THINGS TO DO IN MERCED

Coming to the 2023 WFA Reunion? Here's some great places to visit while you are there!

Applegate Park Zoo www.cityofmerced.org/departments/parks-community-services/applegate-park-zoo

1045 w. 25th street Merced

Since 1962, Applegate Park Zoo has been home to many wild animals in need of a safe place to live. Currently, the zoo population numbers approximately 75 Native California mammals, birds, and reptiles, most of which came from wildlife rescue centers. No longer able to survive in their normal habitat, these ambassadors from the wild need care and protection. In return they provide zoo visitors with a glimpse of the wonders of nature.

Merced Agricultural Museum https://maps.roadtrippers.com/us/merced-ca/attractions/merced-agricultural-museum-merced

4498 E State Highway 140 Merced

The Agricultural Museum of Merced County depicts the lives of local farmers past. It features antique farm equipment, demonstrations, a living history program, 19th century wagons and aworking blacksmith shop. The Agricultural museum features antiques gas engines, but has far more than that it the collection. They have farm equipment, washing machines, metal toys, a chuck wagon and more.

Merced County Courthouse Museum http://www.mercedmuseum.org

21st and N St, Merced

Our museum houses 8500 square feet of exhibits, both permanent and rotating, which depict the history of Merced County as well as the settlers of the Great Central Valley. We are located in the county's three-story courthouse built in 1875, one of the oldest historical buildings in California. On the National Register of Historic Places, the architectural style of the building is Italianate, designed by State Capital Architect, Albert A. Bennett. Our museum is staffed by volunteers who devote their time into preserving and passing on the history of this great land to generations to come.

Merced National Wildlife Refuge www.fws.gov/refuge/merced

Merced National Wildlife Refuge encompasses more than 10,200 acres of wetlands, native grasslands, vernal pools, and riparian areas. The refuge hosts the largest wintering concentrations of lesser sandhill cranes and Ross’ geese along the Pacific Flyway. Wildlife are showcased from an auto tour route and four nature trails, which are open daily throughout the year for visitors.

Castle Air Museum www.castleairmuseum.org

5050 Santa Fe Drive, Atwater, California

The collection includes vintage military aircraft dating from pre-WWII to the present on approximately 25 acres of the Museum’s beautifully maintained grounds. Locating, restoring, preserving and displaying these historic treasures is a real challenge. Often aircraft are acquired in pieces from diverse locations, shipped to the Museum, and under the direction of talented and knowledgeable volunteers restored to their former grandeur.