The Gustine Historical Society~Gustine Museum
Photo by adam blauert
The Gustine Historical Society
Wishes to discover, preserve and disseminate knowledge about the history of Gustine and the West Side.
It collects artifacts, memorabilia, documents, books, maps, periodicals, articles, photographs and items pertaining to Gustine and its surrounding area.
These artifacts are housed in the Wilbur and Irene Gomes Gustine History Center and in creative exhibits in the Gustine Museum.
Location
Gustine Museum 397 Fourth Street Highway 33 Gustine, CA 95322
Phone (209) 854-2344
www.gustinehistoricalsociety.org
Jail House
The Gustine Museum is housed in the former Merced County Justice Court/Jail building.
Built in 1911, this historic building served the City of Gustine until abandoned in 1980, when the Police Department moved to new quarters. It was leased to the Gustine Historical Society in 1985.
After extensive restoration, it reopened in 1990 as the Gustine Museum. In 1996 the building was designated a California Point of Historic Interest.
Open Thursdays and Sundays
1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
- Admisssion Free -
History-Center-- photo by adam blauert
Wilbur and Irene Gomes Gustine History Center
323 Sixth Street Gustine, CA
Phone (209) 854-6455
The History Center…
dedicated on July 4, 1997, owes its existence to the generous contribution of long-time activists Wilbur and Irene Gomes.
This remarkable center showcases a wide array of resources, including an archival library, Gustine newspapers dating back to 1911, obituaries, biographies, histories, maps, Gustine school registers, Indian lore, and an extensive collection of photographs.
For visitors' convenience, the center is open on Thursdays and Sundays from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Additionally, appointments can be arranged by contacting (209) 854-3120.
To correspond with the center, please use the following mailing address:
PO Box 222, Gustine 95322.
For any inquiries, please dial the new phone number: 209-854-6455.
YOSEMITE LAKE IN MERCED
OPEN Mon-Fri 7:30 AM and Weekends 7:30 AM - Closed at Dusk
(Next to UC Merced)
Yosemite Lake 2023
Just down the street from UC Merced....enjoy the beauty!
YOSEMITE LAKE - PHOTO BY ADAM BLAUERT
Lake Yosemite
Only seven miles from the center of Merced, Lake Yosemite has long been a popular spot for picnics, family outings, group activities, fishing and boating.
Lake-Yosemite- - PHOTO BY ADAM BLAUERT
It isn’t the largest lake in Merced County, but it is close to home and has extensive recreational facilities.
Most facilities are accessed from Lake Road, but a secondary fishing access point is located at the end of Old Lake Road.
Lake Yosemite’s water comes from the Merced River
It is diverted into the Main Canal by the Crocker-Huffman Dam, halfway between Snelling and Merced Falls. Surface area of lake: 500 acres.
Playground - PHOTO BY ADAM BLAUERT
Rentals Available at Lake Yosemite
Facilities and activities:
Boat ramp and marina
Concessions booth (summer weekends only)
Flush restrooms
Drinking fountains
Picnic areas with tables, shelters, and BBQ grills
Camping area for youth groups
Swimming beach
Playground
Dogs allowed? No
Horses allowed? No
Hunting allowed? No
Fish species: Bass, bluegill, and catfish. Trout are stocked in the early spring, but don’t last through the summer because of water temperatures.
Yosemite Lake - 2021 by Brad Haven
Rentals
Non-motorized boats are available on summer weekends from the concession stand.
Nearby parks:
The closest camping is available at McConnell State Recreation Area, and Lake McClure and Lake McSwain.
Recreation organizations
The Lake Yosemite Sailing Association organizes sailboat events and races, maintains a docking area, and teaches sailboating skills.
Membership is open to all who have an interest in sailing.
Boat ownership is not required and new members can learn to sail by crewing on boats owned by other members.
The LYSA also offers a Sail Camp for youth aged 8 and up during the summer months. http://www.lakeyosemitesailing.org/
Lake Yosemite - PHOTO BY ADAM BLAUERT
Lake McSwain and Lake McClure
PHOTO BY ADAM BLAUERT
photo by adam blauert
Lake McSwain and Lake McClureLake McSwain and Lake McClure: These two sister reservoirs on the Merced River are operated as a unit by the Merced Irrigation District. Both provide excellent fishing.
Lake McSwain may be tiny in comparison to Lake McClure, but sometimes has better trout fishing. Gigantic Lake McClure is especially popular for waterskiing, wake boarding, and houseboats.
A 15-mile trail between the Bagby Recreation Area (Highway 49) and Briceburg (140) provides good river fishing, hiking, and mountain biking.
bike park
Location: Lake McClure Road near Merced Falls
Distance from Merced: 30 miles
Distance from Los Banos: 66 miles
Operating authority: Merced Irrigation District
Surface area of lake: McClure 7,110 acres, McSwain 308 acres
Facilities and activities
Boat ramps, marina, fish-cleaning stations
Flush restrooms
Drinking fountains
Campgrounds/group campgrounds with BBQ grills/fire rings, shelters, hot showers, RV hookups
Picnic areas with tables, shelters, and BBQ grills
Group picnic areas and shelters
Swimming beach
Playgrounds
Store, laundry facilities, dump station
Dogs allowed? Yes
Horses allowed? No
Hunting allowed? No
Fish species: bass, bluegill, catfish, crappie, shad, sunfish, trout
Rentals: Boats and personal watercraft including houseboats
Website: http://www.lakemcclure.com/
Merced County Parks
Lake Yosemite - PHOTO BY ADAM BLAUERT
Merced County offers three large regional parks –
and Lake Yosemite.
Hagaman and Henderson are both situated on the Merced River.
Lake Yosemite wraps around the southern side of a reservoir just outside the City of Merced.
Henderson is my personal favorite with the nicest facilities and plenty of shade provided by tall trees.
Note: pets are not allowed in Merced County Parks, but are welcome in California State Parks and at reservoirs operated by local irrigation districts and the Army Corps of Engineers.
County Park Resources:
County Park Facility Rental Fees: http://www.co.merced.ca.us/index.aspx?NID=761
Frequently Asked Questions About County Parks: http://www.co.merced.ca.us/FAQ.ASPx?QID=279
County Park Rules: http://www.co.merced.ca.us/index.aspx?NID=789
photo by adam blauert
Hagaman Park:
Located on a bluff above the Merced River in northwestern Merced County, Hagaman Park is especially popular with residents of the west side of the county. A large picnic area is available for rent. Because of drownings, this area is not open to fishing and a fence runs along the bluff to discourage river access. If you want to swim or fish in the Merced River, try Henderson County Park, George J. Hatfield State Recreation Area, or McConnell State Recreation Area.
Location: 19914 River Road, Stevinson, CA (Intersection of River Road and Highway 165)
Distance from Merced: 24 miles
Distance from Los Banos: 23 miles
Facilities and activities:
Flush restrooms
Drinking fountains
Picnic areas with tables, shelters, and BBQ grills
Group picnic areas and shelters
Playground
Fishing or boating? No
Website: http://www.co.merced.ca.us/index.aspx?NID=1410
Nearby Parks: Camping and picnic areas are available at George J. Hatfield State Recreation Area, McConnell State Recreation Area, and San Luis State Recreation Area.
Henderson Park:
Stretched along the bank of the Merced River in eastern Merced County, Henderson Park is shaded by tall trees and further back from the road than the facilities at Hagaman County Park or George J. Hatfield State Recreation Area.
Like McConnell State Recreation Area, it feels more distant and removed than it actually is. The park is popular for picnicking, large gatherings, river recreation, and fishing. Three rental facilities are available, including an indoor clubhouse with kitchen and fireplace.
Location: Merced Falls Road, 1 mile east of Snelling
Distance from Merced: 20 miles
Distance from Los Banos: 55 miles
Facilities and activities:
Flush restrooms
Drinking fountains
Picnic areas with tables, shelters, and BBQ grills
Group picnic/banquet facilities (indoor and outdoor)
Swimming area
Playground
Softball diamond
Horseshoe pits
Dogs allowed? No
Horses allowed? No
Hunting allowed? No
Fishing and boating: Fishing for rainbow trout is popular along the river and small boats can be hand launched from a concrete ramp (vehicles are not permitted near the ramp).
Nearby Parks: Camping is available at McConnell State Recreation Area, and Lake McClure and Lake McSwain.
Lake yosemite - photo by adam Blauert
Lake Yosemite:
Only seven miles from the center of Merced, Lake Yosemite has long been a popular spot for picnics, family outings, group activities, fishing and boating. It isn’t the largest lake in Merced County, but it is close to home and has extensive recreational facilities. Most facilities are accessed from Lake Road, but a secondary fishing access point is located at the end of Old Lake Road. Lake Yosemite’s water comes from the Merced River. It is diverted into the Main Canal by the Crocker-Huffman Dam, halfway between Snelling and Merced Falls.
Location: 5714 Lake Road, Merced, CA 95340
Distance from Merced: 7 miles
Distance from Los Banos: 43 miles
Operating authority: Merced County Parks and Recreation
Surface area of lake: 500 acres
Facilities and activities:
Boat ramp and marina
Concessions booth (summer weekends only)
Flush restrooms
Drinking fountains
Picnic areas with tables, shelters, and BBQ grills
Group picnic/banquet facilities (indoor and outdoor)
Camping area for youth groups
Swimming beach
Playground
Dogs allowed? No
Horses allowed? No
Fish species: Bass, bluegill, and catfish. Trout are stocked in the early spring, but don’t last through the summer because of water temperatures.
Rentals: Non-motorized boats are available on summer weekends from the concession stand.
Website: https://www.co.merced.ca.us/769/Lake-Yosemite
Nearby parks: The closest camping is available at McConnell State Recreation Area, and Lake McClure and Lake McSwain.
Recreation organizations: The Lake Yosemite Sailing Association organizes sailboat events and races, maintains a docking area, and teaches sailboating skills.
Membership is open to all who have an interest in sailing.
Boat ownership is not required and new members can learn to sail by crewing on boats owned by other members. The LYSA also offers a Sail Camp for youth aged 8 and up during the summer months. http://www.lakeyosemitesailing.org/
Visit the Parks of Merced City
Photo by adam blauert
Merced City Parks
The City of Merced maintains a wide range of neighborhood, regional, and community parks within the city limits. Many of these parks are located along Merced City Bikeways.
Information on bike routes is included in the descriptions below.
Applegate -photo by adam blauert
The city’s largest parks include
Fahrens Park
Joe Herb Park
McNamara Park
Merced Dog Park
Rahilly Park
Youth Sports Complex
Neighborhood Parks
...are located within a half mile walk of nearly every home in Merced. To find a park in your neighborhood, click on this link to view a map on the City of Merced’s website:http://www.cityofmerced.org/civica/filebank/blobdload.asp?BlobID=7595
This map also shows parks that the City plans to build in coming years.
Kiddieland - PHOTO BY ADAM BLAUERT
Applegate Park
Applegate Park is Merced’s central park. Located along the Bear Creek Bikeway, the park is an excellent destination on bike or foot.
It offers 32 acres of recreation with a zoo, outdoor theater, picnic tables, bbq grills, volleyball nets, tennis/basketball courts, a skate park, rental facilities, a large playground, a rose garden, fountain, and the Kiwanas-sponsored Kiddieland amusement park.
Plenty of parking is located around the park.
