Hiking KC: Parkville Nature Sanctuary

Let’s visit our neighbors to the north. Parkville Nature Sanctuary is on the north side of the KC metro, located at 100 E 12 St, in Parkville, MO. Only 7.7 miles north of downtown Kansas City, Kansas, the preserve covers an area of 115 acres with more than three miles of hiking trails. The trails wind through dense forest, with a section of streams and two small waterfalls that cascade down from Rees Lake.

The western side of the trail is part of Parkville Nature Sanctuary, and the eastern portion of the trail lies in the White Alloe Creek Conservation Area. The area has restrooms and drinking water. Dogs, bikes, or weddings are not allowed in the sanctuary.

Parkville Nature Sanctuary is protected by the Missouri Department of Conservation and is under the patronage of a local scout service project. Volunteers also maintain an extensive butterfly garden. The sanctuary offers seasonal events such as Tree Forest Adventures, Winter Wonderland, ghost story programs, and interpretive programs.

The neighboring property is the 8.64-acre Sullivan Nature Sanctuary, created from land donated by the Sullivan family. Nearby, just east of Highway 9, lies the Green Hills of Platte Wildlife Preserve. This 49-acre historic property sits on gently sloping hills and wetlands and recently restored prairie. The hiking loop is only one mile long but is very scenic. The main feature is a historic log cabin, which is one of the oldest structures still standing in Platte County from the earliest days of settlement after becoming a US territory in 1836. The cabin is named after artist and conservationist Dorothy Day, who lived in the cabin from 1948 to 2011. The Dorothy Day Log Cabin is available for children’s events, small group events, book clubs, and private tours. It is maintained by Platte County Parks and Recreation, where reservations can be made.