The wonderful thing about Merced is that attractions here are a combination of man-made areas and green spaces. Whether you’re up for seeing breathtaking displays of natural beauty or you prefer the atmosphere of cavernous museums, this city has exactly what you’re looking for.
Here are some must-see places to check out in Merced.
Parks
Come to Applegate Park for a day out with the children! This 32-acre public space is considered as Merced’s Central Park with many attractions. It has the standard picnic areas, barbecue grills, playground, and areas and facilities for sports. But what sets it apart is this set of amenities:
- An open-air theater
- A rose garden
- The Applegate Park Zoo
- Kiddieland, an amusement park
Pacheco State Park, meanwhile, offers 28 miles of trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. Flora and fauna here are abundant so it’s possible to encounter animals such as golden eagles, bobcats, and deer among the grass and wildflower-laden slopes. Since this park holds historical significance as the last part of the land grant, El Rancho San Luis Gonzaga, one can still find remnants of that period as you tour the area.
What makes Merced National Wildlife Refuge an exciting attraction is the extraordinary variety of birds that makes the area part of their migration route. Here, you will see lesser sandhill cranes, white-faced ibis, snow geese, Swainson’s hawks, and other amazing avian species while walking along trails winding through riparian corridors, meadows, and wetlands.
Other smaller yet wonderful parks to visit especially with the kids are:
- Elmer Murchie Neighborhood Park
- Davenport Park
- Joe Herb Park
- Richard Bernasconi Park
- Bob Hart Square
- Rahilly Park
- Hagaman Park
Museums
The Merced Courthouse Museum is one of the oldest buildings in the state, having been built in 1875. It contains the history of the city itself, as well as Native American artifacts and replicas of a blacksmith shop and schoolhouse. It also features seasonal exhibits that showcase Merced’s culture, history, and lifestyle.
The Castle Air Museum in Atwater is a showcase of military aviation from past to present. It houses historic airplanes from World War II to the more modern jet fighters.
The Merced Agricultural Museum is not only a venue for seeing the evolution of farming equipment over the years. It also has educational programs to enrich people’s minds on new agricultural concepts.
Recreation areas
The Merced River runs through two green spaces that will astound you with the magnificence of nature. The first is the George J. Hatfield State Recreation Area, a small but picturesque park (at 46.5 acres) where locals come to swim, fish, and walk their dogs. There are also options for camping here.
The second state park along Merced River is McConnell State Park. It is part of the magnificent Slippery Rock Creek Gorge, formed by the draining of prehistoric glacial lakes. It is also a popular camping site with a range of amenities and activities to offer.
There is a lot to look forward to in Merced for everyone from the curious traveler to the budding historian. If you want to live close to these wonderful attractions, then check out what we at Soldavi Realty can do for you. We take pride in the service we give our customers that’s far beyond expectations. If you want to know more, then call us at 209.975.7653 or drop us a note at info(at)soldavi(dotted)com. We’ll always be happy to serve you.