Chico (pop. 40,079) is located 80mi/129km north of Sacramento. The town was originally part of the 2,250 acre Bidwell Ranch. It is the site of a state university established in 1887.
The Bidwell Mansion was built in 1868 for General John Bidwell, the founder of Chico. The 26 room Victorian residence was designed by Henry W. Cleaveland.
Address: Bidwell Mansion State Historic Park, 525 The Esplanade, Chico, CA 95926-3901, United States
Phone: 1 (530) 895-6144, Fax: 1 (530) 895-6699
Bidwell Park was established through the donation by Annie Bidwell to the City of Chico. Swimming is located at the One-Mile Recreation Area, miles of trails are available for mountain biking and hiking as well as opportunity for horseback riding.
Bench at One Mile in Bidwell Park, Chico.
Address: Bidwell Park, 1968 East 8th Street, Chico, CA 95928, United States
Phone: 1 (530) 891-4671, Fax: 1 (530) 891-0837
The Chico Museum is housed in the 1904 Queen Anne and Romanesque Revival Carnegie Library. It features exhibits from the Chinese Temple that was used in Chico from 1860 to 1939.
Hours:
April 10 to December 13: 12pm-4pm; Closed: Mon, Tue
The Honey Run Covered Bridge, built in 1894, is one of only a few covered bridges in the state. Located in Butte Creek Canyon just outside Paradise it is the only tri-span bridge in the United States.
Satava Art Glass Studio allows public viewing of the work area and the gallery features a selection of their glass works as well as other national artists.
Address: Satava Art Glass, 819 Wall Street, Chico, CA 95928, United States
Phone: 1 (530) 345-7985, Fax: 1 (530) 345-9014
Paradise is located north of Sacramento. It was at one time California's apple center and the lumber industry also played a part in its development. The nearby Magalia Reservoir increased production for the orchards and gardens.
Address: Paradise Ridge Chamber of Commerce, 5550-A Skyway, Paradise, CA 95969-4932, United States
Phone: 1 (530) 877-9356, Fax: 1 (530) 877-1865
The Gold Nugget Museum has historic displays, a doll collection and a replica of a gold mine. The largest almost pure gold nugget ever found in California, weighing 54 pounds, was discovered here in 1859.
Address: Gold Nugget Museum, 502 Pearson Road, Box 940, Paradise, CA 95969-5114, United States
Phone: 1 (530) 872-8722, Fax: 1 (530) 872-1050