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Chico is a college town in the northern Sacramento Valley, set where Big Chico Creek flows out of the Sierra Nevada foothills. It was founded in 1860 by John Bidwell, a pioneer, rancher and congressman who settled on his Rancho Chico, laid out the town and later built a grand Italianate mansion that still stands near downtown.
Annie Bidwell, his wife, gave much of the family land to the city in 1905, and it became Bidwell Park, one of the largest city parks in the country. The park follows Big Chico Creek for miles, from shady lawns and trails in Lower Bidwell Park to canyons and swimming holes in Upper Bidwell Park.
Chico State, founded in 1887, fills the center of town with brick halls and gardens, and downtown keeps a lively mix of historic buildings, cafes and the City Plaza. The city is also home to Sierra Nevada Brewing, founded in 1980, while Lake Oroville and the foothills lie close by.
Bidwell Mansion is the pink Italianate home built in the 1860s by John and Annie Bidwell, founders of Chico, and is now a state historic park. Guided tours show the restored rooms and tell the story of the Bidwells' role in California history. Tours run on limited days, so check the schedule; it is next to the Chico State campus.
The Chico Museum is housed in the city's 1904 Carnegie library building downtown and presents changing exhibits on local history, culture and art, along with a permanent display on Chico's early days. It is small and easy to visit in under an hour. Check opening days, and combine it with a downtown walk.
The Gateway Science Museum is run by Chico State and offers hands-on science exhibits on the natural history of Northern California, plus traveling exhibitions and gardens outside. It is a good stop for families. It sits near the Bidwell Mansion, and opening days are limited, so check before visiting.
The National Yo-Yo Museum is a quirky small museum inside a downtown Chico toy store, with collections of historic yo-yos, displays on yo-yo history and a giant wooden yo-yo. It is free to visit and fun for all ages. Chico hosts the National Yo-Yo Contest each fall, so look for the date if you are a fan.
The California State University, Chico campus is known for its leafy grounds along Big Chico Creek, with brick buildings, gardens and old trees. Kendall Hall and the campus arboretum are favorite spots for a stroll. It sits right next to downtown and Bidwell Mansion; visitor parking requires a permit on weekdays.
Downtown Chico is a lively, walkable district with restaurants, cafes, bars, bookstores and shops in historic buildings, centered on City Plaza with its fountain. The plaza hosts summer concerts and events. It is next to Chico State, so evenings are busy; use the public garages and walk.
The Senator Theatre is a 1920s movie palace in downtown Chico with a tall neon sign tower and Art Deco details. It has been restored as a live music venue that hosts touring bands and other events. Check the concert schedule online, and admire the sign at night from the street.
Lower Bidwell Park is the shady southern section of Bidwell Park, one of the largest city parks in the United States, starting near downtown. It has One Mile Recreation Area with the creek-fed Sycamore Pool, picnic areas, playgrounds and flat paths under huge oaks and sycamores. It is great for a bike ride or summer swim.
Upper Bidwell Park is the wild, rocky canyon section of Bidwell Park in the foothills east of Chico, with trails along Big Chico Creek and swimming holes such as Bear Hole. Trails also climb to viewpoints like Monkey Face. It is hot and exposed in summer, so start early, bring water and wear sturdy shoes.
The Chico Creek Nature Center in Lower Bidwell Park has a small museum of local wildlife, live animal exhibits and natural history displays, with an outdoor play area. It runs nature programs and guided walks for kids and families. It is a good starting point for exploring the park; check open days.
Sierra Nevada Brewing was founded in Chico in 1980 and became one of the pioneers of American craft beer. The large brewery has a taproom and restaurant, gardens, a gift shop and free guided tours of the brewhouse. Book tours ahead, especially on weekends, and try a beer you can only find here.
The Chico Saturday Farmers Market sets up downtown every Saturday morning year round, with Butte County farmers selling fruit, vegetables, nuts, olive oil, honey, flowers and baked goods. It is one of the best markets in Northern California. Come early in summer, before the heat and crowds.
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California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
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Photo: Frank Schulenburg, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Frank Schulenburg, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Frank Schulenburg, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Frank Schulenburg, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0