Many community events are held at Applegate, including concerts and plays in the summer.
Fahrens Park - PHOTO BY ADAM BLAUERT
Fahrens Park
Stretched out along both Faherns and Black Rascal Creeks, this park boasts a brand new disc golf course and plenty of shade.
Fahrens Park - PHOTO BY ADAM BLAUERT
Fahrens Park features a frisbee course
Location: Along Buena Vista Drive between R Street and Highway 59.
Size: 48 acres
Facilities:
bike rider
Restrooms and drinking fountains
Picnic tables, BBQ grills
Playground
Disc golf course (course map: http://www.cityofmerced.org/documents/discgolfMap8x11.pdf)
Bikeway connections: Located along the Rascal Creek Bikeway. For a map, go to:http://www.cityofmerced.org/documents/MercedCityBikePlan.pdf
For information about the bike trails of Merced, click here.
Joe Herb Park
Adjacent to Golden Valley High School, this park provides a large area for recreation in southeast Merced. City league softball games are often held on the lighted softball fields.
Location: 2200 Yosemite Parkway, Merced
Size: 27 acres
Facilities:
Restrooms and drinking fountains
Picnic tables and shelters, BBQ grills
Playground
Concessions stand
Baseball/softball diamond
Horseshoe pits
Soccer fields
McNamara Park
Centrally located in south Merced, McNamara Park offers a broad range of recreational activities and plenty of shade.
Location: 1040 Canal Street, Merced, Ca
Size: 9 acres
Facilities:
Restrooms and drinking fountains
Picnic tables and shelters, BBQ grills
Playground
Concessions stand
Recreation hall
Baseball/softball diamond
Basketball courts
Horseshoe pits
Soccer fields
Swimming pool
Dog Park - PHOTO BY ADAM BLAUERT
Merced Dog Park
Looking for a place to allow your dog to play off-leash with other dogs? The Merced Dog Park has well-fenced areas for both small dogs and larger dogs.
For information about the local dog club:
M-DOGS (Merced Dog Owners Group)
Location: Yosemite and R Streets
Merced Dog Park - PHOTO BY ADAM BLAUERT
Size: 8 acres
Facilities:
Restrooms and drinking fountains
Pet waste bag dispensers
Picnic tables
Bocce ball courts
Bikeway connections: Located along the Fahrens Creek Bikeway. For a map, go to:http://www.cityofmerced.org/documents/MercedCityBikePlan.pdf
Dog Park - PHOTO BY ADAM BLAUERT
Rahilly Park 3
Rahilly Park
A shady creekside park in the center of north Merced, Rahilly Park has long been a favorite with families.
To avoid confusion, note that Google maps and other online map sources may refer to this park as “Black Rascal Park.”
Rahilly Park - PHOTO BY ADAM BLAUERT
Rahilly Park
Location: 3302 Parsons Avenue, Merced
Size: 17 acres
Facilities:
Restrooms and drinking fountains
Picnic tables and shelters, BBQ grills
Playground
Soccer fields
Bikeway connections: Located along the Rascal Creek Bikeway. For a map, go to:http://www.cityofmerced.org/documents/MercedCityBikePlan.pdf
Youth Sports Complex
Location: 1800 Block of Wardrobe Avenue, Merced
Size: 12 Acres
Facilities:
Restrooms and drinking fountains
Concessions stand
Baseball/softball diamond
Soccer fields
Welcome to the Recreation Safety Recommendations
Adam Blauert
The purpose of this page is to provide a comprehensive database of recreation within Merced County and an hour’s drive of cities within the county.
Your author, Adam Blauert, is an outdoorsman and outdoors columnist for the Merced Sun-Star. You can read his weekly column about outdoor recreation at www.mercedsunstar.com. Please direct comments, feedback, and suggestions to AdamBlauert@yahoo.com. It is our goal to provide useful and relevant information about all types of recreation in our area.
A note on safety: All outdoor activities involve some degree of risk or injury.
The keys to being safe include:
Making sure you are in the proper physical condition before trying a new activity. Check with your doctor if you are uncertain about your condition and abilities.
Taking lessons or training before attempting an activity that requires specialized skills.
Enjoying outdoor recreation with family or friends. Never hike, swim, or boat alone. Make sure that someone outside your group knows where you are going and when you expect to return before you leave home.
Wearing proper safety gear and equipment. When boating or swimming outside of a swimming pool, make sure that life jackets and flotation devices are available for each person in your group.
Checking current conditions such as weather and water conditions. If you have any questions contact the agency that operates the recreation area that you plan to visit.
Drinking plenty of water to avoid dehydration.
Not using alcohol or illegal drugs.
Wearing sunscreen, sunglasses, and hats to avoid sunburn.
Bringing extra layers of clothing and rain gear in case of a change in weather.
Having a first aid kit available and being knowledgeable about common first aid procedures and CPR.
Having a cellular phone available to call for help if an accident occurs. Cellular reception is available within much of Merced County.
It is your responsibility to know and monitor conditions. All information provided on this website describes optimal conditions. Conditions can change rapidly.
For general information
Concerning safety for a variety of outdoor activities, see: http://www.surviveoutdoors.com/
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Adam
Blauert
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- Apr 28, 2014 McConnell State Recreation Area
- Apr 29, 2014 Modesto Reservoir Regional Park
- May 26, 2014 Tuolumne Meadows – The Other Yosemite
- May 27, 2014 Rainbow Pool – A Great Swimming Hole on the South Fork of the Tuolumne
- Jun 2, 2014 Pacheco State Park
- Jun 8, 2014 Don Pedro Lake - One of California's highest-rated fishing area & 5th largest artificial lake
- Jun 13, 2014 Reservoirs, Fishing, and Boating within an Hour of Merced County Communities
- Jun 15, 2014 Eastman Lake: Formed by a dam on the Chowchilla reservoir, this tends to be more popular than nearby Hensley Lake.
- Jun 15, 2014 Hensley lake ~ Very close to Merced County with many facilities
- Jun 24, 2014 Kearney Park and Mansion
- Jun 28, 2014 George J. Hatfield Recreation Area Merced County
- Jun 29, 2014 Sierra Foothill Conservancy
- Jul 6, 2014 Fossil Discovery Center of Madera County
- Jul 13, 2014 Dos Palos Museum
- Jul 14, 2014 Meux Home Museum
- Jul 16, 2014 Great Bike Paths in Merced County
- Jul 17, 2014 Merced’s Multicultural Arts Center
- Jul 20, 2014 Merced County Wildlife Refuges
- Jul 21, 2014 Raymond Museum
- Jul 22, 2014 George J. Hatfield Recreation Area
- Jul 25, 2014 Fresno Chaffee Zoo
- Jul 31, 2014 Livingston Historical Museum
- Aug 2, 2014 Henderson Park
- Aug 3, 2014 Sierra National Forest
- Aug 9, 2014 Turlock Lake State Recreation Area
- Aug 13, 2014 Romero Visitor Center – San Luis Reservoir
- Aug 29, 2014 McHenry Mansion and Museum
- Aug 30, 2014 Yosemite – The Other Three Seasons
- Sep 2, 2014 Merced County Historical Society Museum
- Sep 13, 2014 Moccasin Trout Hatchery
- Sep 14, 2014 Clovis Botanical Garden
- Sep 20, 2014 Shinzen Japanese Garden
- Oct 5, 2014 Local Performing Arts
- Oct 17, 2014 Oakdale Cowboy Museum
- Oct 18, 2014 Castle Air Museum-Atwater
- Nov 12, 2014 Mariposa County Museums
- Nov 16, 2014 Gold Rush Towns of the Central Foothills
- Nov 18, 2014 San Juan Bautista
- Nov 19, 2014 Calaveras Big Trees
- Nov 24, 2014 Turlock Museums
- Nov 26, 2014 Visit Hagaman Park-Merced County
- Dec 5, 2014 Milliken Museum and Los Banos Historic Sites
- Dec 26, 2014 Stanislaus National Forest
- Dec 27, 2014 Madera County Museum
- Jan 31, 2015 Merced's Central Park: Applegate Park, Zoo & Kiddieland Merced
- Feb 15, 2015 Fishing and Floating the Merced River
- Mar 17, 2015 Tuolumne County Museum
- Mar 20, 2015 San Luis Reservoir Area
- Apr 6, 2015 Forestiere Underground Gardens
- Oct 28, 2015 MJC’s Great Valley Museum and Planetarium
- Dec 29, 2015 Top 5 things to do in the Fall in and around Merced County
- Jan 6, 2016 Yosemite National Park Winter Activities
- Jan 27, 2016 State Parks and State Recreation Areas in Merced County
- Jan 31, 2016 Chowchilla’s Historical Society & Museum
- Feb 1, 2016 Fresno’s Christmas Tree Lane
- Feb 1, 2016 Downing Planetarium at Fresno State University
- Feb 17, 2016 Top 5 Things to do in the Spring in and Around Merced County
- Feb 19, 2016 Blossom Tours
- Sep 11, 2017 Pumpkin Patches and Fall Farm Events
- Jun 1, 2019 Swimming Pools in Merced County area
- Jun 10, 2019 Top 5 things to do in the summer in and around Merced County
- Jan 2, 2020 Top Five Things to do in and around Merced County
- Jan 9, 2020 Top 5 Local Things to do in Winter in and Around Merced County
- Apr 29, 2020 Welcome to the Recreation Safety Recommendations
- Apr 30, 2020 Visit the Parks of Merced City
- Apr 30, 2020 Merced County Parks
- May 4, 2020 Lake McSwain and Lake McClure
- Jul 8, 2021 YOSEMITE LAKE IN MERCED
- Mar 30, 2023 The Gustine Historical Society~Gustine Museum
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Merced County
Events
5
- Nov 15, 2012 The Atwater Historical Society was formed in 1972 in response to the challenge of keeping the Bloss Home for the community.
- Jan 7, 2014 The Merced County Library
- Feb 1, 2014 "Only What you can Carry"
- Mar 14, 2016 Kiddieland in the Applegate Park next to the Merced Zoo
- Oct 25, 2018 Bakersfield Music Hall of Fame
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Brad
Haven
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- Sep 27, 2015 The Mystery Spot and Point Lobos State Reserve
Top 5 Local Things to do in Winter in and Around Merced County
Winter in the central valley
The coldest months of the year often seem like a dead time for events and activities unless you’re going to mountains to ski or play in the snow. Despite that impression, there are actually a lot of great things to enjoy during this time of year within an hour’s drive or less.
1. Ice skating
Ice skating at Fields of Ice in Turlock has brought ice skating to our part of the Central Valley. Located at 716 N. Daubenberger Road, this open-air rink can be enjoyed during the day or under the stars as long as it isn’t raining. The rink will be open this season through January. Ice skate rentals are included in the admission price and just about anyone can figure out how to propel themselves on the ice with a little practice – especially if you ever had any experience riding a pair of inline skates (rollerblades). It’s an especially fun activity with a group of family members or friends.
2. Performing Arts
Photo by Adam Blauert
Winter is a great time to enjoy live music or theater. In addition to performing arts within our own county, the Modesto, Turlock, Fresno, and Sonora areas offer a huge range of live entertainment.
Photo by Adam Blauert
For a list of performing arts venues and organizations within an hour’s drive, click here.
