Merced

Merced, the western gateway to Yosemite National Park and a center for tourism and farm trade, lies in a thriving cotton, fruit, and dairy region.

Merced features the Yosemite Wildlife Museum. Northwest of Merced, the Castle Air Museum in Atwater exhibits 44 vintage military aircraft.

In Le Grand, southeast of Merced, visit the Buchanan Hollow Nut Company, where you can trek through the fields and tour the processing plant. Also in Le Grand is Bright's Pioneer Exhibit, which features antique vehicles. And, in Madera, farther to the south, the Madera County Museum displays agricultural exhibits and Native American artifacts.

Bird-watchers can search for 200 species, including migratory waterfowl and shore birds, at the nearby Grassland Wetlands of Merced County, a 25-square-mile area including five national wildlife refuges.

Year-round, in the San Luis Reservoir State Recreation Area off Highway 152 (west of Los Banos), you can view birds of prey, deer, and other wildlife.

• Applegate Park and Zoo: (26th and R street in Merced) Applegate Park was one of the first parks to be constructed in the City of Merced, dating back to 1937.  Today, it is beautifully developed and landscaped twenty-three acres located in the heart of the City.  Unique to the area is a zoo that attracts visitors from throughout the San Joaquin Valley.   Also drawing attention is Kiddieland, with a variety of amusements for children, including a train that runs through the park.  The park is also home to the Merced Open Air Theater which hosts celebrations of music and art. The zoo is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. from March to October.  Hours will vary during other times of the year.  There is a nominal admission fee.  Kiddieland is open weekends at 1 p.m. between March and October.
• Bright's Pioneer Museum: (5426 S. Plainsburg Rd. LeGrand) Open weekdays 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and weekends by appointment.  Free admission.  Features a collection of old cars, trucks, tractors, and wagons, some of which date back to 1873.
• Castle Air Museum: Castle Air Museum is a history lesson that the whole family should share.  While there is nothing glamorous about war, these majestic birds serve as a awe-inspiring reminder of how fragile our freedom is and how men and women of courage and ingenuity stepped forward when that freedom was threatened.  The museum house one of the country's finest collections of WWII aircraft along with planes from the Korean conflict and others of a more recent vintage.  All have been faithfully restored to their original appearance.   Displays of military equipment, uniforms, medals and other memorabilia can be found in an adjacent building. Located at the former site of Castle Air Force Base, Santa Fe and Buhach Roads in Atwater.  From Hwy. 99, take the Buhach exit and follow signs towards Castle Airport.  The museum is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.   Adults: $5, Senior Citizens: $3, Children 12 and up: $2, Children under 11: Free.
• Farmer's Market Festival: (Downtown Merced) Every Thursday evening, spring through fall, Main Street is closed to automobile traffic, making space for people to eat, buy, talk, and listen to music.  The weekly festival showcases literally tons of fresh produce from the area's many family farms.  In most cases, the produce being sold that evening was in the fields earlier that day.  In addition to the fresh fruits, nuts, and vegetables, the festival features free entertainment, food booths, and craft items for sale.

Historic & Cultural Sites

• Hotel Tioga: This building was built in 1928 in the Spanish Renaissance style.  It provided accommodations for tourists traveling to Yosemite and hosted local service clubs and organizations.  It is now a residential hotel and was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1980.  (located on Main and N Streets)
• Historic Homes: Merced's history spans over 100 years and many of the town's earliest homes are still with us today.  There are over a three dozen historic homes and buildings in the downtown area and a walking tour has been developed for visitors to explore.  Brochures are available at the Merced Convention and Visitors Bureau.
• Laura Fountain: This beautiful fountain was originally erected in 1888 on the site at the easterly front of the El Capitan Hotel.  It was relocated to its present location in Applegate Park in 1935.  It was built by Charles Huffman and named for his wife, Laura.   (located on M Street near 27th Street)
• Main Street Theater: The Merced Theater was built in 1931, with a Spanish Colonial Revival style.  The theater was built with the most modern features of that time.  The auditorium represented the court yard of a Spanish castle with the silhouettes of lighted windows, starts on the ceiling, a cloud machine, and a lobby filled with Spanish tile.   Extensive interior remodeling has changed the interior, but the exterior is fairly close to its original appearance.
• Old County Library: This building was built in 1897 as the first public high school, Merced High School.   Designed by Lewis S. Stone, it originally was a red brick building of the Richardson Romanesque style.  Bricked over windows, stucco, and removal of the central tower has altered its appearance.  It was remodeled in 1921 to serve as a library and to house offices for the California Highway Patrol, Veteran's Administration, Parks and Recreation, and Welfare.  It currently vacant.  (located on M Street near 22nd)
• Transpo Center: Known as the Southern Pacific Company Passenger Station, this Neo-Classic railroad station was built in 1926.  Many visitors arrived here to stay at the Hotel Tioga and El Capitan Motel on their way to Yosemite.  The Southern Pacific Railroad began as the Central Pacific and was instrumental in the development of the Golden State.
• Merced Agricultural Museum: (4498 E. Hwy 140  Merced) Antique gas engines and household items, horse drawn buggies, and more!   Open Tuesday through Sunday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Donations accepted.  Take Hwy. 99 to Yosemite (Hwy. 140 east).
• Merced Courthouse Museum: The Merced County Courthouse was built in 1875, and is located in the center of Courthouse Park.  The building was designed by Albert A. Bennett, one of the architects of the State Capitol, in the architectural style known as Italiante.  A two-story addition was built in 1914 and is located at the rear of the building.  Free admission.  Open Wednesday through Sunday 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.   (located at 21st and N Streets)
• Merced Multicultural Arts Center: (645 W. Main Street) This facility features paintings, sculptures, photography, class areas for dance, theater, and conference facilities. Open weekdays 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.   Group tours available on weekends by appointment.

Recreational Sites

• Lake McClure & Lake McSwain Recreation Areas: Whether you are renting a houseboat for a week, camping for the weekend, or enjoying an afternoon picnic on the beach, there are ninety-six miles of shoreline at Lake McClure and Lake McSwain Recreation areas the provide the perfect family escape.  Provided are hot showers, clean restrooms, full service marinas, grocery stores, boat launch ramps, and recreational equipment rentals.  27 miles from Merced.  Take Hwy. 59 north out of Merced to Snelling and then follow the signs.
• Lake Yosemite: Boating, waterskiing, wind sailing, swimming, canoeing, BBQ's, picnic areas, and a sandy beach.  Private groups can reserve areas such as the Rotary, Rotary II, Veterans cove, Fish & Games Building, and Scout Island.   Take G Street north, turn right on Yosemite Ave and left on Lake Road.   Admission = $4 per car during peak season.