Merriam Visitor Guide - KC Mobility Scooter Rentals

Welcome to Merriam, a vibrant destination blending rich history, unique culture, and endless exploration opportunities. Nestled in the heart of Johnson County, Merriam offers a perfect blend of suburban charm and urban access near Kansas City. This guide covers everything you need to plan your visit. For travelers with mobility needs, we’ve got you covered—see our recommendation below!

History

Merriam was founded in 1864, named after Charles Merriam, a settler who donated land for the Kansas City, Fort Scott, and Gulf Railroad, spurring growth as a rail hub.
It evolved from a farming community tied to the Santa Fe Trail into a bustling suburb, incorporated in 1950, with its historic Hocker Grove Line amusement park shaping early tourism in the 1900s.
Notable landmarks like the Merriam Historic Plaza, with its 1920s-era buildings, reflect its past, preserved through efforts by the Merriam Historic Society.

Interesting Facts

Merriam’s population is 11,087 (2023), with a diverse demographic (78.5% White, 10.2% Hispanic, 6.8% Black per 2020 census) and a median household income of $71,336, balancing affordability and quality of life.
The city is home to the Merriam Farmers’ Market, one of the region’s oldest, operating since the 1970s and drawing thousands for local produce and crafts.
Merriam’s Turkey Creek Festival, held annually since 1984, celebrates community spirit with live music, food, and family activities in Antioch Park.
Its compact 4.5-square-mile area includes over 200 acres of parkland, with Streamway Park’s trail connecting to the regional Turkey Creek Trail system.

Local Attractions

Antioch Park: A 44-acre park with playgrounds, picnic shelters, and a rose garden, ideal for family outings. Open daily; free. Accessibility: Paved trails, wheelchair-friendly. Address: 6501 Antioch Rd, Merriam, KS 66202. Phone: (913) 831-7275. Website: jcprd.com/parks/antioch-park.
Merriam Historic Plaza: Explore historic markers and 1920s-era storefronts in a walkable downtown area. Open daily; free. Accessibility: Flat sidewalks, wheelchair-friendly. Address: 6304 E Frontage Rd, Merriam, KS 66202. Phone: (913) 322-5500. Website: merriam.org/history.
Streamway Park: A scenic park with a paved trail for biking and walking, part of the Turkey Creek Trail. Open daily; free. Accessibility: Paved, wheelchair-friendly paths. Address: 5100 Merriam Dr, Merriam, KS 66203. Phone: (913) 831-7275. Website: jcprd.com/parks/streamway-park.
Tim Murphy Art Gallery: Located in the Merriam Community Center, showcasing local artists’ works. Open Mon-Fri, 9 AM-5 PM; free. Accessibility: Wheelchair ramps, elevators. Address: 6040 Slater St, Merriam, KS 66202. Phone: (913) 322-5550. Website: merriam.org/community-center.
Pro Tip: Download the Visit Overland Park app for real-time maps and event updates.

Local Restaurants

Savor Merriam’s culinary scene with these independent, locally-owned restaurants (no fast food chains or franchises):

The Roasterie Café: Known for artisan coffee and light fare like avocado toast. Expect $8-15 per person. Accessibility: Step-free entry, accessible restrooms. Address: 6021 Johnson Dr, Merriam, KS 66202. Phone: (913) 384-1470. Website: theroasterie.com.
Cinzetti’s: Specializing in Italian buffet-style dining with fresh pastas and desserts. Prices range from $15-25. Accessibility: Wide seating areas, wheelchair-friendly. Address: 7201 W 91st St, Overland Park, KS 66212 (near Merriam). Phone: (913) 642-0101. Website: cinzettis.com.
Pegah’s Family Restaurant: Offers homestyle American dishes like pancakes and meatloaf. Budget: $10-18. Accessibility: Ground-floor dining, wide doorways. Address: 5350 W 75th St, Merriam, KS 66202. Phone: (913) 236-7733. Website: pegahs.com.
Strawberry Hill Povitica: Famous for Eastern European povitica bread and pastries. Average cost: $6-12. Accessibility: Ground-floor dining, braille menus available. Address: 8609 Shawnee Mission Pkwy, Merriam, KS 66202. Phone: (913) 384-3500. Website: strawberryhillpovitica.com.
Reservation Tip: Book ahead for Cinzetti’s via their website or OpenTable.