3. Wildlife refuges
Photo by Adam Blauert
Before large numbers of humans settled in the Central Valley, much of the valley’s floor was a great wetland in the winter months – a permanent home for many species and a winter home for many more. Large areas that are currently managed as wildlife refuges continue to provide both year-round and seasonal wetland habitat.
Photo by Adam Blauert
While the refuges are interesting throughout the year, they are especially enjoyable in the winter months when millions of migratory birds arrive. “Birdwatching… really??!??” I know that’s what some readers are thinking at this point. Visiting a wildlife refuge in the winter can actually be an unforgettable experience. If you’ve done it yourself, you know what I’m talking about.
Don’t imagine this as sitting around for hours waiting for a single tiny starling or sparrow to show up.
As you stand on a viewing platform in the crisp evening air and watch great flocks of ducks and geese silhouetted against an orange-red sunset sky, it seems like you’ve stepped into another world – even though you’re only a few miles from civilization.
Photo by Adam Blauert
Evening is usually the best time to visit. As the day ends, multitudes of ducks and geese return from feeding. The refuges offer auto tour routes, short hiking trails, and viewing platforms to enjoy the avian show.
The San Luis National Wildlife Refuge in Los Banos is also home to a large herd of magnificent tule elk. Although they aren’t always close to the fence of their large enclosure, I’ve been able to spot them every time I’ve visited and sometimes they’ve been very close to the viewing platform.
Photo by Adam Blauert
No matter when you go, wear warm clothes and bring a camera and/or binoculars. The closest refuge is the Merced National Wildlife Refuge, seven and a half miles west of Highway 59 on Sandy Mush Road. It offers a five mile auto tour route, three short trails, and viewing platforms. About seven miles north of Los Banos on Wolfsen Road, the San Luis NWR offers two auto tour routes, several short trails, viewing platforms, and a beautiful new visitor center with exhibits about local wildlife.
Photo By Adam Blauert
If you arrive before evening, you can see both elk and birds in one day and also check out the visitor center (open 8AM to 4:30PM every day except federal holidays). The refuges are open daily from one half hour before sunrise to one half hour after sunset.
Admission to both refuges is completely free.
4. Museums
Museums are great places avoid the cold in the winter and to cool off in the summer. Merced County has a wealth of local museums, and so do the surrounding counties.
Photo by Adam Blauert
The Merced County Historical Society’s exhibits in the beautifully restored 139 year-old courthouse at 21st and N Streets is a great place to start if you’ve never seen it before or if you haven’t been there in a long time.
A new exhibit debuts every few months. For complete information about current events click here.
The other rooms contain exhibits of the county’s history from the Yokuts people to the present time.
Other museums within the county and an hour’s drive include:
Merced: Multicultural Arts Center
Los Banos: Milliken Museum
Atwater: Bloss House Museum
Livingston: Livingston Historical Museum
Dos Palos: Dos Palos Museum
Gustine: Gustine Museum
Chowchilla-Fairmead: Fossil Discovery Center of Madera County
Madera: Madera County Museum
Modesto: McHenry Mansion
Turlock: Carnegie Arts Center and Turlock Historical Society Museum
Oakdale: Oakdale Cowboy Museum
Fresno-Clovis: Kearny Mansion, Meux Home Museum, the Clovis-Big Dry Creek Museum, the Fresno Art Museum, and the Discovery Center
Mariposa: California State Mining and Mineral Museum and the Mariposa Museum and History Center
Oakhurst: Fresno Flats Historical Museum and Park
Raymond: Raymond Museum
Sonora: Tuolumne County Museum
La Grange: La Grange Museum
It’s quite an impressive list. If you’re wondering where to start, here are five of my favorites:
Castle Air Museum – huge collection of military aircraft, WWII to present
California State Mining and Mineral Museum – mining history and lots of stunning mineral specimens
McHenry Mansion – beautifully restored 1882 Victorian mansion, one of the best preserved in the entire Central Valley
Fresno Flats Historical Museum and Park – extensive collection of restored pioneer buildings and artifacts, lots of space to explore and picnic
Fossil Discovery Center of Madera County – amazing fossils of massive creatures that lived here in the past
Because museums often reduce their hours during the colder months, call to verify before you visit. Admission to many museums is free of charge, while others require a small per-person fee.
5. Blossom Tours
Photo By Adam Blauert
As winter draws to a close, local orchards put on one of the most impressive displays of blossoms that can be seen anywhere. Usually beginning in the second half of February, these blossoms can usually be enjoyed by driving (or riding your bike) on rural roads in Merced County. For more info about blossom tours, click here.
Photo By Adam Blauert
The University of California’s Cooperative Extension program has compiled several excellent tour routes for different parts of the county. The maps are available for free on their website: http://cemerced.ucanr.edu/Blossom_Tours_262/.
Top Five Things to do in and around Merced County
What to do in Merced?
It’s a commonly heard complaint, “There’s nothing to do in Merced.”
Having lived here most of my life, I have to disagree. In fact, there are so many things that I want to do, I often hear about things that I want to do but have to decline because there’s already something on the calendar.
On an ongoing basis, Merced offers a wide range of activities to participate in: recreational sports teams, youth groups and clubs, music lessons and performing arts groups, community service classes at Merced College including art and physical activity, churches, and annual events such as parades and the Merced County Fair.
These are five of the best things to do in the City of Merced and they can be enjoyed year-round. For our area’s best seasonal activities, try the following links:
For something to do on the spur of the moment, here are five of my favorite options:
1. Visit a Museum or art gallery
Castle Air Museum has one of the best collections of historic aircraft in the country. 53 aircraft from WWII, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War are on display daily including the B-17, B-29, B-52, and SR-71.
For a full list of planes on display, visit the museum’s website: http://www.castleairmuseum.org/ondisplay.html
Photo by Adam Blauert
Castle Air Museum is a place where history truly comes alive.
Visitors have close-up views of the planes from paved, handicapped-accessible walkways.
An indoor museum contains many additional Air Force and Army Air Corps artifacts and a B-52 simulator.
Photo by Adam Blauert
The museum holds annual “open cockpit” days when visitors can view the insides of many of the aircraft. The museum also has a gift shop and café.
You can see the planes every day of the year except Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day. Summer Hours (May –October) are 9-5 and Winter Hours (November– April) are 10-4.
For current admission rates and special events-(click here) or call 209-723-2178.
Photo by Adam Blauert
Located in Merced’s landmark 1875 courthouse is a great place to learn about local history. The museum’s displays cover the history of the county from human settlement of the Central Valley to the present day.
Displays include Yokut Indian artifacts, early ranching and farming, artifacts from Merced’s Chinatown, a display of Merced County schools and a turn-of-the century classroom, “Old Betsy” – Merced’s 1859 fire engine, the restored 1875 courtroom, and displays of home life in the 1800’s through early 1900’s.
The museum is open Wednesday through Sunday from 1-4. Admission is free and knowledgeable volunteer docents are available to provide tours. The building is wheelchair accessible and is located at the intersection of 21st and N Streets.
The Merced County Historical Society hosts a wide range of history-themed events throughout the year.
Check the website for a current schedule and for more information about the museum: http://www.mercedmuseum.org/.
You can also call (209) 723-2401.
Showcases local artists and their creations in a variety of mediums. Special exhibits change several times a year. Currently on display is the 7th Annual California Centered Printmaking Show, featuring prints made by over 40 California artists.
Art classes for all ages are offered throughout the year by the Merced County Arts Council.
The Arbor Galley section of the Center is owned and operated by local artists.
Photo by Adam Blauert
You can enjoy (and purchase) beautiful paintings, ceramics, photography, textiles, sculpture, glass, turned wood, jewelry, giclee prints and greeting cards.
For more information, and for a schedule of events, classes, performances, tours, and special events, go to http://www.artsmerced.org/
or call (209) 388-1090.
The Arts Center is open 11AM-7PM Wednesday-Thursday and 10AM-5PM Friday-Saturday.
Arbor Galley is open 11AM-6PM Tuesday-Friday and 10AM-2PM on Saturdays.
Admission to both the Arts Center and Arbor Gallery is free.
2. Visit a local park
Offers picnic tables and BBQ grills, indoor and outdoor facility rentals for large events, boating, fishing, playgrounds, and a swimming beach and concessions in the summer.
Photo by Adam Blauert
Photo by Adam Blauert
Rental paddle boats, canoes, and kayaks have been available in the past and may be available again this summer.
The park is open daily during daylight hours and is located 7 miles north of downtown Merced at the end of Lake Road.
For more information go to Merced County Parks --(click here)
Photo by Adam Blauert
Applegate Park is Merced’s central park
Located south of Bear Creek between M and R Streets, this 32-acre park offers picnic tables and BBQ grills, a playground, the Applegate Park Zoo, amusement park rides at Kiwanis Kiddieland, facilities for tennis, basketball, softball, and volleyball, a skatepark, an open air theater, a rose garden, historic Laura’s Fountain, rental facilities, and plenty of shade.
It’s also adjacent to the Bear Creek Bikeway.
For more information go to Applegate Park -http://www.cityofmerced.org/depts/pw/parks_division/applegate_park.asp.
Located on the Merced River in the lower foothills near Snelling, Henderson is Merced County’s best county park.
Photo by Adam Blauert
Only 20 miles from Merced, it’s an easy drive. The park offers picnic tables with BBQ grills, large indoor and outdoor rental facilities for large events, playgrounds, a softball diamond, horseshoe pits, and fishing.
3. See wildlife
The Applegate Zoo showcases wildlife native to Central California.
In addition to being the only zoo between Fresno and Stockton, it’s also the best place to see local species including mountain lion, black bear, mule deer, bobcat, raccoon, fox, heron, owl, egret, hawk, kestrel, raven, and wild turkey.
Courtesy of the Merced Zoology Society
The zoo also has several exotic species and a petting zoo. The zoo is open from 10-5 daily in the spring and summer and from 10-4 in the fall and winter, weather permitting.
The only days it is regularly closed are Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day. Admission price information, (click here).
Seniors receive free admission on the morning of the second Tuesday of each month.
Courtesy of the Merced Zoology Society
The zoo is located on R Street between Bear Creek and 25th Street. A parking lot is located on the corner of R and 25th.
For more information, visit the zoo’s webpage at (Click here) or call the Merced Zoological Society at (209) 725-DEER.
The Merced National Wildlife Refuge
A great place to see the birds that flock to the Central Valley in the winter months.
From November through February, millions of migratory birds make their home here. Other species make it their permanent home and the refuge can be enjoyed throughout the year, but the winter months are when it really puts on a show.
Photo by Adam Blauert
The refuge is open daily from one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset. Evening is usually the best time to see birds returning from feeding (winter mornings are often foggy).
The refuge is part of a complex that includes the San Luis National Wildlife Refuge near Los Banos.
Located along the Pacific Flyway, an important migration corridor for dozens of species of waterfowl and other birds, the complex is an important stopping-place for Ross’ geese, Aleutian cackling geese, snow geese, green-winged teal, mallard, northern pintail, gadwall, American wigeon, northern shoveler, and white-fronted geese.
The refuge complex constitutes the largest contiguous freshwater wetlands remaining in California.
You can find the Merced National Wildlife Refuge on Sandy Mush Road, 8 miles west of Highway 59.
A 5.2 mile auto tour route circles the heart of the refuge with four viewpoints, two observation decks and access to three hiking trails. Visitors are asked to remain in their vehicles except at these points.
