Top 15 Must-Do Activities in Merriam, Kansas

With the I-35 running down its spine, Merriam is a suburb of Kansas City, approximately seven miles southwest of the downtown area.

On the eastern side of I-35, there exists a commercial hub featuring retailers such as Ikea and Marshalls, while the western side is characterized by Turkey Creek and its respective trail that meanders through the community.

The Turkey Creek Streamway Trail connects various parks and the Merriam Marketplace, which hosts a vibrant farmers’ market on Saturday mornings during the summer months.

Among the notable places to include in your itinerary are a secluded waterfall, a bakery specializing in authentic povitica, an engaging outdoor museum, a premier movie theater in the metro area, and a restaurant serving Kansas City-style BBQ.

1. Antioch Park

Within Merriam’s limits lies one of the metro area’s most cherished parks, overseen by the Johnson County Parks and Recreation Department.

Established in 1958, Antioch Park is the oldest park in the county and also draws the largest number of visitors.

Families with young children will appreciate the Historic Dodge Town Play Area, an interactive Wild West-style town featuring a bank, pony express, general store, city hall, blacksmith, model horses, cows, and a train station.

Additionally, Antioch Park features an arboretum, rose garden, two fishing lakes, four shelters, and facilities for bocce ball, tennis, and basketball.

Every third Saturday in May, Antioch Park serves as the venue for Merriam’s longstanding Turkey Creek Festival.

2. Tim Murphy Art Gallery

This public arts venue, which opened in Merriam in 1996, hosts regular exhibitions featuring both national and regional artists.

Approximately ten exhibits are featured each year, with the Heartland Artist Exhibition, a national juried show held in March, being a prominent highlight.

The annual High School Art Competition, showcasing emerging talent each December, is also noteworthy. Admission to all exhibits is free, and many artworks are available for purchase, either as originals or prints.

3. Turkey Creek Festival

Having established itself as an annual tradition for nearly four decades, the Turkey Creek Festival is a day-long celebration typically held towards the end of May. The event boasts a dynamic schedule of arts and crafts, live music, food trucks, and competitive activities.

The festivities commence with a 5k run/walk at Merriam Marketplace, followed by a day filled with family-friendly activities at Antioch Park. The Kid Zone features face painting, craft projects, a petting zoo, pony rides, balloon sculptures, inflatables, and numerous other attractions.

Live music initiates in the morning with three bands/artists, while food options include tacos, philly cheese steaks, sweet treats, and, of course, BBQ.

4. Merriam Farmers’ Market

Located on the eastern side of Werner Park, the Merriam Marketplace features an attractive metal-framed pavilion with 36 vendor spaces and 120 parking spots in the surrounding area.

The site is also connected via a new bridge to the Turkey Creek Streamway Trail, which will be discussed further below.

This setting provides an excellent backdrop for the Merriam Farmers’ Market, occurring on Saturday mornings from May through September.

Visitors can find a rotating selection of seasonal fruits and vegetables, alongside honey, jams, jellies, preserves, houseplants, flowers, farm-raised Kansas beef, salsas, cheese curds, and unique handmade crafts.

Details regarding upcoming events and live music performances can be found on their Facebook page.

5. Strawberry Hill Povitica Company

For the unacquainted, povitica is a sweet rolled-dough pastry with a rich texture that resembles cake. This delicacy hails from Croatia and Slovenia, which were significant sources of immigration to the Kansas City area in the early 20th century.

Such is the narrative of the Strawberry Hill Povitica Company, one of several local businesses to keep in mind.

The current owners’ ancestors settled in Kansas City in 1903, bringing along the recipe that the bakery continues to utilize today.

The original povitica, crafted with English walnuts, remains the bestseller, complemented by various flavors, including apple cinnamon, blueberry cream cheese, lemon cream cheese, poppy seed, and strawberry cream cheese.

6. Turkey Creek Streamway Trail

Turkey Creek runs through Johnson and Wyandotte counties for approximately ten miles before it merges with the Kansas River near Shawnee Heights.

Within Merriam, much of the creek’s banks remain undeveloped, and a lush green buffer lines the banks, creating a remote atmosphere amidst the urban setting.

The Turkey Creek Streamway Trail spans around 3.6 miles, commencing in the south at W. Frontage Rd. near W. 75th St., providing access to locations such as Chatlain Park, Campbell Park, Werner Park, and Waterfall Park.

7. Waterfall Park

A picturesque natural feature awaits where one might least expect it, adjacent to the interstate along Turkey Creek. Nestled within that riparian corridor is a quaint waterfall, encircled by a 16-acre park.

