Together with the Wausau MSA, which includes all of Marathon County, it forms the Wausau-Merrill CSA.

The first European settlement there was a logging town named Jenny Bull Falls.

Within four years a dam, started by Andrew Warren, was constructed over the Wisconsin River.

[6] In 1881, the Wisconsin Telephone Company began operation, with 20 phones in service.

[5] The railroad and passenger depot was a hub of social activity through the lumber industry's boom years and after.

By 1900, the timber industry was in decline and the community was compelled to diversify its economy.

[9] Merrill is located west of US Route 51 on State Highway 64 (Main Street).

Council Grounds State Park is due west of the city.

35.0% of all households were made up of individuals, and 17.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.

Its central rotunda is 32 feet in diameter; second floor offices lead off its balcony.

Northcentral Technical College's Public Safety Training center was built in Merrill in 2005.

[17] The service is in part supported by the Merrill/Tomahawk Tavern League through its SafeRide Home program, providing over 1,200 free ride vouchers annually.

[19] The program is unique to Wisconsin, and is considered an effective means by other states to eliminate drunk driving.

Located one mile northwest of the city's center, the airport handles approximately 18,600 operations per year, with roughly 96% general aviation and 4% air taxi.