Heard Natural Science Museum and Wildlife Sanctuary

Heard Natural Science Museum and Wildlife Sanctuary is a natural science museum with protected land spanning 289 acres across McKinney. The property contains five miles of hiking trails, wetland areas, a native plant garden, and a butterfly house for visitors to explore.

Miss Bessie Heard founded the museum in 1967 at age 80, starting with her collection of bird and flower prints gathered over a lifetime. What began as a personal collection eventually expanded into a major conservation project for the region.

The museum serves as a gathering place where visitors engage in bird watching activities, scout workshops, and guided night hikes throughout the year. These programs foster a connection between people and the natural world around them.

The grounds are easily explored on foot or by taking guided tours, with trails offering varying difficulty levels. Visitors should wear comfortable shoes and the best time to visit is during early morning hours when wildlife is most active.

The Texas Nessie exhibit displays an ancient marine predator discovered in the region, revealing that this area was once underwater. The fossil connects local geology with a playful reference to the famous Scottish lake monster.

GPS coordinates: 33.15840,-96.61530

Latest update: December 11, 2025 18:11