Clotilde Merlo Park
Hidden in historic Stirling City, Clotilde Merlo Park is a destination for those seeking natural beauty and tranquility. Visitors will quickly notice that this is no ordinary park once they start walking around the carefully designed and maintained grounds. Playful bronze statues appear at almost every corner while notes, dedications, and homesites scattered around the 20-acre park transport visitors back through time and introduce them to the pioneers of Stirling City. At 3,500 feet in elevation, Merlo Park is also one of the cooler places in Butte County to take a walk.
There are no playgrounds here at Merlo Park, but the forested atmosphere and the winding boardwalks and footpaths will naturally keep the attention of visiting families. Three large ponds host resident ducks and fish that eagerly await feeding time (fish food is available for purchase). The surrounding forest as well as the park’s ornamental trees and flowers are home to many butterflies, birds, and other wildlife.
There are several small picnic areas as well as room for large group picnics, events, and, with an outdoor wedding chapel, even weddings! Merlo Park also has a bocce court and a horseshoe pit, so make sure to bring your favorite picnic games.
The restroom is located by the historic homesites.
Hours & Activities
The park is open May through October Thursday through Sunday from 10am to 7pm. To maintain the peace and beauty of the park, fishing, pets, smoking, swimming, and wheeled recreation (bikes, skateboards, etc.) are prohibited.
Clotilde Merlo Park was dedicated in 1987 by the Harry A. Merlo Foundation and is privately owned and operated.
#RecreateResponsibly
When you visit, make sure to follow Leave No Trace principals and follow all park rules to ensure that everyone for years to come can enjoy their visit to Clotilde Merlo Park
Group Event Reservations
Contact the park at (530) 873-1658 for group events over 15 people
Directions
Stirling City is about 45 minutes from Chico or Oroville and about 30 minutes from Paradise. From the Chico area, take the Skyway through Paradise. From the Oroville area, take Highway 70 north, continue on Highway 70 past Highway 149, and turn left onto Highway 191 (Clark Road). Take Clark Road through Paradise.
From the intersection of Skyway and Clark Road in Paradise, continue north on Skyway for another 13 miles past the communities of Magalia, De Sabla, and Lovelock. Just before entering the community of Stirling City, turn right onto Retson Road (there’s a sign for Clotilde Merlo Park). Immediately bear right to continue on Retson Road then bear left at the gated intersection with P-line. The parking lot will be on your left.