Applegate Park & Zoo
In addition to the animals, the park has picnic areas and a nice rose garden (site of the famous
Laura's
Fountain. Also a 'Kiddieland' featuring a neat train (weekends, June to September). Zoo open daily 10a-5p. Admission fee. 26th & R Streets.
Aviation Challenge
Military jet pilot training using sophisticated, state-of-the-art simulator. Learn navigation, flight maneuvers, even aerial combat. Adjacent to the Challenger Learning Center. 209-726-0156.
Buchanan Hollow Nut Co.
Tours a small, nut processing and packaging plant (nuts produced in the area). Free samples and and store (gift boxes shipped). Open Mon - Sat, 8a-5p. 6510 Minturn Road in nearby Le Grand. 209-389-4594.
Castle Air Museum
View this superb collection of 43 vintage military aircraft (WW-II to current). Also on site: museum, gift shop and restaurant. Located at what used to be the Castle Air Force Base (Santa Fe and Buhach Roads in nearby Atwater). Open daily 9a-5p. Admission fee.
Challenger Learning Center
Space-science learning center. The curriculum includes math, technology, team building and much, much more plus a two-hour space mission in the center's simulator. Located at what used to be the Castle Air Force Base (Santa Fe and Buhach Roads in nearby Atwater). Open daily 9a-5p. 209-726-0296. Admission fee.
Farmers Market
Main Street closes down (pedestrians only) for this weekly family event. Music, produce, educational booths and more fill this four-block area. Thursday evenings, 6-9p,
Thursdays, May - Oct. For more information, phone (toll-free) 800-446-5353.
Farmers Showcase
Here's your chance to buy local produce - fresh from the farm - every Saturday at N & 18th Street from 7-11a, (rain or shine).
Grassland Wetlands
After generations of agricultural and industrial development, only about 5% of California's original Central Valley wetlands still exists. About a third of the remaining wetlands are located in Merced County. These wetlands
support more than 550 species of birds, animals and plants. You can view the grasslands as you drive along Highways 140 or 59 in Merced County. For more information, phone 209-826-5188.
Hilmar Cheese Company
Watch them make cheese the old-fashioned way. Also available are a full-service deli and an ice cream parlor, picnic areas and an
old-timey country store. Open daily, 8a-6p. 9001 Lander Ave. in nearby Hilmar. For more information, phone 209-667-6076.
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Lake Yosemite
Enjoy boating, canoeing, wind sailing, swimming. Picnic areas with BBQ's are
available for a small fee. Open sunrise to sunset. $4 entry fee per car. At Lake Road. For more information, phone 209-385-7426.
Laura's Fountain
This beautiful fountain in Applegate
Park, facing M Street, was originally erected in 1888 in front of the Southern Pacific Depot. Created by Charles Huffman, who named it for his wife, it was later moved to Applegate Park.
Medic Alert
View the operation of Medic Alert, nations leading emergency medical information service. Watch the the
engraving of the special emblems on bracelets and necklaces. Tours are by reservation only (Mon - Fri, 8:30a-4p.) 2323 Colorado Ave. in nearby Turlock. To make a reservation or get more information, please phone 209-668-3333, ext. 2475.
Merced Agricultural Museum
On display, antique farm equipment, an assortment of small gasoline engines, horse-drawn buggies and other farm-oriented artifacts. Also features a working blacksmith shop. Open Tue - Sun 10a-4p. Free Admission. 4498 E. Hwy 140. For more information, phone 209-383-1912.
Merced Courthouse Museum
Historical exhibits of Merced County and the State of California. Rotating displays include home-made quilts, dolls and other local artistic
creations. Open Wed - Sun, 1-4p. Free admission. 21st & N Streets. For more information, phone 209-723-2401.
Merced Fair
Every July Merced hosts a very special family event, the Merced Fair. Activities include rides, a petting zoo, a variety of special exhibits and lots of food. Also featured is some great western music. For more information, phone 209-722-1507.
Merced Multicultural Arts Center
A new multimillion dollar facility featuring three floors of paintings, sculptures, and photography. Open weekdays 9a-5p. 645 West Main. For more information, phone 209-388-1090.
Red Rock Winery & Brewery
Both a winery and a brewery and the producer of many award-winning wines and beers. Tasting room, gift shop and picnic areas. Open daily, 10a-5p. 7990 E Hwy 140. For more information, phone 209-722-7625.
Yosemite National Park
About 60 miles east of town via Hwy 140 (a well-maintained non-challenging highway following the Merced River which originates in Yosemite).
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