. Hikers can relax in an old Girl Scout cabin that has been converted into a shelter and see other remnants of the land’s past.
The Sanctuary doesn’t allow dogs, even if they are on a leash. Our management plan is developed for a wildlife sanctuary. One of the top prospects for our visitors is the opportunity to see deer, turkey and other animals in a quiet and reflective setting. Dogs have the potential of disturbing the sanctuary wildlife and could reduce the opportunities for our visitors enjoyment.
As Friends of Parkville Nature Sanctuary we are pleased to refer you to two resources from our partner the City of Parkville. They are theParkville Nature Sanctuary'sWebsite and Facebook pages. These two resources will direct you to upcoming events, volunteer opportunities, Sanctuary trail maps, Shelter reservations and much more.
The nature sanctuary is open from sunrise to sunset daily and lives up to its motto – “Saving the places people love – together.”
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Give a gift to enhance and conserve Sanctuary programs and lands.
