Discover Merriam: History, Trails and Parks

Merriam offers a range of experiences to suit different travel interests: local history, art, trails along Turkey Creek, parks and events. If you’re looking for a hotel in Merriam, you can plan your stay around the topics you’d like to explore. For visits with set opening hours or changing schedules, it’s a good idea to check the latest information in advance.

Local History at Historic Sites

Twelve stops along the paved walking tour at Merriam Historic Plaza tell the story of Merriam—from the time before settlement to the present day. The outdoor tour is open daily from sunrise to sunset; check the latest opening-hour information before your visit. The plaza is also home to the Merriam Visitors Bureau offices.

Several historic sites offer individual points of reference to the past. Merriam School was built in 1872 and is the oldest building still standing in Merriam. Madam C.J. Walker School, a historic site, was established in 1888. Brown Memorial Park is named after Esther Brown, who organized public support for the 1949 Webb v. School District 90 case. The Frontier Military Road is also part of the area’s history: it ran through Merriam and is now known as the Frontier Military Historic Byway.

Another glimpse into the past can be found in the Merriam Drive Circa 1940 Mural. Merriam artist Michael Young depicts downtown Merriam in the early 1940s; the mural hangs in the lobby of the Merriam Community Center. Together, the sites offer examples of specific buildings, a historic route and an artistic portrayal of local history.

Trails and Parks Along Turkey Creek

The approximately four-mile paved Turkey Creek Streamway Trail is a multi-use trail that follows Turkey Creek. Its route passes through wooded areas, a butterfly garden and several parks. At about four miles long, it offers a different focus from Urban Hikes KC’s history walk: this four-mile tour also passes through downtown and along the Turkey Creek Streamway Trail. The similar distances help give a sense of the length, but the routes and tours described are different.

Individual parks have their own features, too. Campbell Park provides access to the Turkey Creek Streamway Trail. Quail Creek Park is a 5.25-acre linear park. Waterfall Park offers a peaceful view of the creek’s waterfall, as well as a pollinator garden. The park features described range from trail access and the shape and size of a green space to water views and a garden.

Chatlain Park has a special amenity: in 2021, it became the world’s first park with a We-Go-Swing. The inclusive swing allows wheelchair users to remain in their wheelchairs while swinging and face their friends. If this amenity is important to your visit, check its current availability in advance.

Art, Markets and Events

The Tim Murphy Art Gallery offers exhibitions that are free for the public to visit. The Merriam Community Center offers year-round fitness programs, water activities, classes and events. Along with the mural in the center’s lobby, these attractions offer a range of art and activities, from a free gallery visit to various classes and events.

Merriam Marketplace has a covered pavilion with 10,000 square feet of space. It hosts the Merriam Farmers' Market and several special events. Local farmers, bakers and artisans come together at the market, offering fresh produce, baked goods and other homemade products. The mix of vendors changes with the seasons, so what’s available may vary from one market visit to another.

The Turkey Creek Festival combines a 5K run or walk with free activities for children, live music, arts and crafts, and food. The program varies from year to year. The Turkey Creek Festival 5K is known for its hilly routes and scenic stretches; details of the race may also change from year to year. If you’d like to plan your trip around an event, check the relevant dates and program information.

When choosing a hotel stay in Merriam, it helps to first decide what you’d like to focus on: visiting historic sites, spending time on trails and in parks, or planning around art and events. Opening hours, seasonal market offerings and event schedules are useful reference points when planning individual visits.

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For the broader travel overview: Johnson.