Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary
Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary
Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary
4.5
1:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
1:00 PM - 5:00 PM
About
Nature Reserve, garden, hiking trails and nature center provides an escape to nature.
Meets animal welfare guidelines
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86 within 10 kms
See what travellers are saying
- Nancy MMcKinney, Texas272 contributionswell doneWent on a very hot day so we did part of the outdoors, then the indoors, then the rest of the outdoors. The animatronic dinosaurs are very well done. The trees and such are pretty even though it's been a drought summer. Definitely showing its age. The people working were great!Visited September 2023Travelled with familyWritten 14 October 2023
- melwashere81Cleveland, Texas3,444 contributionsLovely dayThe indoor section is very small and not much to see. The outdoor section is worth the price of admission. There are animals to see and many trails to hike. They also have a dino exhibit (for a limited time) that is very well done. We had a great time hiking all the trails. Tips: Get there early as it gets crowded, especially on weekends! Bring water, too! I thought I'd be fine without it, but the trails were longer than I anticipated.Visited October 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 6 November 2023
- Megan FMcKinney, Texas84 contributionsNature Escape Amid City LifeThe Heard’s Museum and Wilderness Sanctuary has it all: fossils, live animals, unique nature trails, and a cute little gift shop. The museum has a wide variety of items and is fun for the whole family. My child didn’t want to leave! The trails are absolutely gorgeous. Whether you like hiking in the woods, wetlands, or prairie, each brings with it beauty and serenity. I bought a membership because I just keep coming back again and again.Visited April 2024Travelled soloWritten 12 April 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
239 reviews
Excellent
122
Very good
82
Average
29
Poor
3
Terrible
3
Catherine M
1 contribution
Aug 2022 • Family
My family came here as our last stop on a last minute vacation before my girls went back to school. The whole trip had been great at the hotel, the activities, museums, and everywhere else. That all changed when we arrived at the Heard Natural Science Museum and Wildlife Sanctuary. The older woman at the front desk was very rude. I am a diabetic and have a diabetic alert service dog. He usually does not bark but there were a lot of loud children in the gift shop/admission area and he let out 2-3 low barks.The lady said that service dogs do not bark. Then she questioned what kind of service he provided for me. I know that that is not allowed so I got kind of upset but I still treated her with respect. Then she told me that I could not go into certain parts of the museum and surrounding areas. My husband and I talked it over and decided that I would take the girls and go see the museum and he would take the dog and sit on a bench in the shade outside. My girls and I explored the museum. We were going to explore the sanctuary but my daughters they were too hot and tired. When we got outside the museum, my husband and service dog were nowhere around. We walked to the car and they were inside. My husband said that while they were sitting on the bench, two workers came outside (including the rude woman) and told my husband that he could not have my service dog there and they would have to leave. All in all the whole experience was awful. The workers were rude and I would not recommend this museum for anyone to visit (especially if they have a disability that requires a service dog).
Written 14 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Texoma Family
Sherman, TX669 contributions
Mar 2022 • Family
I was surprised that the entrance is right in the middle of a neighborhood.
The structures are dated and worn. The small museum was somewhat interesting, but again, it’s small, but the gift shop seemed updated. The globe was a neat feature for the museum. The little mini village is in need of many repairs. The outdoor animal cages were mostly empty, but perhaps the animals were elsewhere since it’s still a bit chilly outside. The dinosaurs were not on the property, since they went “home” for repairs. We ventured on a trail. Repairs are needed everywhere. The cost for a membership is affordable, but I would not have a membership if it wasn’t reciprocal. The fact that we’re able to go to other museums due to our membership with Heard is what makes it worth it.
The hurricane machine worked fine and was fun.
The structures are dated and worn. The small museum was somewhat interesting, but again, it’s small, but the gift shop seemed updated. The globe was a neat feature for the museum. The little mini village is in need of many repairs. The outdoor animal cages were mostly empty, but perhaps the animals were elsewhere since it’s still a bit chilly outside. The dinosaurs were not on the property, since they went “home” for repairs. We ventured on a trail. Repairs are needed everywhere. The cost for a membership is affordable, but I would not have a membership if it wasn’t reciprocal. The fact that we’re able to go to other museums due to our membership with Heard is what makes it worth it.
The hurricane machine worked fine and was fun.
Written 22 March 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Eat_Drink_Luv_Travel
Dallas99 contributions
Oct 2022 • Family
What a hidden gem! The Heard Museum is excellent value for your money and a great place for families or anyone who likes a nature trail. Our group really enjoyed the Dinosaurs Alive! exhibit—lifelike and engaging for all ages. Beautifully maintained trails and a great little indoor museum as well. We had a fun day as a family and plan to return to see it in other seasons as well.
Written 23 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
DLNY1
New York159 contributions
Apr 2023 • Solo
great place for a morning walk. Several well marked trails of both gravel, dirt and boardwalks. One boardwalk goes over the water which provides for great views of turtles and birds. Unfortunately the small Animal of the World exhibit needs work to brighten up the experience because it looks rather sad and dreary for the few animals that are there and doesn't give the visitor a happy experience. BUT, walking the trails was really enjoyable and seeing the birds, turtles and deer in the fields and waterways was relaxing. I recommend getting there when they open before any schools or camps arrive later in the day.
Written 2 May 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mary K
1 contribution
Jan 2022
The Heard Museum and Wildilfe Sanctuary is a fabulous outing for- family and friend groups, nature photographers, and all ages for life science school field trips. My students loved counting the turtles! The education presentation was lively and engaging. Hiking with a camera is a must on the Heard trails. There is something new to observe and discover in any season.
