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Merced is the county seat of Merced County in the heart of California's San Joaquin Valley, about two hours from the Bay Area and an hour and a half from Yosemite Valley. It was founded in 1872 when the Central Pacific Railroad built its line through the valley, and it took its name from the nearby Merced River, named by Spanish explorers for Our Lady of Mercy. The city was incorporated in 1889.
Calling itself the Gateway to Yosemite, Merced has long welcomed travelers on their way to the national park. Downtown along Main Street keeps the restored 1931 Merced Theatre, historic hotels and storefronts, and the grand 1875 Merced County Courthouse, now a museum.
The University of California, Merced, opened in 2005, brings a young energy to the city. Nearby, the Castle Air Museum displays dozens of historic military aircraft, and the Merced National Wildlife Refuge draws huge flocks of migrating cranes, geese and ducks in winter.
The Merced Theatre is a 1931 Spanish Revival movie palace on Main Street, restored and reopened as a community venue for concerts, films, plays and comedy. Its tower and neon marquee are a downtown landmark. Check the theater's schedule online and enjoy dinner at one of the nearby downtown restaurants before a show.
UC Merced, opened in 2005, is the newest campus of the University of California, set on the northeast edge of the city beside Lake Yosemite. Its modern buildings are designed for energy efficiency, and the surrounding grasslands hold a vernal pool reserve. Visitors can walk the central campus, and parking permits are required on weekdays.
The Merced County Courthouse Museum fills the 1875 Italianate courthouse in Courthouse Park, with restored courtroom, Victorian rooms and exhibits on Yokuts life, early settlers and Chinese immigrants of the valley. Admission is free. It is open limited afternoons, so check hours, and look for the Goddess of Justice statue on top.
Downtown Merced along Main Street mixes historic brick buildings, the Merced Theatre, cafes, bars, Mexican and Asian restaurants and local shops. The weekly certified farmers market and seasonal events bring crowds downtown. It is a handy stop for food on the way to Yosemite, with free parking in several city lots nearby.
The Merced Multicultural Arts Center downtown holds rotating art galleries, performances, classes and community events, reflecting the many cultures of the Central Valley. Exhibitions often feature local and regional artists. Admission to the galleries is usually free, and the center's calendar lists upcoming shows and workshops.
Applegate Park is Merced's historic central park, with large trees, a rose garden, playgrounds, a small amusement area for children and the Applegate Park Zoo, which shows native California animals such as bobcats, coyotes and birds of prey. The zoo is free or low cost. Morning visits are best, when the animals are more active.
The Bear Creek Bikeway is a paved path that follows Bear Creek through the center of Merced, linking parks and neighborhoods under shady trees. It is used for walking, running and cycling and gives a green view of the city. Start near Applegate Park and ride a few miles, and carry water on warm summer days.
Lake Yosemite Regional Park, just northeast of Merced, is a reservoir popular for boating, waterskiing, kayaking, fishing and picnics on grassy shores. It sits next to UC Merced and is busy on summer weekends. A vehicle day-use fee is charged in season, and swimming should only be done in designated areas.
The Merced National Wildlife Refuge, southwest of the city, is a winter home for tens of thousands of Sandhill cranes, Ross's and snow geese and many ducks. A five-mile auto tour route and short walking trails give close views. Visit from November to February, ideally at dawn or dusk when the cranes fly in and out.
The Merced County Fair is held each summer at the county fairgrounds in Merced, with livestock shows, carnival rides, concerts, exhibits and fair food that reflect the farming life of the Central Valley. It runs for several days, usually in June. Evening visits are cooler, and buying tickets in advance often saves money.
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California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
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