When you visit Chico one thing is for sure, you'll never be bored. There's literally something for everyone here in our quaint little neck of the woods. Check out the links below for more information about local arts and culture,shopping, outdoor recreation and more!
Outdoors
Winter. . . Spring. . . Summer. . . Fall
Chico really has it all!
Here we go tootin' our own horn again, but Chico was rated the #1 Cycling community in America by Bicycling Magazine.
We're also home to Bidwell Park, one of the largest municipal parks in the nation.
But instead of US telling you how spectacular our great outdoors are, get out there and see it yourself. Grab your bike. . .
or your running shoes... or your golf clubs or kayak. . .and just get outside!
Not traveling with your gear? Rent your outdoor equipment from Adventure Outings!
Winter. . . Spring. . . Summer. . . Fall
Chico really has it all!
Here we go tootin' our own horn again, but Chico was rated the #1 Cycling community in America by Bicycling Magazine.
We're also home to Bidwell Park, one of the largest municipal parks in the nation.
But instead of US telling you how spectacular our great outdoors are, get out there and see it yourself. Grab your bike. . .
or your running shoes... or your golf clubs or kayak. . .and just get outside!
Not traveling with your gear? Rent your outdoor equipment from Adventure Outings!
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NEW! 2022-2023 Official Adventure Guide
Get inspired for your next trip to Butte County with the official Explore Butte County Adventure Guide! |
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Bidwell Park Maps Available!As of June 2020, Explore Butte County, City of Chico - Parks Division and Chico Area Recreation and Park District collaborated to create NEW Bidwell Park Maps. The fold out map covers Upper & Lower Bidwell Park. The Chico Chamber of Commerce & Visitor Center has plenty! Come on by and pick one up or call/email us to request a copy.
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Bidwell Park
Whether you're visiting Chico or call it home, Bidwell Park has got to be at the top of your to-do list. Approximately 3,700 acres of beauty and history ready for you to explore...right here in our own backyard.
Bidwell Park was established July 20, 1905 through the donation by Annie Bidwell of approximately 2,500 acres of land to the City of Chico. Since that time, the City has purchased additional land, such as Cedar Grove in 1922, and 1,200 acres of land south of Big Chico Creek in Upper Park in 1995. Today, the total Park size is 3,670 acres (nearly 11 miles in length), making it one of the largest municipal parks in the United States.
City of Chico Parks Department
Friends of Bidwell Park
Chico Creek Nature Center
Other Local Chico Parks
Community Parks
Community Park - 1900 Martin Luther King Jr. Parkway
DeGarmo Park - 199 Leora Court
Hooker Oak Park - 1928 Manzanita Avenue
Humboldt Avenue Skatepark – 370 Humboldt Ave
Wildwood Park – 100 Wildwood Ave
Neighborhood Parks
Baroni Park – 15 Baroni Drive
Hancock Park – Marigold Ave and Middletown Ave
Oak Way Park – Oak Way and Nord Ave
Peterson Park - Rollins Lake Drive and Denali Drive
Rotary Park – 1532 Broadway Street
Cycling
America's #1 Cycling Town Welcomes You!
In 1997, Bicycling Magazine voted Chico as the number one cycling town in the nation. Call us partial, but we have to agree! Whether you prefer smooth, flat rides across town or mountain biking in the terrains of Upper Bidwell Park, Chico and the surrounding area offer exceptional cycling experiences for all levels of cyclists.
Chico Bike Maps are available to pick up at the Chico Chamber of Commerce.
View the map here.
Cycling Web Links
Chico Velo Cycling Club
California Bicycle Coalition
Chico Corsa Cycling Club
Butte Bicycle Coalition
Caltrans
Campus Bikes
Pedego Chico
Water Sports
When the sizzling sun of Northern California strikes, there's no better way to beat the summer heat than to get out the water toys and head toward cool, refreshing water. From boating, swimming and jet skiing, to kayaking, water skiing and sailing, Chico and the surrounding area offer endless opportunities for water recreation.
