Merced, California: Parks, Museums & Outdoor Adventures

• What is the Merced National Wildlife Refuge?
  • The Merced National Wildlife Refuge is an area of land that was established in 1951 to protect more than 10,000 acres of natural landscapes, ranging from native grasslands and wetlands to riparian areas and vernal pools.
• Why was the Merced National Wildlife Refuge founded?
  • It was originally founded to attract wintering waterfowl from the surrounding farmlands, where they were causing foraging damage.
• What wildlife can be found at the Merced National Wildlife Refuge?
  • The refuge provides crucial breeding grounds for large wintering populations of arctic nesting geese, thousands of visiting waterfowl, water birds, shorebirds, and small animals.
• What additional resources does the refuge offer for wildlife?
  • The Merced National Wildlife Refuge also boasts 300 acres of cultivated corn, winter wheat crops, and over 500 acres of irrigated pasture for wildlife.

Address: 7430 W Sandy Mush Rd, Merced, CA 95341

• What is the Merced County Courthouse Museum?
  • The Merced County Courthouse Museum is dedicated to telling the story of the settlers of the Great Central Valley and depicting the history of Merced County.
• Where is the Merced County Courthouse Museum located?
  • The museum is situated at the intersection of W. 21st and N Streets in the historic three-story Merced County Courthouse.
• When was the Merced County Courthouse built?
  • The courthouse was built in 1875 and served as the city’s courthouse from 1875 until 1975.
• Who designed the Merced County Courthouse?
  • The courthouse was designed by State Capitol Architect, Albert A. Bennett in the Italianate style.
• Is the Merced County Courthouse a historic landmark?
  • Yes, the building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is one of the oldest historic buildings in California.
• When is the Merced County Courthouse Museum open?
  • The museum is open Wednesday through Sunday.

Address: W 21st & N Street, Merced, CA 95340

Attractions for Couples

• Where is Lake Yosemite located?
  • Located in the rolling Sierra Foothills just outside of Merced, Lake Yosemite is an artificial freshwater lake.
• Why was Lake Yosemite built?
  • The lake was built for irrigation purposes in 1888 and currently supplies irrigation water to farms in the surrounding Merced County.
• Who owns and operates Lake Yosemite?
  • Lake Yosemite is owned and operated by the Merced Irrigation District.
• What activities are available at Lake Yosemite?
  • The lake offers a variety of water-based activities including boating, jet-skiing, water-skiing, sailing, and swimming in designated areas.
• What amenities are available at Lake Yosemite?
  • The lake is home to a full-service marina with boat launches, and the shoreline features shady picnic areas with tables, barbecue pits, and restrooms, as well as a children’s playground.

Address: Merced County, California

• What is Playhouse Merced?
  • Playhouse Merced is a community theater that provides entertainment through live theater, dance, music recitals, and artistic performances throughout the year.
• When was Playhouse Merced founded?
  • Playhouse Merced was founded in 1994 as the Merced Center for the Performing Arts.
• What types of performances does Playhouse Merced offer?
  • The theater presents more than a dozen shows and special events annually, including dramas, musicals, comedies, classics, and children's theatre.
• Who does Playhouse Merced serve?
  • Playhouse Merced engages, enriches, and entertains the communities of Merced and the Central Valley through its performances and programs.
• Does Playhouse Merced offer educational programs?
  • Yes, Playhouse Merced features a youth Conservatory that offers educational programs and instruction in dance, music, and theatre.

Address: 452 W Main St, Merced, CA 95340, Phone: 209-725-8587

• What is Vista Ranch and Cellars?
  • Vista Ranch and Cellars is a family-owned ranch that features farm plots, a beautiful vineyard, a modern tasting room, an outdoor picnic area, and an event center.
• Where is Vista Ranch and Cellars located?
  • The ranch rests on 20 acres of George Fancher’s Bear Creek Ranch.
• What fresh produce is available at Vista Ranch and Cellars?
  • The ranch boasts year-round and seasonal farm plots that produce broccoli, strawberries, bi-color sweet corn, Swiss chard, pumpkins, and pomegranates, which are sold at the on-site farm market and at various events.
• Does Vista Ranch and Cellars have recreational activities?
  • Yes, there are two bocce courts outside the tasting room for some outdoor fun in the summer.
• What kind of wines does Vista Ranch and Cellars produce?
  • The ranch has 3.5 acres of Cabernet and Primativo vineyards that produce small-batch wines every year.
• Where is the wine tasting room located?
  • The tasting room is set in a historic 1910 farmhouse, surrounded by fruit trees and farm plots.

