Parks & Recreation

Experience a host of four-season activities for outdoor enthusiasts. Glaciers left our region with its amazing natural beauty, alive today in forests, fields, lakes and rivers. Merrill offers 1,400-acres of public parks and forest, and over 25-miles of trails for outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy. Experience unending adventures for youngsters and adults in our many amazing "playgrounds."

Find Outdoor Recreation

Merrill offers camping, canoeing, kayaking, snowmobiling, ATVing, cross-county skiiing, hiking, fishing, hunting and biking, including some of the best fat tire bike trails in Wisconsin.

Reserve Park Shelters

You can enjoy our many parks with plenty of areas to host a wedding, family gathering, special event or a quaint, private picnic. Reserve park space, shelters, the Smith Center Arena Multi-purpose room (located at the MARC), or Bierman Family Aquatic Center. *Park Shelters (with the exception of Agra Pavilion which can be rented year-round) are available from May 1st through September 30th every year). Smith Center rentals check availability (depending on ice time during the winter months).

Photo by Melissa Moreno

Newsletters

Stay in the know! Read our seasonal newsletter. Find out everything you need to know about programs, park rentals, events, activities, frequently asked questions and more.

To register for these programs, go to the Register for Activities Tab on the Parks home page. It will take you to our online portal and you can register online.

2026 Summer Recreation Program Guide

Register for Activities

Merrill Parks & Recreation offers programs, youth sports, activities, bus trips and events for all ages. Take a minute to browse through the many activities we have to offer! You can register right online for whichever program(s) you choose.

Bierman Family Aquatic Center

Spend your summer frolicking in our water park. Located in the Merrill Area Recreation Complex (MARC - 1100 Marc Drive, Merrill, WI 54452), the aquatic center features two large water slides, one smaller water slide, and a play structure in the shallow area.

**We are in need of Lifeguards! If you are interested, please fill out and submit an online application by clicking the "Employment" tab. If we don't find more lifeguards, our days/hours of operation may fluctuate to fit staff availability**

**We are looking forward to seeing you all again this summer! Opening day will be announced soon.

$5.00 day pass for ages 2-61. . . $3.00 day pass for 62+ & Military. . . $3.00 Non-swimmer fee. . . for pool rental or group rates contact our office

Punch passes: 25 visits for $85. . . 10 visits for $37. . . 5 visits for $20

Explore Merrill Parks

The City of Merrill is known as "City of Parks" because of the numerous parks located in and near the City. Some parks feature miles of manicured trails, perfect for long hikes or even longer bike rides. Others feature winding rivers that call you to grab a kayak or canoe and paddle your way through. Spend the day at a park or stay overnight at the campgrounds.

Photo by WXPR

Explore the Ice Age Trail

The City of Merrill is a proud "Ice Age Trail Community"! Plan your next trip on the Ice Age Trail. Learn about places to hike, eat and where to stay in the City of Merrill.

Merrill Ice Trail with maps

Outdoor Recreation Plan

The City of Merrill Outdoor Recreation Plan (ORP) is a five year plan to identify outdoor recreational needs in the City. Adoption of this plan by the City establishes eligibility for the City to apply for a variety of Federal and State Aids through the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.