Lake Oroville
Located off of Olive Highway (Hwy 162), approximately 25 minutes South of Chico. When full, the lake offers 15,500 surface acres for recreation and 167 miles of shoreline. Whether it's skiing or boating you enjoy, there's plenty of room for fun on the lake. Don't have a boat? No worries! Both marinas (Bidwell and Lime Saddle) offer houseboat, fishing, and patio boat rentals at a nominal charge. Be sure to call ahead for availability.
Shasta Lake
North of Chico, up Highway 5 past Redding, sits Lake Shasta. The Lake boasts more than 30,000 surface acres and 370 miles of shoreline, making it a haven for the watersport enthusiast. With more than 400 houseboats available for rent, the lake offers one of the largest fleets of any lake in Western America.
Black Butte Lake
Located eight miles west of Orland, off of Interstate 5, Blake Butte Lake is a great spot for boating, fishing, and water skiing. With more than 4,500 surface acres of water, Black Butte boasts three boat ramps and a full-service marina, and is open to boating year-round. On a typical day, power boats, sailboats, personal water crafts and others can be found on the open waters.
Lake Almanor
Seeking an outdoor adventure? At an elevation of 4,500 feet, Lake Almanor is a mecca for the watersport fanatic. With 52 miles of shoreline, Almanor is Plumas County’s largest lake, and offers year-round water activities. Summer lake surface temperatures of approximately 75 degrees make the lake ideal for waterskiing, sailing, sailboarding and jet skiing. From Chico, the beautiful ride takes approximately one and one-half to two hours.
Butte Creek
Tubing and kayaking are along Butte Creek is a popular area pastime. Public access to the creek is available at the Steel Bridge, and most people tube or kayak down to the historic Honey Run Covered Bridge.
Directions: Take the Skyway exit off of Hwy 99 in Chico. Travel up the Skyway, making a left onto Honey Run Road. Follow Honey Run approximately five miles to the Covered Bridge, and make a left on Centerville Road. Go approximately four miles up to the Steel Bridge. The float can take anywhere from three to five hours, depending on river currents.
Mt. Lassen Area
At 10,427 feet in elevation, the majestic Mt. Lassen is one of California's spectacular wonders. At the base of the beautiful mountain are numerous lakes offering a variety of canoeing experiences. These include Butte Lake, Juniper Lake, Manzanita Lake, Summit Lake, and Lake Helen.
Sacramento River
Rafting and tubing along the Sacramento River, particularly in Chico, is extremely popular. Inner-tube rentals are available at a variety of locations in town. Tubers can park and "launch" at the Irvine Finch Access Site on Highway 32, and enjoy a leisurely float.
Feather River
Rafting season on the Feather River runs from approximately January to April or May. Beginner-level tubing and canoeing are possible along the eastern stretches, which are gentler. Just east of the Thermalito Afterbay is a 12-mile stretch of the Feather River. Several locations along the river allow canoes or car-top boats to be launched. The North Fork along Highway 70 from the intersection of Highway 89 to Twain or Virgilia is suitable for canoes or beginner kayakers. For the more experienced kayaker or rafter, the Feather River provides numerous, world-class whitewater opportunities.
Golf
Bidwell Park Municipal Golf Course
3199 Golf Course Rd
(530) 891-8417
Sunset Hills Golf & Country Club
13301 Garner Ln
(530) 809-0351
Canyon Oaks Country Club, Canyon Oaks Course
999 Yosemite Drive
(530) 343-2582
Butte Creek Country Club, Butte Creek Course
175 Estates Drive
(530) 343-8292
Whether you're visiting Chico or call it home, Bidwell Park has got to be at the top of your to-do list. Approximately 3,700 acres of beauty and history ready for you to explore...right here in our own backyard.
Bidwell Park was established July 20, 1905 through the donation by Annie Bidwell of approximately 2,500 acres of land to the City of Chico. Since that time, the City has purchased additional land, such as Cedar Grove in 1922, and 1,200 acres of land south of Big Chico Creek in Upper Park in 1995. Today, the total Park size is 3,670 acres (nearly 11 miles in length), making it one of the largest municipal parks in the United States.
