Parkville, Missouri

This small town has capitalized on its position overlooking the Missouri River. Beautiful 68-acre English Landing Park provides hikers, strollers and picnickers with 3 miles of walking trails, shelters and playground equipment. Parkville Nature Sanctuary offers 115 acres of woods and wetlands, a waterfall and beaver colony. This small town is also known for its antique shops and art galleries in the historic downtown area. Parkville is home to Park University. It was established in 1875 as a church-related college but is now an independent, private institution that has expanded into electronic learning and provider of education for the U.S. Military. Parkville is named for George S. Park who bought the steamboat landing concession on the Missouri River in 1838. He served as the town's first postmaster.