Meadowlark Trail – 1.5 mile loop
Cottonwood Trail –0 .5 mile loop
Bittern Marsh Trail –0.6 mile loop
The refuge is also a popular waterfowl hunting destination during the winter months. The sections where hunting is allowed are separate from the designated viewing area.
For a map of the refuge-(click here)
You can find a lot of general information about the refuge at: http://www.fws.gov/Refuge/Merced/
or you can call (209) 826-1445.
In addition to the many avian species, a herd of magnificent tule elk can be viewed in the San Luis Unit on Wolfsen Road north of Los Banos.
Once hunted nearly to extinction, stable populations now live in several areas throughout the state. The San Luis Unit also has a brand new visitor center – a great place to learn more about the refuge and its species.
4. Enjoy an evening downtown
Downtown Merced is undergoing a renaissance. With the construction of the Regal Hollywood Main place Stadium Cinema, the restoration of the Mondo Building and the Merced Theatre, and the opening of UC Merced, new life has come to our historic downtown.
Photo by Adam Blauert
Main Street offers live theatre and music, a wide variety of dining options, shopping, and regularly scheduled community events.
Located close to Applegate Park, the Merced County Historical Society’s Museum, and including several theater venues, you can enjoy a variety of entertainment and education on a single trip.
“The Original” Merced Certified Farmers’ Market, a separate operation, is open every Saturday morning Corner of 16th St. & Canal St. 8am - 12pm - Year-Round.
For more information go to http://mercedcfm.com/.
The Merced Art Hop
...is offered four times a year on Saturday evenings from 5-9PM. Downtown stores are open and feature the works of local artists. You can wander around, enjoy a meal, and listen to live music along the Downtown’s sidewalks.
For more information about the Art Hop, go to http://mercedarthop.com/.
5. Enjoy some live theater at the Playhouse Merced or the Merced Theatre
For the last 20 years, Playhouse Merced has entertained Merced with an average of 10 major productions of new and classic musicals and plays every season, along with many other performances, classes, and events.
Photo by Adam Blauert
For more information and to learn about current and future performances, go to http://www.playhousemerced.com/index.html or call (209) 725-8587.
After many years of hard work, the Merced Theatre Foundation completed a stunning restoration of the Merced Theatre in 2012.
For the past year, the Theatre has offered a remarkable selection of live music, comedy, and classic films on a weekly basis.
For more information and current events, go to http://www.mercedtheatre.org/
or call (209) 381-0500.
Top 5 things to do in the summer in and around Merced County
The days are long and hot, and many of us – especially our kids – have extra time to get out and do things.
Here’s five recommendations for some of the best local things to do during the hot months:
#1 – Go swimming
There are lots of places to cool off in the water in Merced County and we’ve updated our swimming page with details for this summer. CLICK HERE for local swimming
#2 – Celebrate Independence Day at one of our county’s big 4th of July events
Atwater has always celebrated Independence Day in a big way. That tradition continues this year with a parade, entertainment, food, bounce houses, a live concert, and a fireworks show. This year’s parade theme is “Back to the 80s” and celebrates the entertainment and events of that decade. For more information, go to http://www.atwater4thofjuly.com/.
Gustine: This year’s Gustine’s parade will begin at 10:30 AM and will feature a flyover by the Flying Eagles, squadron VFA-122 from Lemoore Naval Air Station. The parade will be followed by activities for children in Henry Miller Park. Food and drinks will be available from a variety of food venders. The celebration will conclude with fireworks at Gustine High School after dark.
Lake McClure. You can bring food and beverages to enjoy before and during the show. For more information go to http://www.lakemcclure.com/
Livingston offers live music, a fireworks show that is billed as the largest in the valley, a carnival, and a car show. The events stretch from July 1st through 4th. For more information, go to http://livingston4thofjuly.com/.
#3 – Beyond the Fourth of July, there are lots of other community events to enjoy throughout the summer
“The Original” Merced Certified Famers’ Market: http://mercedcfm.com/
The Merced College Farmers’ Market - http://www.mccd.edu/news/latest-news/items/famers_market_sept_2018.html
CHOWCHILLA’s MUSIC IN THE PARK
BEGINS THURSDAY, JUNE 20
The City of Chowchilla has released the schedule of summer park concerts for 2019. The weekly Thursday night concerts will be presented in Veterans Memorial Park on the Barragan Family Stage.
There are some favorites returning along with some bands making their first appearance in the concert series. Concerts begin June 20 and continue to August 1. Because of the Independence Day Holiday there will be no concert on Thursday, July 4. All shows will begin at 7:30 PM.
We will have a larger dance patio installed before this year’s concert series so come prepared to listen, clap your hands, tap your feet, and dance into the night this summer on Thursday nights in downtown Chowchilla.
June 20 – Danny Milsap Band – Honky Tonk Country
June 27 – Bill Clifton’s Chicken & Whiskey Band – Rhythm & Blues
July 11 – The Monsanto Band – High Energy Latin Sounds
July 18 – Michael Walker Band – California Country Rock
July 24 – Yard Dogs Band –50’s and 60’s Classic Rock & Roll
August 1 – QPOP Radio Band with the Blow-Pops Horn Section – Groovy 60’s & 70’s Rock & Roll
CHOWCHILLA’S MOVIES IN THE PARK BEGINS FRIDAY, JUNE 21
Mark your calendars and plan to be in downtown Chowchilla on four special Friday nights this summer as the City of Chowchilla presents FREE family-fun movies that will delight audiences of all ages.
“Movies in the Park” returns to Veterans Memorial Park on Robertson Boulevard at 6th Street starting Friday, June 21. Show times start at SUNSET. Bring your lawn chairs, blankets, sleeping bags and enjoy a fun night watching an outdoor movie on the BIG inflatable screen with full sound filling the park. This summer enjoy the following movies.
June 21 – How to Train Your Dragon (2010)
June 28 – Holes (2003)
July 12 – Cool Runnings (1993)
July 19 – Monsters, Inc. (2001)
City of Merced
Sports and fun for kids of all ages. Flag Football, Baseball and lots of fun activities.
For more information - https://www.cityofmerced.org/depts/parks_n_community_services/
Outdoor movies: City of Merced Parks and Recreation.
For more information - https://www.cityofmerced.org/depts/parks_n_community_services/
Merced Shakespearefest ‘s performance https://www.mercedshakespearefest.org/
#4 – Enjoy the waterslides at a nearby waterpark
For a memorable day you can enjoy these waterslides nearby:
Wild Water Adventure Park (Clovis): https://www.wildwater.net/
Island Water Park (Fresno): http://www.islandwaterpark.com/
#5 - Rafting adventure
For the wildest kind of water adventure, raft one of our amazing local rivers with a professional whitewater rafting company, or rent equipment to raft the gentler lower section of the Stanislaus River on your own:
Guided whitewater trips: The Merced and Tuolumne Rivers provide some of the best rafting in the state. Rafting these rivers is an unforgettable experience, full of thrills and excitement. The following companies lead trips of various lengths and difficulty levels.
The Tuolumne River can usually be rafted all summer, while the Merced River is more dependent on the amount of snowmelt and the rafting season often ends in July.
ARTA: http://www.arta.org/ / (209) 962-7873
All-Outdoors California Whitewater: http://www.aorafting.com/ / (800) 247-2387
Mariah Wilderness Expeditions: http://www.mariahrafting.com/ / (800) 462-7424
O.A.R.S.: http://www.oars.com/california / (800) 346-6277
Sierra Mac: http://www.sierramac.com/ (800) 457-2580
Whitewater Voyages: http://www.whitewatervoyages.com/ (800) 400-7238
Zephyr Whitewater: http://www.zrafting.com/
Stanislaus River raft and tube rentals: Starting at the historic town of Knights Ferry, a 6-mile stretch of the river can be easily floated without a guide. Two companies rent rafts, oars, and life jackets. Rafts can accommodate entire families and it is an adventure that any age can enjoy. The raft companies provide transportation back to Knights Ferry after you have completed your float down the river.
River Journey - http://www.riverjourney.com/ / (800) 292-2938
Sunshine Rafting - http://raftadventure.com/ / (800) 829-7238
Swimming Pools in Merced County area
Swimming Pools
Community swimming pools are located throughout Merced County. Programs include swimming lessons, recreational swimming, and pool rentals.
A variety of local swim leagues provides the opportunity for youth to improve their swim skills and compete in swim meets. Scroll down to explore the possibilities.
Atwater - (209) 357-6320
Delhi - (209) 656-2000
Dos Palos - (209) - 392-2178
Gustine - (209) 854-6471
Hilmar - (209) 667-6947
Livingston - (209) 394-8830
Los Banos - (209) 826-3801
Merced - (209) 385-6855.
Local Swim Leagues
Swimming is also possible at the following reservoirs, state, and county parks
Swim At UC Merced
Aquatics Center
Summer Facility Hours
Monday - Friday - 6:30-11am, 4:30-7:30 pm
Saturday - 9:00 am-1:00 pm
Sunday - 4:30-7:30 pm
Memberships, designed for your convenience, can be easily purchased at the Gallo Recreation & Wellness Center, Aquatics Center during our hours of operation , or online.
All Members
Locker Rooms are available for use. Day-use lockers are available, but must be emptied each day.
Upon arrival to the Aquatics Center, please present your CatCard or Membership card for scanning at the ticket office next to the Aquatics Center Entrance. We are a touchless facility, so please have your barcode ready to be scanned. If your CatCard does not have a barcode on it, don't worry, please use the MobileID for your CatCard. Once you have logged in to the MobileID, please select the Gym to display your barcode.
Please use the provided showers before entering the facility.
Upon leaving the pool, it is recommended to shower.
Atwater
Recreational swimming is offered Monday through Friday from 1 to 4 PM and Saturday from 12 to 4 PM. Swim lessons for children are also available.
Location: 2201 Fruitland Avenue, Atwater, CA 95301
For current information, including swim lesson schedules, call Atwater’s Department of Parks and Community Services at (209) 357-6320.
We are offering 3 sessions: June 12 thru June 23, July 3 thru July 14 and July 17 thru July 28. We offer: 11am, 12am, 1pm,3pm, 4pm, 5pm, and 6pm classes each class is for one hour a day Monday thru Friday. Each session cost $45 per child.
Delhi
Located at Delhi High School, the Delhi pool offers recreational swimming, family swim nights, and swim lessons during the summer months. During the summer of 2016, the pool will be open from June 28th through August 6th.
Swim hours are Tuesday through Saturday from 12 to 4 PM. Admission is $1. A special family swim night is offered every Friday, with the pool open from 5 to 7:45 PM. Admission on family swim nights is $0.75 per person.
Location: Delhi High School, 16881 W. Schendel Road, Delhi.
For more information, contact the Delhi Unified School District at (209) 656-2000.
Dos Palos
The pool at Dos Palos High School offers swimming lessons and recreational swim hours during the summer months.
Recreational swim hours: 12-4PM M-F, $1/person
Adult lap swim: 7-8:30PM, $1/person
Location: Dos Palos High School, corner of Mabel Avenue and Palo Alto Street.
For current information call City of Dos Palos Parks and Recreation at 392-2178.
Gustine
The Gustine Aquatics Center at Henry Miller Park offers the following programs during the summer months: water aerobics, open swim, night swim, and pool rental.
Location: Henry Miller Park, corner of 3rd Ave. and 6th St., Gustine, CA
For more information call Gustine City Hall at (209) 854-6471.
