Top Five Things to do in and around Merced County
What to do in Merced?
It’s a commonly heard complaint, “There’s nothing to do in Merced.”
Having lived here most of my life, I have to disagree. In fact, there are so many things that I want to do, I often hear about things that I want to do but have to decline because there’s already something on the calendar.
On an ongoing basis, Merced offers a wide range of activities to participate in: recreational sports teams, youth groups and clubs, music lessons and performing arts groups, community service classes at Merced College including art and physical activity, churches, and annual events such as parades and the Merced County Fair.
These are five of the best things to do in the City of Merced and they can be enjoyed year-round. For our area’s best seasonal activities, try the following links:
- Top 5 Local Things to do in the Spring
- Top 5 Local Ways to Beat the Summer Heat
- Top 5 Local Things to do in the Fall
- Top 5 Local Things to do in the Winter
For something to do on the spur of the moment, here are five of my favorite options:
1. Visit a Museum or art gallery
Castle Air Museum has one of the best collections of historic aircraft in the country. 53 aircraft from WWII, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War are on display daily including the B-17, B-29, B-52, and SR-71.
For a full list of planes on display, visit the museum’s website: http://www.castleairmuseum.org/ondisplay.html
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Castle Air Museum is a place where history truly comes alive.
Visitors have close-up views of the planes from paved, handicapped-accessible walkways.
An indoor museum contains many additional Air Force and Army Air Corps artifacts and a B-52 simulator.
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The museum holds annual “open cockpit” days when visitors can view the insides of many of the aircraft. The museum also has a gift shop and café.
You can see the planes every day of the year except Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day. Summer Hours (May –October) are 9-5 and Winter Hours (November– April) are 10-4.
For current admission rates and special events-(click here) or call 209-723-2178.
The Merced County Historical Society’s museum
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Located in Merced’s landmark 1875 courthouse is a great place to learn about local history. The museum’s displays cover the history of the county from human settlement of the Central Valley to the present day.
Displays include Yokut Indian artifacts, early ranching and farming, artifacts from Merced’s Chinatown, a display of Merced County schools and a turn-of-the century classroom, “Old Betsy” – Merced’s 1859 fire engine, the restored 1875 courtroom, and displays of home life in the 1800’s through early 1900’s.
The museum is open Wednesday through Sunday from 1-4. Admission is free and knowledgeable volunteer docents are available to provide tours. The building is wheelchair accessible and is located at the intersection of 21st and N Streets.
The Merced County Historical Society hosts a wide range of history-themed events throughout the year.
Check the website for a current schedule and for more information about the museum: http://www.mercedmuseum.org/.
You can also call (209) 723-2401.
Showcases local artists and their creations in a variety of mediums. Special exhibits change several times a year. Currently on display is the 7th Annual California Centered Printmaking Show, featuring prints made by over 40 California artists.
Art classes for all ages are offered throughout the year by the Merced County Arts Council.
The Arbor Galley section of the Center is owned and operated by local artists.
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You can enjoy (and purchase) beautiful paintings, ceramics, photography, textiles, sculpture, glass, turned wood, jewelry, giclee prints and greeting cards.
For more information, and for a schedule of events, classes, performances, tours, and special events, go to http://www.artsmerced.org/
or call (209) 388-1090.
The Arts Center is open 11AM-7PM Wednesday-Thursday and 10AM-5PM Friday-Saturday.
Arbor Galley is open 11AM-6PM Tuesday-Friday and 10AM-2PM on Saturdays.
Admission to both the Arts Center and Arbor Gallery is free.
2. Visit a local park
Offers picnic tables and BBQ grills, indoor and outdoor facility rentals for large events, boating, fishing, playgrounds, and a swimming beach and concessions in the summer.
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Rental paddle boats, canoes, and kayaks have been available in the past and may be available again this summer.
The park is open daily during daylight hours and is located 7 miles north of downtown Merced at the end of Lake Road.
For more information go to Merced County Parks --(click here)
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Applegate Park is Merced’s central park
Located south of Bear Creek between M and R Streets, this 32-acre park offers picnic tables and BBQ grills, a playground, the Applegate Park Zoo, amusement park rides at Kiwanis Kiddieland, facilities for tennis, basketball, softball, and volleyball, a skatepark, an open air theater, a rose garden, historic Laura’s Fountain, rental facilities, and plenty of shade.
