Discover Merriam: History, Parks, and Trails

Discover Merriam Between History and Nature

Merriam combines historic traces with trails, parks, art, and local events. Those looking for a vacation rental or vacation home can tailor their trip to their own interests: history and culture on the one hand, and paved trails, green spaces, and activities around Turkey Creek on the other. Market visits and events also give a stay its own character.

History at Merriam Historic Plaza

A good starting point for exploring Merriam's history is Merriam Historic Plaza. Its paved walking tour includes 12 stations and presents Merriam's history from the period before settlement to the present day. The outdoor tour is open daily from sunrise to sunset. The plaza is also home to the offices of the Merriam Visitors Bureau.

Other historic points of interest provide further insight. Madam C.J. Walker School, a historic site in Merriam, was built in 1888. Built in 1872, Merriam School is considered the oldest surviving building in Merriam. In Brown Memorial Park, the name itself commemorates Esther Brown, who organized public support in 1949 for the case Webb v. School District 90. The Frontier Military Road, now known as the Frontier Military Historic Byway, also passed through Merriam.

Trails, Parks, and Special Experiences

For time outdoors, the Turkey Creek Streamway Trail offers an approximately four-mile paved, multi-use trail. It follows Turkey Creek and passes through wooded areas, a butterfly garden, and several parks. Campbell Park provides access to the trail. Those who want to combine history and exercise can find a four-mile history hike through downtown and along the Turkey Creek Streamway Trail with Urban Hikes KC.

Shorter park visits also offer their own highlights. Quail Creek Park is a 5.25-acre linear park. Waterfall Park offers a peaceful view of the creek's waterfall and includes a pollinator garden. In 2021, Chatlain Park became the world's first park with a We-Go Swing. This inclusive swing allows wheelchair users to remain in their wheelchairs while swinging and to swing facing their friends. The Turkey Creek Festival 5K is known for its hilly courses and scenic sections.

Art, Markets, and Community Offerings

The Tim Murphy Art Gallery presents exhibitions that are free for the public to visit. The gallery is intended to showcase monthly exhibitions by local and regional artists. Another visible piece of local history is the mural “Merriam Drive Circa 1940 Mural” by Merriam artist Michael Young. It depicts downtown Merriam in the early 1940s and hangs in the lobby of the Merriam Community Center.

Merriam Marketplace features a 10,000-square-foot covered pavilion. It hosts the Merriam Farmers' Market and several special events. Local growers, bakers, and artisans come together at the farmers' market. Offerings include fresh fruits and vegetables, baked goods, and other homemade products. The Turkey Creek Festival combines a 5K run or walk with free children's activities, live music, arts and crafts, and food. The Merriam Community Center offers fitness programs, aquatic activities, classes, and events year-round.

Choosing the Right Accommodation for Your Travel Interests

When searching for a vacation rental in Merriam, it is worth deciding first what you would most like to focus on. For historic discoveries, the Historic Plaza, the schools, the mural, and the history of the Frontier Military Road are the main attractions. For active days, the paved Streamway Trail, the parks, and the Festival 5K offer different options. The market, art gallery, community center, and festival round out the program with culinary, creative, and community experiences. This allows you to choose accommodation based on the type of stay you are planning for your trip, without combining the different offerings into one fixed tour.

For more destinations to help plan your trip, you can also view Overland Park, Mission, Shawnee, Leawood, Lenexa, and Olathe.

For the main travel overview: Johnson.