Merced Fruit Barn｜California Farm Experience on the Way to Yosemite
A must-stop farm paradise on your way to Yosemite! Fresh produce from California's San Joaquin Valley and close encounters with adorable farm animals make it the perfect pit stop!
🚗 Location:
· 10 minutes east of downtown Merced
· Located on Highway 140, the only all-weather route to Yosemite
· Address: 4526 E. HWY 140, Merced CA 95340
· Free parking available, accommodates large tour buses
🍎 Farm Produce Highlights:
· Fresh seasonal fruits from the San Joaquin Valley, not imported or stored
· Locally grown nuts: almonds, walnuts, pistachios, and more
· Unique edible oils: almond oil, grapeseed oil, walnut oil, and other specialty products
· Local honey, olive oil, and seasonal fresh vegetables
🐦 Animal Park:
· Tropical bird area: three macaws, cockatoos, African grey parrots, green Amazon parrots
· Farm animals: donkeys, alpacas, mini pigs, sheep, Jersey cows, ducks, geese, rabbits, turkeys, emus, and peacocks
· Interactive experiences loved by kids
· Free admission, perfect for family visits
🍽️ Food Experience:
· Fresh deli sandwiches and freshly squeezed orange juice
· Gourmet coffee and natural ice cream
· Mariposa specialty coffee brewed on-site
· Outdoor picnic area to enjoy meals while watching farm animals
🛍️ Gift Options:
· Custom gift baskets for various occasions
· Frozen fruit pies to bake at home
· Handicrafts: artworks from Jamestown artists
· Handwoven items by Mariposa women
⏰ Operating Hours:
· Open daily from 10 AM to 5 PM
· Extended hours until 6:30 PM during summer
· Open year-round, suitable for visits anytime
· Recommended visit duration: 45 minutes to 1 hour
🌟 Best Visiting Times:
· 10 AM to 12 PM: Staff busiest, products most stocked
· 3 PM to 6 PM: Second busy period
· Spring and summer: Most abundant fruit varieties
· Weekdays: Fewer tour buses, more comfortable shopping environment
💡 Practical Tips:
· Bring insulated bags for fresh produce purchases
· Accepts cash and credit cards, supports various payment methods
· Kids especially love the bird area, plan extra time for photos
· Yosemite travel information and maps available
🌿 Local Experience:
· Owner insists on selling California-made products with high standards
· Direct collaboration with local farmers to support regional agriculture
· A true local landmark to experience California's rural culture
· Taste the authentic flavors of the San Joaquin Valley
🎪 Special Events:
· Seasonal fruit tasting events
· Farm animal feeding experiences
· Local handicraft exhibitions
· Group guided tours (reservation required)