Atwater is a city in Merced County, California. It is a small community located approximately 8 miles west of Merced at an elevation of 151 feet. In 2010, the population of Atwater was 28,168. Its estimated population in 2020 is projected to be 31,970. There are many attractions and places to visit in Atwater. Read on to find out more.
Castle Air Museum
The Castle Air Museum is a military aviation museum located in Atwater, California. The museum is located on the grounds of the former Castle Airport, a former strategic air command base of the United States Air Force. After the Cold War ended, the base was decommissioned and turned into a museum.
The museum offers a unique view into the history of aviation. It is located at 5050 Santa Fe Drive in Atwater, California, and is a short drive from Sacramento, San Francisco, or Fresno. The museum is open daily except for major holidays. Admission is free.
There have been reports of a ghostly presence in the B-29A Superfortress exhibit. Paranormal investigators have heard footsteps inside the plane, and propellers have turned while locked in place. Some even claim to have photographed the apparition. The museum’s volunteers say that they have detected anomalous readings on their equipment.
The Air Museum of the Pacific features more than 60 restored aircraft, covering over 11 acres of land. There’s also a B-52 simulator. The museum also offers guided tours and group events. It also has a gift shop and cafe. The museum is ideal for school groups. You can even rent an RV to stay in during your visit.
If history buffs are your thing, the Aircraft Museum of the Air Force is an excellent place to go. It houses over fifty aircraft, including fighters and bombers. The museum’s Open Cockpit is an incredible experience for those with a passion for aviation history. The museum also has nice signs describing each aircraft.
Wildlife Refuge
If you are in the mood for some wildlife viewing, visit the Lea National Wildlife Refuge in Atwater, California. This refuge is home to over 10,000 acres of habitat, making it an ideal location to observe the local wildlife. It has diverse landscapes, including wetlands and perennial grasslands, which provide a haven for wildlife like deer, elk, and rabbits. There are also four nature trails, so you can take a stroll through the refuge year-round.
On Saturday morning, the Atwater Police Department issued an all-clear order, indicating that the big cat had been spotted in the area near the Atwater High School. The Atwater Police Department said that it was working with local wildlife officials, Merced County Sheriff’s deputies, and the California Highway Patrol to search the area for the cougar. The Atwater police cordoned off the school and set up roadblocks around the campus. The Department of Fish and Game was also called to the scene.
The refuge is home to several species of birds. Ross’ geese and lesser Sandhill cranes spend the winter in the area. They arrive in the fall and stay through mid-April. In addition, the refuge features a diverse habitat, including vernal pools, which host a brilliant wildflower show in the spring.
The San Luis National Wildlife Refuge complex is home to four5,000 acres and more than ninety thousand acres of conservation easements. The project will also include a visitor’s center, which will include a multi-purpose room and a 1,500 square-foot exhibit hall. The city hopes the new center will lead to a boost in tourism in the area.
Fruit Barn
If you are looking for a place to shop for fresh and delicious fruit, try visiting the Fruit Barn. This store sells fresh and dried fruits, as well as nuts and other specialty items. The store also features a deli where you can enjoy delicious sandwiches. It is located near Yosemite National Park on Highway 140.
While you are in the area, be sure to check out the nearby Merced Agricultural Museum, which is located next to the Fruit Barn. Its displays include an impressive collection of antique farming equipment and household appliances. It also has a working blacksmith shop and a model of the New Yosemite Valley Railroad.
Another place to visit in Atwater is the Atwater Village Farmers’ Market. It is a favorite among locals and is much like a super-sized Whole Foods. It has fresh produce from some of the city’s best farms. The market also has a knife sharpener and oyster bar. In addition to fresh fruits and vegetables, you can buy gluten-free breads and baked goods. This market is open every Sunday.
Merced Municipal Airport
If you’re planning a vacation in Atwater, California, you may want to plan your flight to Merced Municipal Airport. This airport is located about 9 miles from Atwater. The hotel is located near the airport and offers free shuttle service to and from the airport. Other places to stay in Atwater include the El Capitan Hotel, Part of JdV by Hyatt, and the Travelodge by Wyndham Merced.
The airport is located 2.1 miles from the city center and is home to the Merced Regional Macready Field. Its 5903-foot runway is long enough to accommodate large luxury jets as well as smaller high-performance turboprops. It is also equipped to handle light jets and heavy jet aircraft.
The airport is located in the Atwater neighborhood and is a popular spot for vacationers and locals alike. In 2015, it transported a record number of passengers. However, it did encounter tough times during the COVID-19 outbreak. As a result, the airport has been working with a local group to expand its maintenance and training facilities. This would create up to 20 new jobs in the community.
If you’re planning to visit the Atwater area, car rental is a fun way to explore new places. The airport has several options for car rentals, including Budget, Enterprise, and Avis. The Enterprise location is located at 1334 W. Main, which is just 0.7 miles away from downtown Merced.
Another place to visit in Atwater California is the Merced National Wildlife Refuge, which has over 10,000 acres of grasslands and wetlands. There are also several hiking trails within the refuge. Nearby, Lake Yosemite is a man-made reservoir that attracts many fishers. Henderson Park is another great spot for picnicking and fishing. There are several museums in the area as well, including the Merced County Courthouse Museum, the Merced Multicultural Art Centre, and the Merced Agriculture Museum. Moreover, the Castle Science and Technology Centre is located in nearby Atwater.
If you’re planning to fly into Merced Municipal Airport, you can check out several hotels near the airport. They offer WiFi and free parking. Some hotels even accept pets.