The pool is open from 9 to 10 AM Monday through Thursday for adult lap swim. Open swim is held Monday through Friday from 12 to 4 PM.
NIght swim is offered on Tuesday andThursday nights form 6 to 8 PM. Admission is $3/person or $2 for senior citizens.
You can save money by paying in advance and for those who want to swim frequently, unlimited visit passes are available.
Water aerobics and swim lessons are also offered - see the City of Gustine webpage for more information: http://www.cityofgustine.com/newsView.aspx?nid=2963.
Hilmar
Located in Hilmar Park, the pool offers swimming lessons, recreational swimming hours, water aerobics, and lap swimming.
Location: Hilmar Park, corner of Lander Avenue and Falke Street.
Morning lap swim: 6:30-8 AM, Monday-Friday
Combined lap swim and water aerobics: 12-1 PM, Monday-Friday
Evening lap swim: 6:30-PM, MWF
Recreational swim: 1-4 PM Tuesday - Friday, 12-3 PM Saturday
Water boot camp: 7:30-8:30 PM, Tuesday and Thursday
Swim Lessons 4:30-6:30 PM Monday through Thursday in 2-week sessions
To sign up for swim lessons or for more information call the pool at 667-6947 between 1 and 4 PM on a weekday.
Hilmar Hammerheads Swim Team
Website - http://www.hac.teampages.com/
Livingston
The Livingston High School pool - 209-394-8830
FOR 2017 THE SWIMMING POOL IS CLOSED FOR CONSTRUCTION.
Location: 1617 Main Street, Livingston, CA 95334
For more information call Livingston City Hall at 209-394-8830.
Los Banos
Swimming lessons and open swim hours are offered at the Los Banos County Park during the summer months.
Location: 1414 South 7th Street, Los Banos, CA 93635
For more information call the Los Banos School District at (209) 826-3801
Merced
The City of Merced operates city pools at
Ada Givens Park
McNamara Park
Stephen Leonard Park.
These pools are available to rent for private events. Swim lessons are offered for children of all ages starting with a “parent and me” class for toddlers as young as six months.
Merced College offers a variety of swim programs during the summer and throughout the year.
City of Merced Swim Lessons: Four two-week sessions are offered from June through early August. Five levels of instruction include:
Parent and Me (Ages 6 months to 3 years)
Tiny Tots 1: (Ages 3 to 5 years)
Tiny Tots 2 (Ages 4 to 6 years)
Beginner Prep: (Ages 6 to 10 years)
Stroke Technique: (Ages 7 years and up)
Call the city at 385-6978 for more information and current schedules.
City of Merced Recreational Swim Programs
The City of Merced offers swimming during the summer at McNamara Park, Golden Valley High School, and Merced High School.
Swim lessons are offered for children of all ages starting with a “parent and me” class for toddlers as young as six months. Merced College offers a variety of swim programs during the summer and throughout the year.
City of Merced Swim Lessons: Three two-week sessions are offered from June through July. For the summer of 2016, there are still some lessons available at MacNamara Park in the mornings. Five levels of instruction include:
Parent and Me (Ages 6 months to 3 years)
Tiny Tots 1: (Ages 3 to 5 years)
Tiny Tots 2 (Ages 4 to 6 years)
Beginner Prep: (Ages 6 to 10 years)
Stroke Technique: (Ages 7 years and up)
Call the city at (209) 385-6855. for more information, schedules, and to sign up.
City of Merced Recreational Swim Programs: On summer afternoons, the Memorial Plunge at McNamara Park and the Golden Valley High School pool are open for recreational swimming.
Recreational swim hours:
Golden Valley High School: Saturday and Sunday, 3-6 PM
MacNamara Park: Thursday-Sunday, 3-6 PM
The cost for admission - please call.
Youth under age 18 swim free on Fridays at MacNamara Park.
City of Merced Pool Rentals:
For more information, call the city at (209) 385-6855.
Rentals are available from May through August.
Location of City of Merced Pools:
Memorial Plunge at McNamara Park: Corner of 11th and K Streets, Merced
Golden Valley High School Pool: 2121 E. Childs Ave., Merced, CA 95341
Merced High School Pool: 205 W. Olive Ave., Merced, CA 95348
Merced College Pool: Merced College’s Community Service Department provides recreation classes for all ages. Programs for children include swimming lessons, diving lessons, and water polo. Adult recreational lap swimming is offered throughout the year.
For more information, call (209) 384-6224.
Local Swim Leagues
The Merced County Swim League consists of ten teams from Merced County and surrounding communities. Merced is also home to the Merced Skimmers Swim Team, which practices regularly at Merced College.
Skimmers offers youth programs and master swimming for adults.
Contact Information
Merced Skimmers
Website: http://www.mercedskimmers.com/
Merced County Swim League
Atwater stingrays
Los Banos Tigersharks
Website: https://lbtigersharks.swimtopia.com/
Bakersfield Music Hall of Fame
Bakersfield Music Hall of Fame
Kim McAbee-Carter
2231 R. Street Bakersfield
For more information call: (661) 864-1701
See our website at: - - - - www.bakersfieldmusichalloffame.com
Honoring our historical music heritage while working to enhance and promote local artist and young children. The facility is available to rent for special occassions, conferences, private parties and special events. This unique theatre hosts live concert performances from an A+ rated sound theatre.
Pumpkin Patches and Fall Farm Events
Photo by Adam Blauert
You can always find pumpkins at every grocery store this time of year, but it’s a lot more fun to go and pick one out at a pumpkin patch. There are a lot of great local farms offering a wide range of pumpkins, squash, gourds, and exciting harvest-themed activities.
In the Merced-Planada-Plainsburg-Le Grand area, the Bear Creek Pumpkin Patch has teamed up with the Vista Ranch and Cellars this year. They’ve set up a beautiful and extensive selection of pumpkins near the main parking lot at the Vista. Varieties include carving pumpkins of all sizes, heirloom pumpkins, mini pumpkins, and colorful squash and gourds. You can also buy local produce and taste local wine during your visit. Picnic tables are available and wood oven pizzas are served from 11 AM to 4 PM on weekends. Educational field trips and private parties can be scheduled in advance.
Location: 7326 East Highway 140, Merced
Hours open: Daily 9 AM – 6 PM
More information: (209) 722-8200 / http://vistacellars.com/pumpkin-patch/
Photo by Adam Blauert
Located right inside Merced, the Merced College U-Pick Pumpkin Patch sells pumpkins raised on the Merced College Farm, with sale proceeds benefitting the farm program.
Location: Community College Drive on the Merced College Campus
For more information, contact Steve Bell (209) 384-6251
Proceeds benefit the Merced College Farm
Photo by Adam Blauert
Located between Merced and Atwater, Hunter Farms is again offering an exciting range of pumpkins and fun activities.
Centered around a historic barn, Hunter Farms has a lot of great backdrops for family photos, plus hay rides, a corn maze, a petting zoo, a trike track, a hay pyramid to climb, a time-travel tractor train ride, and panning for gemstones. There’s also room to eat a picnic lunch during your visit. School field trips, birthday parties, and other group events can be scheduled in advance.
Location: 2985 SP Avenue, Atwater
Hours: 10 AM – 6 PM weekdays, 10 AM – dusk
More information: (209) 394-4444http://www.hunterfamilyfarms.com/pumpkinpatch.html
Photo by Adam Blauert
The Los Banos Pumpkin Patch is the place to find great pumpkins on the Westside. In addition to a big selection of pumpkins, there are backdrops for family photos and a unique “barrel train” that runs on weekends. Proceeds from the sales help kids attend camp. School field trips can be scheduled by calling in advance.
Location: Paradiso Motors Parking Lot on Pacheco Blvd(Highway 152) at the I Street intersection
Hours: Monday-Friday noon – 9 PM, Saturday 10 AM – 9 PM, Sunday 11:30 ish (after church) – 9 PM
More information: (209) 826-7575
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Los-Banos-Pumpkin-Patch/246000048786070?v=info
Photo by adam blauert
Turlock’s R.A.M. Farms is the perfect destination if you live in the north part of our county. They offer more than 60 varieties of pumpkins, squash, and gourds, plus a gigantic 15 acre corn maze! Open every day during daylight hours, you can also choose to explore it in the dark on a special “Freaky Flashlight Night” – offered Friday and Saturday nights. Halloween-themed “Movies Under the Stars” are also offered on Friday and Saturday evenings starting at dusk. Other attractions include a “scary shed” and pumpkin bowling. Birthday parties and educational trips can be scheduled in advance.
Location: 716 N. Daubenberger Road, Turlock
Hours: Monday - Thursday 10 AM – dusk, Friday – Saturday 10 AM – 10 PM, Sunday 10 AM – 8 PM
Contact information / more information: (209) 668-2425 / http://www.ramfarms.com/pumpkin-patch/
Kiddieland in the Applegate Park next to the Merced Zoo
Kiddieland: Fun for the whole family!
Kiddieland hours of operation
Kiddieland is open to the public on weekends from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. annually, usually from late March or early April through October with three exceptions; the park is closed on Easter Sunday, Mothers Day, and the weekend the Merced county fair is going on.
Plan a birthday party at Kiddieland
Kiddieland can be reserved for Birthday Parties from 10:30 am to 1:30 pm on Saturday or Sunday.
Kiddieland offers six rides:
The now famous train ride
Car ride
Merry-Go-Round
Helicopters
Rocket Ships
Go-Gator Roller-coaster
Kiddieland also has a convenient snack bar available offering a reasonably priced assortment of family favorites.
Bring your kids and grandkids
The whole family will enjoy Kiddieland in Applegate Park next to the Merced Zoo. Plan a visit and have fun at the Merced Zoo along with a picnic in the Applegate Park.
Kiddieland is operated by the Kiwanis Club of Greater Merced. Click here for more information.
Blossom Tours
After the first rains of the winter season, the foothills start to turn green. By late March, wildflower displays are common, usually lasting into May. In the high elevation subalpine and alpine zones of the Sierra, the wildflower displays arrive in June and last through July or August.
Fall brings vibrant leaf displays especially in the aspen groves.This transformation starts in late September and lasts through much of October.All of these are sights well worth seeing at some point in your life and returning to again and again if possible.
Closer to home, the orchards of the Central Valley put on their own extraordinary blossom show from the end of February through the beginning of March.
The best website available for blossom information and driving tours (you can also ride your bike along these routes) is offered by the UC Cooperative Extension at:http://cemerced.ucanr.edu/Blossom_Tours_262/.
These tours are a great way to enjoy the beauty of our local outdoors in the early spring.
Photo by Adam Blauert
The UC Extension’s estimates for blossom dates are as follows:
Almond blossoms usually peak between February 25th and 28th +/- 10 days, depending on weather.
Apricot blossoms can be expected between March 1st and March 10th +/- one week.
Peach and nectarine blossoms peak approximately March 10th +/- one week.
Their website offers several different tours including:
A Peach Blossom Tour of Northern Merced County (Atwater, Winton, Cressey, Ballico, Delhi areas)
An Almond Blossom Tour of Northern Merced County (Atwater, Winton, Cressey, Ballico, Delhi areas)
An Almond Blossom Tour of Eastern Merced County (Planada, Plainsburg, Le Grand areas)
An Apricot and Almond Tour of the Los Banos Area
Photo by Adam Blauert
The descriptions and maps for these tours can be found at: http://cemerced.ucanr.edu/Blossom_Tours_262/.
