In Merced, there’s a range of things to explore during a stay, from county history in a three-story courthouse to art, park activities and a June agricultural fair. When planning, take the museum’s opening hours, the fair’s June dates and the seasonally changing availability at Merced Fruit Barn into account.
History and Art in Merced
The Merced County Courthouse Museum features 8,500 square feet of permanent and rotating exhibits on the history of Merced County and the settlers of the Great Central Valley. The museum is housed in a three-story courthouse dating from 1875, considered one of California’s oldest historic buildings. It is open Wednesday through Sunday from 1 to 4 p.m. Check the opening hours before you go so you can fit your museum visit into your day’s itinerary.
The other cultural venues each offer a different focus. The Merced Theatre opened on October 31, 1931. The Merced Multicultural Arts Center showcases artists from local and regional communities, as well as from across the state and the nation. La GalerĂa presents exhibitions that connect the UC Merced campus with artists, ideas and communities from California and beyond. Together, these venues offer different perspectives, from county history to art with connections beyond the region.
Applegate Park and the Merced Applegate Zoo
The Merced Applegate Zoo is home to about 75 mammals, birds and reptiles. Many are California native species from wildlife rescue centers. Its focus on these animal groups and their origins offers a different area of interest from the museums and art venues.
Applegate Park offers shaded picnic areas, playgrounds, a small lake and open green spaces. The park also has a bike path, a picnic shelter, a skate park, a tennis court and volleyball nets. You’ll find options there for both a picnic break and a range of play and sports activities.
June Fair and Local Produce
The Merced County Fair is a five-day agricultural fair held every June. If you’d like to plan your trip around the fair, check the specific dates and program in advance. This will help you time your visit to coincide with the actual fair dates.
Merced Fruit Barn offers locally grown fruit, nuts and fresh produce; product availability may vary seasonally. Visitors can also see the farm animals there. Since offerings on site can change, it’s worth checking before your visit, especially if seeing the farm animals or finding specific produce is part of your plans.
Getting Around Along the Hwy-140 Route
Along the Hwy-140 route, there are free long-term parking options at several locations in Merced, including at Merced Transpo and in a garage in the downtown district. The locations are within walking distance of bus stops. Highway 140 is a year-round route into Yosemite Valley. If long-term parking or the route is important to your plans, check parking availability and transit conditions before your trip; both can change.
Discover more destinations: Stevinson, Atwater, Gustine, Los Banos, Winton.
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