Ranching Heritage in the heart of the Nicola Valley.
The historic Baillie Property, operated by the Nicola Valley Heritage Society, consists of a house, barn, store, storage garage and heritage style garden. The importance of the property is the extent to which the buildings have remained so unchanged since the early 1900s. The society has established a number of annual events including fundraisers that help in the continuing operations and maintenance of the site. The Visitors Information at the Baillie House is a spot you do not want to miss in Merritt BC!
Into Country music? Merritt Walk of Stars has branded the history of country music into the sidewalks and onto the buildings here in Merritt. Over the years hundreds of Canadian and International Country Music Artists have performed in Merritt. Those artists have permanently left their mark on country music history by placing their handprints and signatures in concrete stars. Today more than 100 bronzed stars and dozens of large-scale murals are displayed on the Merritt Walk of Stars in downtown Merritt, BC, Canada.
Visit the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame - In 2012, the Canadian Country Music Heritage Society (CCMHS) was formed to provide a venue for the display of artifacts related to inductees to the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame. This opportunity is facilitated through key relationships with the Canadian Country Music Association (CCMA) and the National Music Centre (NMC). The Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame is located in downtown Merritt, open for visitors to view the stars of Country Music.
The history of country music celebrations in Merritt and the Nicola Valley is highly visible in two other important community attractions: The Merritt Walk of Stars; and, the Country Legends Murals. The Merritt Walk of Stars features handprints (and one footprint) and signatures of country music top international performers. What began in 1993 is now a comfortable community walking tour with over 50 bronze plaques on display. The Country Legends Murals (a community youth project) are seen throughout the downtown and represent a wonderful thematic variation for renowned Master Muralist Michelle Loughery.
Originally known as Forksdale, Merritt’s history dates back to the 1880s when three local ranchers formed a community at the junction of the Nicola and Coldwater Rivers. In 1885 coal was discovered bringing more people and industry to the area and eventually drawing the railway into town. Today, Merritt is still rich with a history of ranching, mining, and forestry; come experience a memorable western retreat.
Into history? We've got it….from our rich ranching history to historical buildings right within the town. Be sure to visit the Nicola Valley Museum and Archives.