Almonds, apricots, peaches, nectarines, pistachios, and walnuts are the most common tree crops grown in Merced County.There are a very limited number of plums, prunes, figs, cherries, and Asian pears.
To learn how to identify the blossoms, the UC Extension has a downloadable guide:http://cemerced.ucanr.edu/files/40706.pdf.
The download doesn’t have photos, but you can find some at:http://cemerced.ucanr.edu/Pictorial_Guide_to_Fruit_and_Nut_Crops_Grown_in_Merced_County/.
There are also written descriptions on the Fresno County Blossom Trail site:http://www.goblossomtrail.com/.
Photo by Adam Blauert
Although not described on these sites, pistachio and walnut blossoms are small, not very showy, and greenish in color.The other trees are your best bet for photos.
These blossom drives provide endless vistas for photography.The best days for beautiful views are afternoons and mornings when the sun shines through the dark clouds of a departing storm and the days directly following storms.Warm afternoon to evening light adds warmth to the scenes.
The Fresno County Blossom Trail website has a gallery of photos that gives some examples of how photographers have successfully captured beautiful images of blossoms:http://www.gofresnocounty.com/BlossomTrail/Pictures.asp
If you’re already familiar with local blossom trails and are looking for something different, the Fresno County Blossom Trail offers some additional varieties of blossoms set against the foothills of eastern Fresno County.Fresno County has a larger number of plum, apple, and citrus trees.
For a map, information, and places to stop along the trail go to http://www.goblossomtrail.com/.
To enjoy a blossom drive, here are a few suggestions:
Pack water, jackets, snacks, cameras, and sunglasses.
Print out the map of your route (see the above links).
Be aware that bees are working in the orchards and be careful to avoid being stung.If you are allergic to bee stings, bring any bee allergy remedies that your doctor has prescribed for you.
Stay out of the orchards unless you have permission to enter them.The orchards are private property and you don’t have to enter them to get great photos.
Photo by Adam Blauert
Later in the season, the produce of our local farms is available from local vendors:
Merced Certified Farmers’ Market:http://mercedcfm.com/
Merced Fruit Barn:http://www.mercedfruitbarn.com/
Vista Ranch and Cellars - Merced:http://vistacellars.com/
Buchannan Hollow Nut Company – south of Merced:http://www.bhnc.com/
Riverdance Farms - Livingston:http://riverdancefarms.com/
Le Grand Farmers Market:https://www.facebook.com/legrandfarmersmarket
Marchini Farms Fruit Stand - Le Grand:http://www.jmarchinifarms.com/products/radicchio.html
Hilmar Cheese:http://www.hilmarcheese.com/
Wolfsen’s Meat and Sausage - Gustine:http://www.wolfsensausage.com/
Pageo Lavender Farm - Turlock:http://pageolavenderfarm.com/
Turlock Certified Farmers’ Market:http://www.turlockmarket.org/
Rodin Ranch Famers’ Market - Modesto:http://rodinranch.com/
Modesto Certified Farmers Market:http://modestocfm.com/
Fresno County Fruit Trails downloadable map and information:http://cemerced.ucanr.edu/files/71388.pdf
Madera Wine Trail:http://www.maderawinetrail.com/
Mariposa County Wineries:http://www.sierrawines.com/ava.aspx?id=24
Tuolumne County Wineries:http://www.sierrawines.com/ava.aspx?id=25
Some of these are featured on the downloadable map provided by Merced County Country Ventures:http://www.country-ventures.org/
Top 5 Things to do in the Spring in and Around Merced County
Photo By Adam Blauert
Springtime
According to the system by which seasons are calculated, spring doesn’t officially begin until March 20th this year. Signs of the new season, however, start with the first blossoms on flowering trees in town and in the county’s orchards.
The almond trees are the first major orchard tree to bloom, usually starting by mid-February and peaking towards the end of the month. Their bloom was early this year and is already over, but the peach bloom is currently in its prime.
1. Blossom tours
Blossom tours are a great way to enjoy the outdoors at the time when winter is fading into spring. Looking for something relaxing to do in the outdoors?
Photo By Adam Blauert
Take a drive on the rural roads of our county and enjoy the blossom display. For the driving directions and a map to the county’s driving (or biking) tour of peach blossoms, use the following links provided by the UC Extension program:
Description: http://cemerced.ucanr.edu/files/40627.pdf
Map: http://cemerced.ucanr.edu/files/40628.pdf
Peach blossoms are a vibrant pink and they photograph nicely, especially in the warm light that often comes as sunlight breaks through clouds. For an enjoyable drive, pack water, jackets, snacks, cameras, and sunglasses.
Photo By Adam Blauert
Remember that orchards are private property and you should stay along the road unless the property owner invites you onto his/her property. You can enjoy the blossoms and get great photos without venturing from the side of the road. You can find a lot of additional information about blossom tours by clicking here. This is something to do the first week of March before the blossoms fall. Not all orchards bloom at exactly the same time, so some will already be losing their blossoms when you go, but you are guaranteed to find some that still have vibrant displays through the second week of March.
2. Bike Ride
Enjoying a bike ride on a local bike path is another one of the joys of spring. The temperature is nice, the skies are usually blue, and plants and trees are coming back to life. It’s a beautiful and comfortable time to be outdoors. Explore the town on one of the city’s bike paths. My favorites are the Bear Creek loop between McKee Road and G Street and the path that follows Lake Road between Yosemite Avenue and Lake Yosemite.
Photo By Adam Blauert
More experienced bikers can enjoy riding rural roads throughout the county, but the bike paths provide a safe environment for riding with family members, especially small children.
For a downloadable map of bike paths in Merced:
City of Merced city bikeway map (click here)
Merced bike paths on Google Maps (click here)
For more information about bike routes throughout the county, click here .
3. Wildflower driving tours
After the orchard blossoms fall to the ground, wildflower season kicks into gear in our local foothills. You can enjoy them easily on a short driving trip to Mariposa County. Although late March through early May is usually the best time for wildflowers, this year they have arrived early.
Photo By Adam Blauert
I recommend heading up to Mariposa County on Highway 140 and then exploring some of the back roads such as:
Old Highway (the original Highway 140 between Catheys Valley and the Mariposa Fairgrounds)
Yaqui Gulch Road
Ben Hur Road
Indian Gulch Road
Bear Valley Road
Old Toll Road
Pendola Garden Road
Mt. Gaines Road
Hunters Valley Road
Briceburg Road
Twelve miles east of downtown Mariposa, the Briceburg road is a left-hand turn from Highway 140. It is often one of the best places to see California poppies. The Merced River Canyon between Briceburg and the entrance to Yosemite can also have very nice displays.
All you need is a full tank of gas, a map of Mariposa County, water, jackets, snacks, cameras, and sunglasses.
You can pack a picnic lunch or try one of the many restaurants in Mariposa. You can see great wildflower displays from the side of the road without trespassing, so please make sure that you obey all posted signs and avoid venturing onto private land.
4. Local hikes
You can enjoy more wildflowers and more views on foot. Here are five favorite places to hike in the spring:
Hite Cove: Probably the most popular wildflower hike in our area, this trail starts 20 miles east of Mariposa on the east side of Highway 140.
Photo By Adam Blauert
After the highway crosses the South Fork of the Merced River, look for a parking area on the west side of the roadway. The trail starts by climbing a paved roadway and then becomes a narrow dirt path with a steep drop-off down to the river. Some of the best wildflowers are usually found along the first half mile, so you don’t have to hike far. If you’re up for a longer hike, however, you can follow it for 3 ½ miles to Hite Cove, a bend in the river where a mining community thrived in the 1860s. A few rock walls and pieces of rusted iron machinery remain.
Table Mountain (Tuolumne County): Located near Jamestown, this hike involves a steep climb to the top of the iconic table that follows Highway 108 and the course of an ancient channel of the Stanislaus River. The trail climbs through oaks to the flat tabletop for excellent views of the surrounding hills and valleys. Wildflowers shows on top of the table can be excellent, especially in wet years. The round-trip hike is about 3 miles with 400 feet of elevation gain.
For more information and maps, call the Bureau of Reclamation at (209) 536-9094 or go to http://www.usbr.gov/mp/ccao/newmelones/. There is no fee to park or use this area.
Pacheco State Park: Although most of the best wildflower hikes are located in the Sierra foothills, the Coast Range also often has some great displays.
Photo By Adam Blauert
Pacheco State Park, located on the south side of Highway 152 about 15 1/2 miles west of I-5, has nearly 30 miles of hiking trails where wildflowers may be enjoyed. For more about Pacheco State Park click here.
For more information go to http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=560
or call (209) 826-1197
The day use fee is $10/vehicle.
Path of the Padres: Also on the west side of the Central Valley, the Path of the Padres is another of the top local wildflower destinations. This trail starts at Los Banos Creek Reservoir and is only accessible on guided hikes, offered regularly in February, March, and April of each year.
For reservations, call (209) 826-1197.
The docents who lead these hikes know a lot about the area’s human and natural history and participating in a hike is a great way to learn. There is a $12/person fee for the guided hike, which lasts most of the day and totals about 5 ½ miles round trip after crossing the reservoir on a pontoon boat.
There is a per person fee for the guided hike, which lasts most of the day and totals about 5 ½ miles round trip after crossing the reservoir on a pontoon boat. For more info click here.
Knights Ferry: In the sleepy hamlet of Knights Ferry, pedestrians can still cross the Stanislaus River on a historic covered bridge. The stone and brick walls of buildings from the 1850s and 1860s line the river and an easy pathway along the river provides beautiful views of the town and the canyon. The path is only a 3 mile round trip walk, but it packs in a lot of beautiful scenes.
The trail starts on the north side of town at the end of the main road along the river near the stone and brick shell of the old Tulloch Mill.
For more information, call the Knights Ferry Information Center at 209-881-3517. There is no charge for parking or access to the river, trail, and historic buildings.
There is no charge for parking or access to the river, trail, and historic buildings.
Photo by Adam Blauert
Some of the best foothill hikes are guided outings and classes organized by the Sierra Foothill Conservancy. During the spring months, they offer hikes and classes for all ages and abilities on the preserves and conservation easements that they manage in Mariposa, Madera, and Fresno Counties.
The Mariposa County easements are less than an hour’s drive from Merced.
For more information and a calendar of events:
http://www.sierrafoothill.org/
or call (209) 742-5556.
5. Local camping
Another way to take advantage of the nice weather is to go on a camping trip. There are lots of places to camp locally and they are most enjoyable in the spring and fall.
Photo By Adam Blauert
You can get from home to your campsite in less than an hour if you book a site at one of the following parks:
Lakes McClure and McSwain: http://www.lakemcclure.com/ / (855) 800-2267
Lake Don Pedro: http://www.donpedrolake.com/
New Melones: http://www.recreation.gov/ / (877) 444-6777
McConnell State Recreation Area: http://www.reserveramerica.com
Hensley Lake: http://www.recreation.gov/ / (877) 444-6777
Eastman Lake: http://www.recreation.gov/ / (877) 444-6777
San Luis Reservoir: http://www.reserveramerica.com
Photo By Adam Blauert
All of these are located between the floor of the valley and the 1,500 foot elevation level, so weather is similar to Merced.
Beware of rattlesnakes (possible at all except McConnell). Some allow dogs, and fires may be allowed depending on the location and the dryness of the landscape.
