The Conrad & Viola McGrew Nature Preserve is a hidden gem within the city limits. At its heart is a very pretty and serene trail that winds behind houses and townhomes. Trail access from the south is just west of the corner of Bob Billings Parkway and Inverness Drive. Trail access from the north is on Inverness Drive at Quail Run Park.

The trail features a 0.61 mile long 8-foot-wide concrete path, surrounded by 15 acres of woods. A meandering stream flows beneath four pedestrian bridges on the trail.

The trail is easy and is suitable for walking, running, and biking. It is accessible, although the southern end of the trail includes a significant incline.

The park was created in 1986 and is one of Lawrence’s greenbelt spaces. The Nature Preserve, along with two other parks, was donated to the city by John McGrew, longtime owner of McGrew Real Estate. The Preserve is named for his parents, Conrad and Viola.

The other parks donated by McGrew are the Kanza Southward Nature Preserve and the Dawson Billings Nature Area. The Kanza Southward Nature Preserve is located at Bluestem and Inverness Drives. The Pat Dawson Billings Nature Area is located at 27th Street and Crossgate Drive.