Everything You Need to Know About Merriam, Kansas
Known for its welcoming and peaceful environment, characterized by its tight-knit community, Merriam, Kansas, offers beautiful tree-lined streets, walking trails, plentiful parks, and numerous community events for its approximately 11,000 residents. Situated along I-35 in Northeast Johnson County, Merriam is a small city with a total area of just 4.32 square miles.
Blake’s Favorite Things About Merriam
About Merriam, Kansas
A peaceful beautiful small city, characterized by its tight-knit community.
Distance to Downtown
11 minutes / 8 miles
Outdoor Spaces
Antioch Park, Chatlain Park, Werner Park, Waterfall Park, Merriam Community Center
Distance to Airport
25 minutes / 25 miles
School District
Shawnee Mission
Walk Score
45
Amenities
Merriam Community Center, Skate City, Merriam Marketplace
Gym
Genesis Health Clubs - KC Racquet Club, Merriam Community Center
Bar
Strip’s Chicken and Brewing, Hurricane Allie’s Bar & Grill,
Closest Hospital
Shawnee Mission Medical Center
Shopping
Merriam Town Center, IKEA,
Events
Merriam Farmers Market, Cruise Night, Turkey Creek Car and Motorcycle Show
Fun Facts About Merriam
Seaboard Corporation is based in Merriam, Kansas, and up until 2019 Lee Jeans called Kansas City home.
Best Restaurants in Merriam
El Pulgarcito Salvadorean Restaurant
If you are looking for authentic Central American food, look no further than El Pulgarcito Salvadorean Restaurant. Pupusas, tamales, and fish tacos are featured fare at this compact eatery.
China Garden Buffet
Cure your Chinese cravings at China Garden Buffet in Merriam Town Center. Enjoy all your Chinese classics as well as crowd-pleasing American options for the kiddos.
Krispy Kreme
One of America’s longest-running donut chains offers a drive-thru for people on the go and glass that looks straight into their donut assembly line.
Strawberry Hill Povitica
Celebrating a proud Eastern European heritage in the heart of the Midwest, Strawberry Hill Povitica features handmade pastries and baked goods using secret family recipes handed down through generations.
K.C. Strings
Specializing in having an expert sales staff that is passionate about music and serving its customers, K.C. Strings offers one of the largest selections of string instruments in all price ranges within the Midwest.
Merriam was the site of the first Bell Telephone office in Johnson County in 1908.
Skate City
One of the area’s premier skating rinks, Skate City offers open skates Tuesday through Sunday, in addition to fun special events like Adult Skate Nights, Glow Skate Nights, and more. Offering skate sessions under $10, Skate City offers an economical activity for people of all ages.
Cinemark Merriam
Moviegoers flock to Merriam for the Cinemark offering all your favorite movie concessions in addition to a small arcade, a cafe, and special XD theaters with surround sound and wall-to-wall screens.
Auto Dealerships
Merriam is home to a variety of car dealerships lining I-35. Those looking to purchase a new car can look no further than visiting Hendrick Toyota, Hendrick Lexus, Elevated Nissan, Reed Jeep of Kansas City, Reed Hyundai, Baron Mini and BMW, Audi Shawnee Mission, and Aristocrat Motors.
The first community that would become what is today Merriam is traced to when a Tennessean, David Gee Campbell, bought acreage from Mary Parks, an American Indian. In 1864, he moved his home to the south side of Johnson Drive near Turkey Creek. Just a few years later in 1870, with the addition of the first railroad station, the name of the town was changed to Merriam, in honor of Charles Merriam, an executive with the railroad.