Always check current conditions in advance. McClure, Don Pedro, and New Melones are my personal favorites for lakeside camping (Eastman and Hensley currently have extremely low water levels due to the drought).
Photo By Adam Blauert
McConnell is the best place to camp along the lower part of the Merced River.
Downing Planetarium at Fresno State University
Looking for something educational and fun to do while in Fresno?
The Downing Planetarium at Fresno State University is a great place to learn more about the night sky and about our universe.
Planetarium shows are offered one weekend each month – usually on Friday nights and Saturday evenings.
The price is affordable:
Adults $5
Seniors $4
Students (with ID) and children 3-12 $3
Shows last about an hour, concluding with a short lesson about sights that can currently be seen in the night sky, presented by Dr. Steve White. At the time of our visit, five planets were visible just before dawn and Dr. White showed us how to identify them using the planetarium’s simulated night sky.
Plan on arriving at fifteen to twenty minutes before the show starts in order to have time to pick up your tickets.
Planetarium shows require near-total darkness, so late arrivals cannot be admitted into the planetarium. The night sky was cloudy during our visit, but on clear nights there are often telescopes set up outside the planetarium with volunteers who can point out some of the highlights of the night sky.
It’s best to reserve your tickets in advance through the website – shows often sell out in advance.
Special programs can be arranged for large groups, including schools. The planetarium offers a wide range of programs for all ages. A small gift shop sells unique science-themed gifts and posters.
For more information and to reserve tickets, go to https://www.fresnostate.edu/csm/downing-planetarium/
or call (559) 278-4071.
The planetarium is located at 5320 N. Maple Ave. on the Fresno State Campus. This section of Maple is not a through street. You can find it by turning south off of Barstow Ave. We found it by looking for the sign for parking lot P15 as we drove down Barstow.
Parking is free in P15 for Friday night and Saturday afternoon planetarium shows. If there is an event going on at the Save Mart Center, avoid Chestnut Ave. The traffic pattern on Chestnut forced us into the parking lot for the Save Mart Center on the night of our visit and we had to ask the parking attendants for assistance to get back out.
To download a map of the campus, go to http://www.fresnostate.edu/cge/aei/contact/.
Other fun and educational places you might want to check out while in Fresno include:
Fresno’s Christmas Tree Lane
Fresno’s Christmas Tree Lane is one of the Central Valley’s longest-standing holiday traditions.
During a recent conversation with my 94-year-old grandmother, she fondly recalled driving down from Merced with her parents to see it somewhere around 1930. Although her memory is nowhere near as strong as it used to be, Christmas Tree Lane stands out brightly as a favorite childhood experience.
I vaguely remembered driving it when I was a child, but it greatly exceeded my memory last Wednesday when my wife and I revisited it.
It’s by far the best holiday light display that I’ve seen anywhere – a local tradition that everyone living in the Central Valley should enjoy as part of their holiday celebration sometime in their lifetime. Many people return annually.
Stretching nearly two miles from end to end, the light show along Van Ness Boulevard includes both lights draped over the roadway and unique and creative displays of lights and Christmas scenes in the yards of nearly 150 homes.
There are also beautiful painted displays along the roadway that have been created by art students at local high schools.
Most visitors enjoy the spectacle by car. It begin each night at 6PM, when all traffic on Van Ness Boulevard shifts to northbound between Shields and Shaw.
Most nights it ends at 10PM, but on Fridays and Saturdays it extends until 11PM. It is visited by more than 100,000 people yearly and has been featured in national publications like Sunset Magazine.
We visited on one of the two “walk nights” offered each season. During these nights, the route is open only to pedestrians, strollers, wagons, bikes, and dogs. We joined the crowd that was strolling past the displays at a leisurely pace, truly surprised at how many people were there on a week night.
There were a lot of families with children of all ages, older couples, and a surprising number of college and high school students. As the time grew closer to 10PM, the crowd shrunk noticeably, but it was still a crowd. Despite Fresno’s sometimes grim reputation, the night was classy and full of holiday cheer.
The stretch of Van Ness Boulevard that makes up Christmas Tree Lane is an island of beautiful, mature trees and well-maintained, architecturally interesting homes within the central part of the city. Several groups performing live Christmas music added to the cheer. Large numbers of volunteers and law enforcement personnel are present on walk nights to guarantee an experience that is safe for families and people of all ages.
Despite a few loud college-age kids that we saw (and heard) towards the end of the night, we felt completely safe the entire time.
While Christmas Tree Lane is certainly an enjoyable holiday experience in a vehicle, I strongly recommend visiting on a “walk night.” Each display is unique and you can take the time to enjoy the creativity and imagination best at a walking pace.
If you visit on a walk night, be sure to wear warm clothes. I recommend having dinner at a restaurant in Fresno before beginning your walk and making sure to use the bathroom after your meal.
There are a few porta-potties available along the route, but the lines are long and they suffer the expected effects of frequent use.
We spent at least two hours walking and enjoying the displays, and could have spent more. There are some yard displays and props along the route that provide great backdrops for family photos.
I brought my camera and took some photos that I’ve included in this story, but they don’t really do justice to the lights. They are best enjoyed live and in person.
Many people park at the Fig Garden Village Shopping Center at Shaw and Palm. There’s also parking available on the side streets adjacent to Van Ness.
We found a spot on one of these streets near the middle of Christmas Tree Lane and walked a loop – first north to Shaw, and then south almost all the way to Shields, and then back north to the street where our car was parked.
Although Van Ness Boulevard is mostly a north-south street, it bends westward near Shaw Avenue, intersecting with Palm just south of Shaw. This is the northern end of the Lane.
The tremendous effort to drape lights across Van Ness Boulevard is carried out by volunteers, and donations are welcomed at several donation stations along the route to keep the event going each year.
The homes along the Lane are decorated by the owners. A successful effort over the past few years to reduce the energy used by the display has resulted in a 50% cut.
For more information about visiting Christmas Tree Lane’s and about its history and the volunteers that make it a success each year, go to http://www.christmastreelane.com/.
Helpful directions from the Merced area
Christmas Tree Lane will be in operation every night through December 25th. If you plan to drive the route, head south on Highway 99 from Merced, but don’t exit at Shields, although that’s the road where the drive begins.
The Highway 99 Shields exit only goes west, and you need to go east. Instead, go to the next exit at Clinton Avenue and head east until you see Van Ness.
Turn north (left) and you’ll get to the start of the route in a short time.
If you plan to walk the route, exit at Shaw or Ashlan and head east. You can park at the north end near Shaw and Palm, or on one of the side streets along the route.
Van Ness Boulevard – Christmas Tree Lane – is paralleled on the west by Palm Avenue and on the east by Maroa Avenue.
It may take some looking, but you should be able to find a parking space on one of the side streets between Palm and Van Ness on the west, or between Van Ness and Maroa to the east.
The route is open to walkers, strollers, and dogs every night, but because it lacks sidewalks and the traffic is usually heavy, I strongly recommend walking only on the official “walk nights.”
Bikes are also allowed, but because of the huge crowds of walkers, I don’t really recommend riding one.
You’ll enjoy the route far more on foot.
No matter whether you walk or drive, Christmas Tree Lane is a great holiday tradition that can be enjoyed by all ages.
It’s free of charge (though donations are welcome), fun, and only an hour from Merced!
Chowchilla’s Historical Society & Museum
Every community should have a museum to display photos, documents, and artifacts that bring its past to life.
PHOTO BY ADAM BLAUERT
Just over a year ago, Chowchilla’s Historical Society made the dream of a museum a reality. With the support of the Chowchilla Fair’s Board of Directors, a former storage building at the Chowchilla-Madera Fairgrounds was transformed into an interesting history display.
If you live in Chowchilla or the surrounding area, have a family connection to Chowchilla, or are interested in local history in general, you will probably find the museum’s exhibits interesting.
Growing up with a great aunt and uncle who lived in Chowchilla, and many relatives (including my great-grandparents) buried in the cemetery, we usually visited at least a couple of times a year.
Despite this, I knew relatively little about the town’s history until my recent visit to the museum.
PHOTO BY ADAM BLAUERT
Most of the earliest towns in our valley were planned out by the Southern Pacific Railroad in the 1870s as it built southwards from the transcontinental railroad line at Lathrop.
Some of these include Merced, Modesto, Fresno, Tulare and Bakersfield.
A large number of later towns and surrounding farms were created and sold by land companies, many of which guaranteed irrigation water from local rivers for the purchasers of the land.
Chowchilla and the nearby community of Dairyland were organized on this model, a system sometimes referred to as “colonies” elsewhere in the valley.
PHOTO BY ADAM BLAUERT
The Chowchilla Historical Society has been collecting artifacts, documents, and stories since 1983. Some of the displays currently in the museum include:
A slideshow of historic photos of the town
The Chowchilla Pacific Railway – a local route that connected to the Southern Pacific and ran 7miles southwest to Dairyland and about 5 miles beyond with an original plan to connect all the way to the coast
Chowchilla schools
A 1940s kitchen created with artifacts from local kitchens
A recreation of a typical blacksmith shop
1950s vintage dairy equipment, reflecting the role of the dairy industry in Chowchilla’s history and the dramatic changes in technology that have taken place in the last 60 years
A road grader that was used to build Robertson Boulevard
A 1/7 scale reproduction of the famous Chowchilla arch that greeted visitors until it was destroyed by fire in 1937, but which has since been represented on the town’s welcome signs and the city’s official seal
A restored Kleiber logging truck that was used in Sierra Nevada logging and then retrofitted as a water tanker for watering an orchard near Chowchilla
PHOTO BY ADAM BLAUERT
Photo by Adam Blauert
I visited the museum for the first time in January during the second annual open house.
PHOTO BY ADAM BLAUERT
Due to staffing limitations, the museum only has regular hours during the fair and (May 19-22, 2016) but appointments can be scheduled to tour the museum by contacting Chris Thomas, the museum curator, at (559) 665-1920.
For more information about the fair, go to http://chowchillafair.org/.
Chris and the other members of the historical society are friendly and extremely knowledgeable about the area’s history. I enjoyed my visit and learned a lot about the history of the Chowchilla – Dairyland area.
School groups and other groups are always welcome for tours. The Chowchilla Historical Society continues to work on adding and improving exhibits and welcomes the participation of more members of the community. For membership information, contact Chris Thomas at the phone number listed above.
The City of Chowchilla’s website has some interesting historic photos of the town that can be accessed at:
The museum is located close to several other local museums including:
To find the museum, exit Highway 99 at Robertson Boulevard and drive west.
Turn left on 5th Street. After the road bends right, look for the fairgrounds on the left. Turn left by the lighted sign and drive into the fairgrounds.
The museum will be on your left after you pass a large covered arena.
PHOTO BY ADAM BLAUERT
PHOTO BY ADAM BLAUERT
State Parks and State Recreation Areas in Merced County
Los Banos Creek - Photo by adam blauert
Merced County boasts state parks and state recreation areas. They provide river access, campgrounds, picnic facilities, swimming, boating, fishing, water recreation, OHV recreation, and trails for hikers, bikers and equestrians. These parks include:
George J. Hatfield State Recreation Area
Great Valley Grasslands State Park
McConnell State Recreation Area
PHOTO BY ADAM BLAUERT
George J. Hatfield State Recreation Area: This state park has a mile of river frontage and plenty of shade. It’s proximity to the road and the poor condition of some of its facilities make it less favorable than some of the other parks on the river, but it still provides many excellent fishing opportunities. Near the park is a historic bridge over the Merced River. Built in 1910, it is now open only to pedestrians and bikers. It provides nice views of the river.
