Merrill Creek Reservoir

10/22/2026

Check out our latest blog on how MCR is using Sorghum to combat invasive Mugwort https://merrillcreek.com/mug-shot-how-sorghum-is-putting-a-stop-to-mugworts-spread-at-mcr/

10/20/2026

IMPORTANT: The entire property of Merrill Creek Reservoir will be closed to the public this Saturday October 24, 2026 for Deer Management. We will be open to the public again on Sunday.

10/08/2026

Fall is prime time for observing mushrooms in the wild because of the cooler temperatures, autumn rainfall, and an abundance of fresh leaf litter and decaying wood create the ideal biological trigger for underground fungal networks to fruit. Here are just some of the mushrooms we are seeing at MCR these days!

10/07/2026

Hawk Watch Volunteers WANTED at MCR for the Fall Migration Season! No experience necessary, just a desire to enjoy the Fall migration! If interested come to the I/O Tower parking lot to meet the team and learn. They are there everyday from now till the end of November. For more information, please contact Scott’s Mountain Hawk Watch Leader, Bob Claussen at [email protected] See less

10/02/2026

Check out Ranger Rich's latest newsletter about Killdeer!

MCR Monthly Newsletter What’s Hatchn’ing at Merrill Creek Reservoir with Ranger Rich About the Author: Richard Dansen Sr. Rich has a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science with a concentration in zoology and wildlife management. Rich has been with Merrill Creek Reservoir since 1995 where h...

10/01/2026

Important: Seasonal Closing Hours Change. Its after September, so our gate closing time is now 4:30 PM till March 15, 2027.

09/27/2026

MCR is closed again today September 27, 2026 due to storm related issues across the site and closure of Merrill Creek Road by work crews.

09/26/2026

We are closing MCR today Sept 26, 2026 due to the storm. Merrill Creek Road is currently closed due to downed trees and powerlines. Fox Farm Road also has down trees. Be safe

09/22/2026

"It's not who I am underneath, but what I do that defines me." — Bruce Wayne, AKA Batman. Thank you BSA Troop 54's Jacob Werfel for your hard work on your Eagle Scout project! A second Bat Condo was built by Jacob and installed at "Quarry Point" at MCR that will provide a safe roosting habitat that mimics natural locations like loose tree bark, giving local bats a secure place to rest, escape predators, and raise their pups.

09/21/2026

The Dam Section of the Perimeter Trail (Black/White Trail) is now re-opened as of 3:30 PM Sept. 21, 2026. Thank you for your patience while we made repairs. Happy Hiking!