Address: 7326 CA-140, Merced, CA 95340, Phone: 209-722-8200

Recommended Activities for Families

• What is the Applegate Park Zoo?
  • The Applegate Park Zoo is a zoological park and animal center that provides a haven for a variety of wildlife, many of which were previously in wildlife rescue centers.
• When was Applegate Park Zoo established?
  • The zoo was established in 1962.
• What kind of habitats does Applegate Park Zoo have?
  • The park features several different habitats where the animals comfortably reside, offering visitors a glimpse into how they live in their natural environments.
• What amenities does the zoo offer visitors?
  • The park features several picnic areas where visitors can enjoy alfresco lunches and a children’s playground to keep younger visitors entertained.
• Does Applegate Park Zoo have a gift shop?
  • Yes, the zoo has a gift shop operated by the Merced Zoological Society (MZS).
• How does Applegate Park Zoo fund its upkeep?
  • The Merced Zoological Society (MZS) hosts special events and functions, with funds going towards the upkeep of the zoo.

Address: 1045 W 25th St, Merced, CA 95340, Phone: 209-725-3337

• What is the Merced Fruit Barn?
  • The Merced Fruit Barn is a homely farmstall that sells a variety of fresh produce, including fruit, vegetables, honey, and other farm products.
• Where is the Merced Fruit Barn located?
  • The barn is conveniently located on East Highway 140, heading towards Yosemite.
• What sweet treats and specialty items does the Merced Fruit Barn sell?
  • The barn offers an array of sweet treats, including dried fruit and nuts, candied fruit and nuts, specialty gourmet items, homemade jams, preserves, and marmalade.
• Does the Merced Fruit Barn offer gift options?
  • Yes, the barn sells gift baskets and trays for special occasions.
• Does the Merced Fruit Barn have a picnic area?
  • Yes, the barn features a lovely grassy lawn with picnic tables where visitors can relax and sample their goodies.

Address: 4526 E, CA-140, Merced, CA 95340, Phone: 209-385-2222

• What is the Merced Multicultural Arts Center?
  • The Merced Multicultural Arts Center is a 28,000-square-foot multipurpose arts center, gallery space, and performance venue dedicated to inspiring and nurturing the arts in Merced County.
• Where is the Merced Multicultural Arts Center located?
  • The center is located at 645 W. Main Street in downtown Merced.
• Who manages the Merced Multicultural Arts Center?
  • The center is managed by the Merced County Arts Council.
• What types of exhibitions does the center feature?
  • The center features an array of temporary exhibitions and displays by local and visiting artists.
• Does the Merced Multicultural Arts Center offer educational programs?
  • Yes, the center offers art classes and educational programs for both adults and children.
• Does the center provide financial support for artists?
  • Yes, the center offers financial support for working artists.
• Can the Merced Multicultural Arts Center be rented for events?
  • Yes, the center has spaces available for rent for special events and functions.

Address: 645 W Main St, Merced, CA 95340, Phone: 209-388-1090

Where to Eat

• What is Jantz Café & Bakery?
  • Jantz Café & Bakery is a friendly neighborhood café and bakery that provides freshly baked bread, pastries, and sweet treats every day, along with a menu of light fare for breakfast and lunch from Monday through Saturday.
• How many locations does Jantz Café & Bakery have?
  • Jantz Café & Bakery has three locations around the region.
• What is Jantz Café & Bakery famous for?
  • The café is well known for its homemade strawberry pie, made with fresh strawberries and served with a dollop of cream. It is also famous for its Triple Chunk Brownies, which satisfy even the hardiest sweet tooth.
• What is on the breakfast menu at Jantz Café & Bakery?
  • The breakfast menu features omelets, biscuits and gravy, breakfast sandwiches, burritos, and oatmeal.
• What is on the lunch menu at Jantz Café & Bakery?
  • The lunch menu offers fresh salads, homemade soups, sandwiches, and sides.

Address: 3361 G St, Merced, CA 95340, Phone: 209-726-5157