Location: 4394 North Kelly Road, Hilmar, CA
Distance from Merced: 30 miles
Distance from Los Banos: 29 miles
Size: 46.5 acres
Facilities and activities:
Flush restrooms
Drinking fountains
Campgrounds/group campgrounds with BBQ grills/fire rings
Picnic areas with tables, shelters, and BBQ grills
Group picnic areas
Swimming area
Dogs allowed? Yes
Horses allowed? No
Hunting allowed? No
Fishing or boating? Fishing can be good at George J. Hatfield Recreation Area. Rainbow trout and bass can be caught in the spring; catfish and perch throughout the year. No boating ramp is provided, but it is possible to swim in the river or to launch a float tube or hand-carried boat.
Website: http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=556
and http://www.parks.ca.gov/pages/554/files/McConnellHatfield.pdf
Nearby Parks: Undeveloped Great Valley Grasslands State Park has a six mile hiking trail.
Great Valley Grasslands State Park: This park preserves one of the few remaining examples of Central Valley grassland. The primary attraction of this undeveloped park is a six mile loop trail along levee roads. Along this route you can see, the San Joaquin River, native bunchgrass prairie, and vernal pools.
Location: The park’s entrance is on Highway 165 (Lander Ave) just south of Highway 140
Distance from Merced: 21 miles
Distance from Los Banos: 19 miles
Size: 2,700 acres
Facilities and Activities:
Hiking/biking trails
Wildlife viewing
Dogs Allowed? No
Horses Allowed? No
Hunting Allowed? No
Fishing or Boating? No boat ramps are provided, but float tubes could be launched in the San Joaquin River. Bass and catfish are the primary species caught in this area.
Website: http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=559
and http://www.parks.ca.gov/default.asp?page_id=25155 for trail description
Nearby Parks: Camping and picnic areas are available at George J. Hatfield State Recreation Area, McConnell State Recreation Area, and San Luis State Recreation Area. Picnic areas are also available at Hagaman County Park.
McConnell State Recreation Area: Like the other Merced River Parks, McConnell has a lot of shade. It’s also a bit more developed than Hatfield and further from the highway. If I were to pick a Merced River park in the Valley to camp at, this would be it.
Location: 8800 McConnell Road, Ballico, CA
Distance from Merced: 22 miles
Distance from Los Banos: 35 miles
Size: 74 acres
Facilities and activities:
Flush restrooms
Drinking fountains
Campgrounds/group campground with BBQ grills/fire rings, hot showers
Picnic areas with tables and BBQ grills
Group picnic area
Swimming area
Dogs allowed? Yes
Horses allowed? No
Hunting allowed? No
Fishing or boating? Fishing can be good at McConnell Recreation Area. Rainbow trout and bass can be caught in the spring; catfish and perch throughout the year. No boating ramp is provided, but it is possible to swim in the river or to launch a float tube or hand-carried boat.
Website: http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=554 and http://www.parks.ca.gov/pages/554/files/McConnellHatfield.pdf
Nearby parks: Undeveloped Great Valley Grasslands State Park has a six mile hiking trail.
Pacheco State Park: This park preserves part of a large Mexican land grant given to the Pacheco family in 1843. 28 miles of trails are available for hiking, biking, and equestrian use. Thousands of acres of gently rolling oak woodland produces spectacular wildflower displays in the spring. The ruins of the Pacheco Adobe and a well-preserved line shack from Henry Miller’s ranching operation stand near the picnic area.
Location: 38787 Dinosaur Point Road, Hollister, CA. Accessed from Highway 152.
Distance from Merced: 59 miles
Distance from Los Banos: 23 miles
Size: 6,890 acres
Facilities and Activities:
Chemical/flush restrooms
An equestrian campground is available for special events; other campgrounds are available at the adjacent San Luis State Recreation Area
Picnic areas with tables
28 miles of hiking/biking/equestrian trails
Wildlife viewing
Wildflower viewing
Dogs Allowed? In picnic area, but not on trails
Horses Allowed? Yes
Hunting Allowed? No
Fishing or Boating? No
Website: http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=560 and http://www.parks.ca.gov/pages/560/files/Pacheco.pdf. See http://www.parks.ca.gov/pages/560/files/PachecoTrailMap2006small.pdf for a trail guide.
Special Events: Ranger-led wildflower hikes in the spring. A kite flying day is also held annually.
Nearby Parks: Camping is available at the adjacent San Luis State Recreation Area
Photo by adam blauert
San Luis State Recreation Area
(San Luis Reservoir, O’Neill Forebay, Los Banos Creek Reservoir):
The San Luis State Recreation Area is made up of three units. San Luis Reservoir is the largest and is used primarily for fishing. Part of both the California Aqueduct and the Central Valley irrigation projects, it is the largest off-stream reservoir in the United States. At full capacity, it measures nine by five miles at its widest points.
The O’Neill Forebay, a smaller lake below the San Luis Dam, is open to all kinds of recreation and offers the best fishing in the area. Although this area can be windy, the O’Neill Forebay is more sheltered than the San Luis Reservoir. O’Neill Forebay is considered to be one of California’s premier fishing areas. The State record striped bass was caught in O’Neill Forebay in 2008. It measured 52.5 inches and weighed 70.6 lbs.
Los Banos Creek Reservoir, located a few miles to the south, receives much less visitation. It is best-known for springtime ranger-led hikes along the creek in the spring. With a 5mph speed limit, Los Banos Creek Reservoir is primarily enjoyed by anglers. A shoreline trail is provided for fishing access.
Location: San Luis Reservoir and the O’Neill Forebay are located on Highway 152, a few miles west of I-5. Additional access is available from State Highway 33. Los Banos Creek Reservoir is located on Canyon Road, southwest of Los Banos and I-5.
Distance from Merced:
San Luis Reservoir and O’Neill Forebay: 48 miles
Los Banos Creek Reservoir: 42 miles
Distance from Los Banos:
San Luis Reservoir and O’Neill Forebay: 12 miles
Los Banos Creek Reservoir: 6 miles
Operating authority: California State Parks
Surface area of lake: San Luis Reservoir 12,700 acres
O’Neill Forebay 2,250 acres
Los Banos Creek Reservoir 623 acres
Facilities and activities:
Boat ramp
Chemical/flush restrooms
Drinking fountains
Visitor center
Campgrounds/group campgrounds with BBQ grills/fire rings, shelters, hot showers
Picnic areas with tables, shelters, and BBQ grills
Group picnic areas and shelters
Swimming beach/area with showers
Dump station
Hiking trails (additional trails available in the adjacent Pacheco State Park)
Wildlife viewing areas
OHV recreation area (south side of Highway 152 at Jasper-Sears Road. Novice-level trails for both green and red sticker vehicles are provided)
Dogs allowed? Yes
Horses allowed? Yes, and many equestrian trails are available at the adjacent Pacheco State Park.
Hunting allowed? Yes
Fish species:
San Luis Reservoir and O’Neill Forebay: bass, bluegill, crappie, perch, shad
Los Banos Creek Reservoir: bass, bluegill, catfish, and crappie. Trout are stocked in the early spring, but don’t last through the summer because of water temperatures.
Boat rentals: No
Website: http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=558 and http://www.parks.ca.gov/pages/558/files/sanluisSRA.pdf
Special events: O’Neill Forebay hosts a Kids Fishing Day in the spring. The popular Path of the Padres is a Ranger-led hike along Los Banos Creek that is offered from February through April. Hikers enjoy a creekside walk through wildflowers and learn about the history, wildlife, and plant species of the area.
Nearby parks: Pacheco State Park is adjacent to San Luis Recreation Area and offers hiking and equestrian trails. Ranger-led wildflower hikes are offered in the spring.
The California Aqueduct Bikeway begins at San Luis Creek and goes 70 miles north to the Bethany Reservoir State Recreation Area with rest stops ten miles apart and chemical toilets.
Turlock Lake State Recreation Area: Less than an hour from many points in Merced County, Turlock Lake large and easily accessible.
Location: Lake Road (accessed from Highway 132) between Waterford and La Grange
Distance from Merced: 32 miles
Distance from Los Banos: 67 miles
Operating authority: California State Parks
Surface area of lake: 3,500 acres
Facilities and activities:
Boat ramp
Flush restrooms
Drinking fountains
Campgrounds with BBQ grills/fire rings, hot showers
Picnic areas with tables, shelters, and BBQ grills
Swimming beach
Short hiking trails
Dogs allowed? Yes
Horses allowed? No
Hunting allowed? No
Fish species: bass, bluegill, catfish, crappie, trout
Boat rentals: No
Website: http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=555 and http://www.parks.ca.gov/pages/555/files/TurlockBrochure1.pdf
Other Resources:
Fishing and Boating Resources at http://www.takemefishing.org/
Department of Fish and Game Regulations: http://www.dfg.ca.gov/
Department of Boating and Waterways Regulations: http://www.dbw.ca.gov/
Reservations for State, Federal, and Army Corps of Engineers Campgrounds: http://www.reserveamerica.com
Yosemite National Park Winter Activities
photo by Adam Blauert
There is plenty to do in the wintertime in Yosemite.
Now is a good time to take advantage of "No Fee Day" in Yosemite National Park.
It may be a little chilly so be sure to dress warmly.
Tire chains and emergency supplies
Make sure you pack them for travel as weather can be unpredictable!
Winter Snow recreation
Downhill skiing and snowboarding: Badger Pass Ski Area has offered downhill skiing since the 1930’s.
Today it is a family-friendly place with slopes ranging from easy to challenging, equipment rentals, and lessons for all ages and abilities. http://www.yosemitepark.com/badgerpass.aspx
Ice skating
The Curry Village Ice Rink in Yosemite Valley has been a popular place to ice skate since 1928.
All ages enjoy the ice and skate rentals are available in all sizes. Ice skating is surprisingly affordable and most people find it far less difficult that they might expect.
For more information go to: http://www.yosemitepark.com/Activities_WinterActivities_IceSkatingRink.aspx
Snow play
Yosemite Valley and Crane Flat are great places for kids to play in the snow. At an elevation of 6,000 feet, Crane Flat has more consistent snowfall.
Snowshoeing and cross-country skiing Both of these forms of over-snow transportation provide fun recreation, exercise, and opportunities to get away from crowds. Snowshoes can be rented at Badger Pass, the Crane Flat Store, and the Curry Village Ice Rink (Yosemite Valley). Cross-country skis can be rented at Badger Pass.
Lessons and overnight group trips are available at Badger Pass.
For more information on snowshoeing go to: http://www.yosemitepark.com/BadgerPass_Snowshoeing.aspx
and for cross-country skiing go to:
http://www.yosemitepark.com/BadgerPass_CrossCountrySkiing.aspx
The park maintains overnight accommodations at Glacier Point and Ostrander Lake for those ready to attempt a challenging trip. Popular day trips include visiting the Mariposa, Tuolumne, and Merced giant sequoia groves.
Adam Blauert, a high school teacher and avid outdoors enthusiast, has dedicated the majority of his life to Merced County. His passions include fishing, backpacking, delving into local history, and exploring the wonders of the western states.