Merrill has a rich history as the home to a diverse manufacturing businesses, including wood and vinyl products, shoe making, packaging and metalwork. Merrill is located in Lincoln County and maintains a park system with excellent recreational programs, including a 960-acre City Forest.

Merrill is home to the Northcentral Technical College Public Safety Center of Excellence. Merrill has one of the lsat remaining city bands in the state with weekly outdoor performances during the summer months in Normal Park.