Local Attractions
Merced Courthouse Museum |
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On the National Register of Historic Places, the County Courthouse was designed in 1875 by State Capital Architect, Albert A. Bennett. In addition to the temporary exhibits, the museums permanent collection includes a blacksmith shop, turn-of-the century schoolhouse and Indian artifacts. |
 Explore the history of Merced! |
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Applegate Park & Zoo |
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Go wild in Merced’s first city park. See native wild animals at the Applegate zoo or head to Kiddyland amusement park and ride the train (weekends, June to September) around the parks 23 acres. In addition, the park features picnic areas and a rose garden. |
 Applegate Park has something for everyone |
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Merced Agricultural Museum |
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Experience the rich agricultural history of the Valley and catch a glimpse of how previous generations of farmers worked and lived. The museum features a wide variety of antique farming equipment, gas engines and household appliances. The grounds also feature a working blacksmith shop and a model of the proposed New Yosemite Valley Railroad. |
 Antique farming equipment |
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Laura's Fountain |
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Named for his wife, Charles Huffman built this fountain in 1888 in front of the El Capitan Hotel. In 1935 it was moved to its current home in Applegate Park. |
 A great place for a picnic! |
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Hilmar Cheese Company |
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Tour, Taste, Shop and Eat at the world's largest single-site cheese manufacturer (1 million pounds of cheese per day). Hilmar Cheese Company Visitor Center features a show and fun, interactive exhibits. See the “Big Cheese” as you watch employees’ package 640 lb. crates of cheese. Complimentary cheese and gourmet foods tasting and beautiful gift shop. |
 Tour the cheese giant! |
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Buchanan Hollow Nut Company |
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See how pistachios, almonds, and other local nuts are produced in the area, with a tour of this processing and packaging company. Samples are available and gift packs can be shipped. |
 Almonds blossoming in the springtime |
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Castle Air Museum |
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Experience aviation adventures as you peek into the cockpits of 46 vintage airplanes from World War II to the present. Visit the gift shop and take home a piece of history. |
 View the great selection of vintage planes |
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Castle Science and Technology Center |
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The Center includes numerous hands-on exhibits teaching scientific principles. Attractions include; NASA Displays from Johnson Space Center in Houston, Planet Polluto, Nanotechnology, View Space, and Two Worlds of Science. |
 Hands-on exhibits |
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Riverside Motorsports Park |
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Attraction under development. |
 Approved in Merced County |