Visitors Center

The Merrill Creek Visitors Center was opened to the public in June 1989. It is staffed and is open 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., five days a week (Wednesday through Sunday), year round, except for New Years Day, Easter, Memorial Day, Labor Day, July 4th, Veteran’s Day, Martin Luther King Jr Day, Thanksgiving, Friday after Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

The Visitors Center contains an orientation area with a 100-seat auditorium, two classrooms; offices and a variety of exhibit space. It is the focal point of the environmental education activities that serve students of all ages and thousands of visitors annually.

The Visitors Center contains a variety of exhibits appealing to diverse audiences. Historical, cultural, and wildlife exhibits are available. A bird feeding/wildlife viewing area is located outside the windows on the east side of the building. A demonstration butterfly/hummingbird garden has been established behind the Visitors Center. The following items can also be found at the Visitors Center: a weather station, interactive computer kiosk, spotting scope, and an interactive “kids corner.” Brochures and other resources are provided at this location.

Since 1989, Merrill Creek Reservoir (MCR) has granted access to the public to enjoy its tranquil setting, natural environment, and limited low impact recreational activities.

Please park in designated parking areas only, as there is no parking permitted anywhere else at MCR, including roadside parking.  Parking along roadsides and other areas at MCR is for authorized vehicles only.

MCR is a privately owned property, please help us to keep MCR safe and secure for all to enjoy by strictly following our new property recreation hours. Thank you.