Merced lies in the fertile agricultural region of the San Joaquin Valley where in addition to rearing cattle, peaches, tomatoes, almonds and alfalfa are grown; it is well-known because of its location on the approach road to the western entrance to Yosemite National Park which is scarcely 60mi/100km away.
The Yosemite Wildlife Museum has displays of wildlife in their natural surroundings. Painted background murals, landscaped foregrounds and natural outdoor sounds create realistic settings.