The 5 Best Things to do Good for Big Groups in , Merced County

The San Luis National Wildlife Refuge encompasses over 26,800 acres of wetlands, riparian forests, native grasslands, and vernal pools. A thriving population of the endemic tule elk is showcased by one of three auto tour routes. The Refuge is host to significant assemblages of birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, fish, insects, and plants; some of which, such as the California tiger salamander, the long-horned fairy shrimp, and San Joaquin kit fox, are endangered species. The Refuge is a major wintering ground and migratory stopover point for large concentrations of waterfowl, shorebirds, and other waterbirds. Large flocks of green-winged teal, northern shoveler, mallard, gadwall, wigeon, cinnamon teal, northern pintail, ring-necked duck, canvasback, ruddy duck, and snow, Ross’, and white-fronted geese swarm over the mosaic of seasonal and permanent wetlands that comprise a quarter of the Refuge. Waterfowl generally remain until late March before beginning their journey north to breeding areas. However, some mallard, gadwall, and cinnamon teal stay, breed, and raise young on the Refuge.

Tour, Taste, Shop and Eat at the world's largest single-site cheese and whey factory making more than 1 million pounds of cheese per day. The Visitor Center features a show and fun, hands-on interactive exhibits, you can even dress like a cheese maker! Watch employees package the “big cheese,” a 640 lb. block of cheese in our viewing area. Call to confirm viewing area and exhibits are open. Free self-guided visitor center tours, guided visitor center tours weekends at 10 am and 11 am. Daily tours in the summer. Please note: it is a window tour; tours do not walk through the facility for security and accessibility reasons. Complimentary cheese and gourmet foods tasting, beautiful gift shop, cafe, coffee, tea and espresso, ice cream and picnic area with walk-through waterfall. Check the website for great activities. Centrally located, just 4 miles from Highway 99.