The Parkville Nature Sanctuary is a wildlife preserve and educational site developed and maintained by the City of Parkville Parks and Recreation with the help of a group of extraordinary volunteers. It is a acre natural outdoor area made accessible by nearly three miles of hiking trails. The main entrance of the Parkville Nature Sanctuary is at 12 th Street, south of Highway 9, at the bottom of the hill next to the Park University athletic fields.
Check us out on Facebook! With help from a Missouri Department of Conservation naturalist, trails were laid out to make the area accessible with minimal impact to the land and wildlife habitats. Bridges were built across White Alloe Creek, a boardwalk was constructed over the swampy area, and erosion control devices were incorporated in the trails to minimize damage from human activities. With the help of many volunteers, Scout troops, and service groups the trails became a reality.
This added a beautiful forested area and more than doubled the area managed by the Parkville Nature Sanctuary. Many Eagle Scout projects have since enhanced the accessibility of the White Tail Trail with improvements such as graveled paths, wood steps, and switchbacks.
The old Girl Scout Cabin location was preserved and restored as a gathering area and in was fitted with a shelter roof. The shelter known as the Scout Cabin can be reserved in three-hour increments in the Nature Sanctuary.
There is no vehicle access nor utilities available at the shelter. All nature sanctuary rules must be followed. Shelters can be reserved by visiting our reservation page.