Local Hotels

Drury Inn & Suites Kansas City Shawnee Mission: Priced at $110-150/night. Offers free hot breakfast, indoor pool, fitness center. Accessibility: Roll-in showers, elevator access. Address: 9000 W 87th St, Overland Park, KS 66212. Phone: (913) 648-7200. Website: druryhotels.com/locations/overland-park-ks.
Hampton Inn & Suites Kansas City-Merriam: Priced at $100-140/night. Features free breakfast, indoor pool, gym. Accessibility: Wheelchair-friendly rooms available. Address: 7400 W Frontage Rd, Merriam, KS 66203. Phone: (913) 789-8000. Website: hilton.com/en/hotels/mcimehx-hampton-inn-suites-kansas-city-merriam.
Comfort Inn & Suites Shawnee: Priced at $90-130/night. Includes free continental breakfast, fitness center, pet-friendly. Accessibility: Ground-floor options, wide doorways. Address: 16510 Midland Dr, Shawnee, KS 66217. Phone: (913) 441-9200. Website: choicehotels.com/hotels/us/en/ks/shawnee/ks406.
Extended Stay America Kansas City-Shawnee Mission: Priced at $80-120/night. Provides full kitchens, free Wi-Fi, pet-friendly. Accessibility: Adapted bathrooms on request. Address: 6451 E Frontage Rd, Merriam, KS 66202. Phone: (913) 262-4440. Website: extendedstayamerica.com/hotels/ks/kansas-city/merriam.
Booking Tip: Reserve via Booking.com or Hotels.com for the best rates.

Other Information for Tourists

Getting Around: Navigate with rideshares like Uber or drive via I-35 or Shawnee Mission Pkwy. Public transit via Johnson County Transit connects to KC (Address: 1701 W 5th St, Shawnee, KS 66201. Phone: (913) 422-3130. Website: joceotransit.org). Taxis at Kansas City International Airport (Address: 1 Kansas City Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64153. Phone: (816) 243-5237. Website: flykci.com). Car rentals at the airport are ideal for exploring.
Best Time to Visit: Plan for spring (April-June) for mild weather and blooming parks or fall (September-November) for the Turkey Creek Festival; avoid peak summer heat in July-August.
Dining Highlights: Beyond our picks, try povitica at Strawberry Hill or pancakes at Pegah’s. For dietary needs, Cinzetti’s offers gluten-free and vegetarian options.
Events Calendar: Don’t miss the Turkey Creek Festival in May (Address: 6501 Antioch Rd, Merriam, KS 66202. Phone: (913) 322-5500. Website: merriam.org/turkey-creek-festival) or the Merriam Farmers’ Market on Saturdays (May-Oct) (Address: 5740 Merriam Dr, Merriam, KS 66203. Phone: (913) 322-5500. Website: merriam.org/farmers-market).
Safety & Health: Merriam is very safe with low crime; stay aware in busy park areas. Clinics at AdventHealth Shawnee Mission (Address: 9100 W 74th St, Merriam, KS 66204. Phone: (913) 676-2000. Website: adventhealth.com/hospital/adventhealth-shawnee-mission). Download the Kansas Emergency app for alerts.
Sustainable Travel: Shop at the Merriam Farmers’ Market on Saturdays (May-Oct) (Address: 5740 Merriam Dr, Merriam, KS 66203. Phone: (913) 322-5500. Website: merriam.org/farmers-market) and use reusable items—Merriam supports eco-friendly initiatives.

Mobility Made Easy with KC Mobility Scooter Rentals

Exploring Merriam is a breeze with KC Mobility Scooter Rentals, delivering top-quality mobility equipment to your hotel or rental in Merriam and nearby areas. Choose from:

Mobility Scooters: Lightweight and easy to navigate on city streets and attractions.
Wheelchairs: Manual or powered for all-day comfort.
Rollators: Stable walkers with seats for shorter outings.
Transport Chairs: Compact and foldable for travel ease.
Knee Scooters: Perfect for temporary injuries, with adjustable heights.

Our rentals are affordable, sanitized, and delivered with setup instructions. Book at kcmobilityscooterrentals.com or call (816) 200-2342 for same-day service. Roll through Merriam’s wonders worry-free—your adventure starts here!

Updated as of September 24, 2025. Visit merriam.org or travelks.com for the latest info. Happy travels!