Eugene R. "Gene" Merriam (born November 1, 1944) was an American businessman and politician.
Born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Merriam graduated from Benilde-St. Margaret's High School in 1962. Merriam served in the United States Marine Corps. In 1967, Merriam graduated from University of Minnesota and was a certified public accountant. He lived in Coon Rapids, Minnesota. He served on the Coon Rapids City Council in 1973 and 1974 and was a Democrat. From 1975 until 1997, Merriam served in the Minnesota State Senate. From 2003 to 2007, Merriam served as commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.