Merced features a vast and beautiful wildlife preserve, the Merced National Wildlife Refuge. It covers over 10,000 acres, featuring wetlands, grasslands and dozens of hiking trails. Lake Yosemite, a man-made reservoir, is a popular fishing and boating destination, set against the beautiful Sierra Foothills. Henderson Park, intersected by the Merced River, is another fantastic place for fishing, hiking, horseshoeing and picnicking.
The city is home to multiple museums, including the Merced County Courthouse Museum (listed on the National Register of Historic Places), the Merced Multicultural Art Centre, the Merced Agriculture Museum, the Castle Science and Technology Centre and the Castle Air Museum, located in nearby Atwater.
Applegate Zoo is a rescue center featuring animals native to California; visitors can observe bears, cougars, coyotes, giant condors and more.
Merced also features a wealth of interesting shopping and gourmet wine and cheese-tasting opportunities. The Merced Fruit Barn makes some of the best dried fruits in California and features farmer’s market-fresh produce; it also features a striking array of exotic animals, including a ginger tomcat, llamas, macaws, and peacocks.
The Merced Antique Mall features over 40 different dealers, with something fascinating for almost everyone. Vista Ranch and Cellars feature fantastic local wines and an onsite tasting room. The Hillmar Cheese Company, the world’s largest single-site cheese manufacturer, is also in Merced, offering factory tours and ample tasting opportunities.