Merced County, Administrative division in San Joaquin Valley, California, United States.
Merced County is an administrative division in the San Joaquin Valley in California, spanning flat to hilly terrain. The area is crossed by Interstate 5 and several state routes, and it contains multiple towns and communities.
The area became a separate county in 1855 when it was formed from parts of Mariposa County. Its name comes from the Merced River, which explorer Gabriel Moraga discovered during an expedition in 1806.
The University of California Merced shapes academic life in the region through research and teaching. Students and researchers contribute daily to the local knowledge culture and influence how the area sees itself.
The area is best explored by car, as Interstate 5 and state routes form the main connections. Visitors should know that the region is spread out, so distances between destinations can be large.
The area is home to the Merced National Wildlife Refuge and the San Luis National Wildlife Refuge, which serve as important sanctuaries for wildlife. These protected spaces give visitors the chance to see natural habitats up close.
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