MINUTES FROM DOWNTOWN MCKINNEY, AN EXPANSIVE RETREAT AWAITS Since 1967, the Heard has been connecting people with nature through engaging events, educational programs, and immersive experiences across its 289-acre nature preserve and museum. Our premier event space, The Overlook, offers breathtaking views of the preserve, creating the perfect setting for weddings, corporate gatherings, and celebrations of all kinds. The Heard Museum is the enduring legacy of Miss Bessie Heard (1886–1988), a visionary and philanthropist who devoted her life to enriching the city of McKinney and its people. At the age of 80, she recognized the importance of preserving a space where future generations could connect with the natural world. Thanks to her dedication, the Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary opened on October 1, 1967, and continues to inspire over 100,000 visitors annually. Surrounded by vibrant wildflowers and evergreen trees, the preserve stands as a tribute to Miss Bessie’s commitment to conservation, education, and community—a commitment that remains at the heart of the Heard’s mission today. Managed by Boxwood Hospitality.