The waterfall, although modest in height, is accompanied by a slow-moving creek, making it common to see visitors paddling here during the sweltering Kansas City summers and climbing onto the ledges that form a small canyon behind.

The park was developed in the late 1990s and early 2000s, boasting a playground, soccer fields, benches overlooking the falls, and picnic tables.

8. Merriam Town Center/Merriam Village

Along the eastern side of I-35 through Merriam lies an extensive commercial corridor that concludes to the south with the Merriam Community Center and the Antioch branch of the Johnson County Library.

In this vicinity, several big box stores can be found, including Ikea, Hobby Lobby, Home Depot, Petsmart, Marshalls, GameStop, OfficeMax, and Old Navy.

Chain restaurants such as McDonald’s, Taco Bell, Jack in the Box, IHOP, and Denny’s are prevalent, and at the northern end is the Cinemark 20 and XD, recognized as one of the most popular venues for viewing movies in the Kansas City metro area.

9. Merriam Drive Live

Werner Park serves as the location for one of Merriam’s most significant annual events, taking place on the first Saturday in October, marking the conclusion of the farmers’ market season.

This event is entirely free to the public, featuring a street and lawn celebration, complete with family entertainment, engaging activities, and delightful food.

The day kicks off with a 5k run/walk, followed by a dynamic lineup of live music, food trucks, a beer garden, a cornhole tournament, and myriad activities for children.

10. Merriam Historic Plaza

At the US-56 exit for Shawnee Mission Parkway lies a site recognized as Merriam’s gateway, housing the local Visitors Bureau along with an intriguing park.

This complex, built in 2006, features a series of 12 interpretive signs that recount the history of Merriam, from the era of the Shawnee Native Americans to the present day of incorporation.

The building that accommodates the visitors bureau also serves as a venue for meetings and events.

11. R.J.’s Bob-Be-Que Shack

For those who enjoy meat, it would be remiss to visit the Kansas City area without indulging in some BBQ. Fortunately, numerous options are available, and one of the closest eateries to Merriam is R.J.’s Bob-Be-Que Shack, founded by a Kansas City native in 2003.

This establishment has garnered numerous accolades for its rubs and sauces, cultivating a passionate local following, thus promising an authentic Kansas City BBQ experience.

Among the noteworthy specialties are the lamb ribs, bison empanadas, and notably, the jalapeño sausage—a true favorite.

For starters, the corn fritters are highly recommended, and if visiting for breakfast, the burnt end hash is a standout choice.

12. Shawnee Town 1929

Located under five minutes from Merriam Town Center, this outdoor museum offers a glimpse into the small farming communities that existed before urban expansion.

Shawnee Town 1929 is a captivating living history attraction, showcasing traditional farming techniques and small-town businesses from the era, such as a post office, general store, fire station, and chapel.

The museum hosts a variety of programs during spring, summer, and fall, including children’s ukulele classes and events like the Old Shawnee Days Festival in June.

13. Grandstand Burgers

Situated north of Waterfall Park at the intersection of Antioch Road and Merriam Drive lies a quaint fast-food establishment that has been operating for more than 20 years.

Occupying a large lot, Grandstand Burgers is a small, no-frills venue without indoor seating, yet has a loyal customer base and often sees lines extending out the door.

Additionally, a new carhop service is available for patrons who prefer not to exit their vehicles. Essential menu items include the popular Kelly Burger (a bacon double cheeseburger topped with a slice of ham), the massive Tenderloin Sandwich, and large serving of tater tots, which are a must-try over traditional fries.

14. Splash Cove

The nearest large public water park is located just moments away in Shawnee, where it shares a facility with the Shawnee Town 1929 Museum.

Ideal for energetic young children, Splash Cove features a variety of attractions, including an instructional pool, a mini wave pool, a 125-foot body slide, and a spectacular interactive water playground, complete with a 350-gallon conch shell that dumps a “safe” torrent of water on children below.

Splash Cove typically operates from Memorial Day weekend through the summer recess.

15. Werner Park

As one of the parks connected by the Turkey Creek Streamway Trail, Werner Park serves as an oasis amidst many of Merriam’s key attractions.

Merriam Marketplace is directly across the creek, positioning you a short distance from Merriam Town Center/Merriam Village.

In October, the park hosts the Merriam Drive Live festival, while throughout the year, it provides a tranquil location to relax within the urban landscape.

Equipped with shelters, grills, and picnic tables, it presents an ideal spot to enjoy a meal from one of the numerous nearby eateries.