Tourism and Festivals

Heald Home


Darius Heald, a prominent figure in O’Fallon’s history, built his family’s home in the late 1800s in what is now Fort Zumwalt Park. Heald, who was born in 1822, was well into his 60s when he commissioned the new home, to be built on a hill overlooking the old log home in which he and his large family lived, and where he was born.


The Heald Home, completed around 1886, is of German-Italianate-Victorian style, with hipped roof construction and economical coal-burning fireplaces (now gas). The two-story brick home reflects O’Fallon’s German-immigrant craftsmanship, and was named “Stony Point Plantation.”


In 1978, the City of O’Fallon purchased both the Heald Home and park property on which it stood for $1 from the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. In 2001, the City restored the Heald Home, maintaining its original interior woodwork and reopening the fireplaces throughout the house. Since then, the Heald Home has served as one of the City’s historic attractions.


The home is open for tours during special events in the park (see schedule of free events, below), and also by appointment for groups of 10 or more. Call 636-379-5614, or email mseymour@ofallon.mo.us.

 


Directions

From I-70: Take Exit 217 at Highway K/M. Turn south on K to Veterans Memorial Parkway and turn west. Fort Zumwalt Park will be on your left.


From Highway 40: Exit Highway 40 at K. Turn north on K to Veterans Memorial Parkway and turn west. Fort Zumwalt Park will be on your left.

 

Upcoming events at the Heald Home

 

Snowflake Exhibit and Book Signing
Sunday, January 22
1 – 4 p.m., Heald Home, Fort Zumwalt Park
Cost: $2 per person at the door; house tour included


View an exhibit of intricate, cut-paper snowflake creations by artist Marion Nichols – aka the Snowflake Lady. Ms. Nichols will give demonstrations of snowflake-making and sell and sign copies of her original snowflake pattern books. The first 100 patrons will receive a pre-folded snowflake pattern.

 

Great Backyard Bird Count
Friday, February 17 – Monday, February 20
Various times each day, Fort Zumwalt Park
Cost: Free; reservations are required for the bird identification program and bird walk.

 

This four-day event for bird watchers of all ages is part of a national event that aims to create a real-time snapshot of where the birds are across the continent. Anyone can participate, from beginning bird watchers to experts, and it helps the birds. Don't forget your binoculars!

 

Friday, February 17
7 a.m. Bird Count (serious birders)

 

Saturday, February 18
10 a.m. or 12:30 p.m. Bird Identification (reservations required)
11 a.m. or 1:30 p.m. Bird Walk and Count
10 a.m. – 2 p.m. St. Louis Audubon Society exhibit
11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Free kids' activities

 

Sunday, February 19
8 a.m. Bird Count (serious birders)
10 a.m. Bird Count – for families

 

Monday, February 20
9 a.m. Bird Count (serious birders)

 

Dr. Seuss Birthday Party and Book Swap • Ages 4–9
Saturday, March 3
9:30 – 11 a.m., Heald Home, Fort Zumwalt Park
Cost: $10/$12 per person (Min. registration is 12; max. is 30.)

 

One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish sets the theme for this party honoring children's book author Dr. Seuss. Kids are invited to bring books to the Book Swap to trade for other books. The party includes a story, craft and snack.

 

Garden Expo
Saturday, April 14, 2012
Historic Heald Home grounds, Fort Zumwalt Park
Cost: Expo admission is free; Heald Home tours are $2

 

Get ready for the prettiest yard and garden you’ve ever had by talking to the experts and shopping for live plants and garden accessories at the Garden Expo. Find out which plants – from azaleas to zinnias – grow best in our area, get answers and information about lawn and garden issues, and talk to master gardeners, local garden club members and lawn and garden professionals.


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