Written 30 January 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dano
Broken Arrow, OK50 contributions
Feb 2020
Been a member for longtime, my grandkids love to visit the museum and also hike around and see the dinosaurs. Granddaughter would stay and play for hours in the little house village. Butterfly house is really fun to see in spring. Very nice staff and a gem to have so close.
Written 11 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
melwashere81
Cleveland, TX3,444 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
The indoor section is very small and not much to see. The outdoor section is worth the price of admission. There are animals to see and many trails to hike. They also have a dino exhibit (for a limited time) that is very well done. We had a great time hiking all the trails.
Tips:
Get there early as it gets crowded, especially on weekends!
Bring water, too! I thought I'd be fine without it, but the trails were longer than I anticipated.
Tips:
Get there early as it gets crowded, especially on weekends!
Bring water, too! I thought I'd be fine without it, but the trails were longer than I anticipated.
Written 7 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
David S
McKinney, TX141 contributions
Dec 2022
We went for the Christmas lights walk through the grounds, with the dinosaurs all decorated in holiday lights. We had fun, and enjoyed the music at the end of the walk. Wear decent shoes for walking. We are looking forward to a Spring visit to enjoy the gardens so for a Christmas outing I recommend the Heard. Will update after our next visit.
Written 6 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Megan F
McKinney, TX84 contributions
Apr 2024 • Solo
The Heard’s Museum and Wilderness Sanctuary has it all: fossils, live animals, unique nature trails, and a cute little gift shop.
The museum has a wide variety of items and is fun for the whole family. My child didn’t want to leave!
The trails are absolutely gorgeous. Whether you like hiking in the woods, wetlands, or prairie, each brings with it beauty and serenity. I bought a membership because I just keep coming back again and again.
The museum has a wide variety of items and is fun for the whole family. My child didn’t want to leave!
The trails are absolutely gorgeous. Whether you like hiking in the woods, wetlands, or prairie, each brings with it beauty and serenity. I bought a membership because I just keep coming back again and again.
Written 12 April 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Suszanne M
Bryan, TX220 contributions
Mar 2024 • Family
Will, have to revisit this museum to explore 289 acres. I was not impressed with the inside part of the museum, must keep in mind tho it is a private owned non profit. Next visit will explore the trails and update my notes.
Written 13 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Fran C
Wylie, Texas
My husband and and I are thinking about bringing five of our grandchildren (ages, 7, 6, 5, 5 & 4) in the late afternooon on Sat. Feb. 28, 2015. We've never been to the Heard, and I read that you close at 5pm. Can you provide an agenda that allows for the best use of our time. If all the grandkids are dropped off at our house on schedule ... I believe we can be at the Heard about 3pm.
Written 8 February 2015
Fran C
Wylie, Texas
My husband and and I are thinking about bringing five of our grandchildren (ages, 7, 6, 5, 5 & 4) in the late afternooon on Sat. Feb. 28, 2015. We've never been to the Heard, and I read that you close at 5pm. Can you provide an agenda that allows for the best use of our time. If all the grandkids are dropped off at our house on schedule ... I believe we can be at the Heard about 3pm.
Written 8 February 2015
Hi! It's too bad the dinosaurs won't be there after Feb. 15, then I would have recommended the trail where the dinosaurs are places for sure, without them, it's a nice place to hike, not hilly, and there is a spot with picnic tables along the way. 2 hrs. might be long enough for touring the museum, there are displays behind glass of snakes, turtles, birds, spiders, a display of seashells and information as to how the area we live in came to be. A few live animals, so just do the museum first, then go down the stairs to the small displays of snakes and turtles, go outside the double doors to the trail, and let the kids run. I'm not sure if you like to hang around the gift shop, but our 4 yr. old grandson loved the little dinosaurs and turtles they had there. 2 hrs. might be just long enough with all the ages of kids you have!!
Written 8 February 2015
Hi, we are retired, what is there for us to see or do at the Heard Museum?
Written 28 January 2015
stephaniejennings
McKinney, Texas
Founded in 1967, the Heard consists of a 289 acre wildlife sanctuary and a natural science museum for the primary purpose of educating children about nature. The Heard exists to bring nature and people together to discover, enjoy, experience, restore, and preserve our priceless environment.
The Heard’s education department offers innovative programs designed for all age groups, interest and abilities. Programs include guided nature trails, live animal presentations, night hikes, adult and teacher workshops, and more.
We also offer a variety of seasonal special events as fundraisers for this 501(c)3 nonprofit organization.
he Heard's indoor exhibits provide an interactive environment in which visitors can discover, enjoy and experience various aspects of the Texas natural environment. The exhibits also enhance the experience of visitors to The Heard by providing interpretation of natural events and objects found that might otherwise be overlooked or misunderstood when encountered on the wildlife sanctuary.The Heard Museum currently maintains exhibits on Texas' venomous snakes, rocks, minerals and fossils, seashells and marine life, North Texas ecosystems, a children's fossil dig, a marine room, and more.
While most of the Heard’s property is preserved or restored to a state in which once-dominant ecosystems can be shared with future generations, the Heard also uses two garden spaces to educate the public about designing wildlife-friendly landscapes, wildlife habitats, native plant gardens, and residential bird and butterfly gardens. Using native plant life, the Heard hopes to also share techniques for conserving natural resources.
I encourage you to have a look at our website where you can find additional information. Thank you for your interest in visiting!
Written 29 January 2015
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