Chico: Parks, History and Culture

Chico combines nature in Bidwell Park with museums, historic sites, gardens and markets. As you plan your trip, consider whether you’d like to spend most of your time outdoors, learn about the city’s history, or visit specific collections and events. These places offer different ways to shape a stay in Chico.

Bidwell Park and Nature Education

Bidwell Park offers hiking opportunities and swimming areas. Hiking and swimming give the park two distinct focuses for spending time outdoors. The Chico Creek Nature Center is the official visitor center for Bidwell Park. For more than 30 years, it has offered elementary school students educational programs about the park’s natural systems. This focus on nature education adds another perspective to the ways you can experience the park.

Bidwell Mansion and Chico’s History

Located in the center of Chico, Bidwell Mansion is a three-story Victorian house with 26 rooms. It served as a memorial to the influential pioneers John and Annie Bidwell. The house was severely damaged by arson on December 11, 2024, and remains closed. The Bidwell Mansion SHP visitor center includes an exhibit hall and a gift shop.

The Chico History Museum features exhibits and hosts special events about the distinctive history of Chico and its sphere of influence. Permanent exhibits include The Mechoopda, The Chico Chinese Temple, Bidwell Park and Chico’s natural wonders. In addition, the museum’s exhibits change throughout the year. If you’re planning to visit for a particular topic or event, check the current schedule before your trip.

Collections and Gardens

Aviation and space are the focus at the Chico Air Museum. Exhibits include classic uniforms, flight logs from historic flights, NASA and space artifacts, and other special aviation exhibits. The museum houses 19 aircraft and more than a dozen permanent exhibits. The collection may change as aircraft or exhibits are added; individual displays may also change. Unlike the Chico History Museum’s focus on local history, the Chico Air Museum looks at aviation and space.

Gateway Gardens in central Chico feature native and edible plants, student projects and wildlife habitats. Plantings and programs may continue to evolve. The combination of plants, projects and habitats offers a different way to explore nature topics than the trails and swimming areas at Bidwell Park.

Markets and Brewery Tours

The Chico Certified Farmers’ Market operates two year-round markets in Chico, on Saturdays and Wednesdays. If you’re planning a visit, check the market schedule again before your trip.

Chico Brewery Tours share the history of Sierra Nevada, offer a look at hops and copper kettles, and end with the opportunity to sample freshly brewed beers. Booking details may change; check them if you’re planning to make the tour a definite part of your trip.

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For the broader travel overview: Butte.