City of Chico Parks Department
Friends of Bidwell Park
Chico Creek Nature Center
Other Local Chico Parks
Community Parks
Community Park - 1900 Martin Luther King Jr. Parkway
DeGarmo Park - 199 Leora Court
Hooker Oak Park - 1928 Manzanita Avenue
Humboldt Avenue Skatepark – 370 Humboldt Ave
Wildwood Park – 100 Wildwood Ave
Neighborhood Parks
Baroni Park – 15 Baroni Drive
Hancock Park – Marigold Ave and Middletown Ave
Oak Way Park – Oak Way and Nord Ave
Peterson Park - Rollins Lake Drive and Denali Drive
Rotary Park – 1532 Broadway Street
Cycling
America's #1 Cycling Town Welcomes You!
In 1997, Bicycling Magazine voted Chico as the number one cycling town in the nation. Call us partial, but we have to agree! Whether you prefer smooth, flat rides across town or mountain biking in the terrains of Upper Bidwell Park, Chico and the surrounding area offer exceptional cycling experiences for all levels of cyclists.
Chico Bike Maps are available to pick up at the Chico Chamber of Commerce.
View the map here.
Cycling Web Links
Chico Velo Cycling Club
California Bicycle Coalition
Chico Corsa Cycling Club
Butte Bicycle Coalition
Caltrans
Campus Bikes
Pedego Chico
Water Sports
When the sizzling sun of Northern California strikes, there's no better way to beat the summer heat than to get out the water toys and head toward cool, refreshing water. From boating, swimming and jet skiing, to kayaking, water skiing and sailing, Chico and the surrounding area offer endless opportunities for water recreation.
Lake Oroville
Located off of Olive Highway (Hwy 162), approximately 25 minutes South of Chico. When full, the lake offers 15,500 surface acres for recreation and 167 miles of shoreline. Whether it's skiing or boating you enjoy, there's plenty of room for fun on the lake. Don't have a boat? No worries! Both marinas (Bidwell and Lime Saddle) offer houseboat, fishing, and patio boat rentals at a nominal charge. Be sure to call ahead for availability.
Shasta Lake
North of Chico, up Highway 5 past Redding, sits Lake Shasta. The Lake boasts more than 30,000 surface acres and 370 miles of shoreline, making it a haven for the watersport enthusiast. With more than 400 houseboats available for rent, the lake offers one of the largest fleets of any lake in Western America.
Black Butte Lake
Located eight miles west of Orland, off of Interstate 5, Blake Butte Lake is a great spot for boating, fishing, and water skiing. With more than 4,500 surface acres of water, Black Butte boasts three boat ramps and a full-service marina, and is open to boating year-round. On a typical day, power boats, sailboats, personal water crafts and others can be found on the open waters.
Lake Almanor
Seeking an outdoor adventure? At an elevation of 4,500 feet, Lake Almanor is a mecca for the watersport fanatic. With 52 miles of shoreline, Almanor is Plumas County’s largest lake, and offers year-round water activities. Summer lake surface temperatures of approximately 75 degrees make the lake ideal for waterskiing, sailing, sailboarding and jet skiing. From Chico, the beautiful ride takes approximately one and one-half to two hours.
Butte Creek
Tubing and kayaking are along Butte Creek is a popular area pastime. Public access to the creek is available at the Steel Bridge, and most people tube or kayak down to the historic Honey Run Covered Bridge.
Directions: Take the Skyway exit off of Hwy 99 in Chico. Travel up the Skyway, making a left onto Honey Run Road. Follow Honey Run approximately five miles to the Covered Bridge, and make a left on Centerville Road. Go approximately four miles up to the Steel Bridge. The float can take anywhere from three to five hours, depending on river currents.
Mt. Lassen Area
At 10,427 feet in elevation, the majestic Mt. Lassen is one of California's spectacular wonders. At the base of the beautiful mountain are numerous lakes offering a variety of canoeing experiences. These include Butte Lake, Juniper Lake, Manzanita Lake, Summit Lake, and Lake Helen.
Sacramento River
Rafting and tubing along the Sacramento River, particularly in Chico, is extremely popular. Inner-tube rentals are available at a variety of locations in town. Tubers can park and "launch" at the Irvine Finch Access Site on Highway 32, and enjoy a leisurely float.
Feather River
Rafting season on the Feather River runs from approximately January to April or May. Beginner-level tubing and canoeing are possible along the eastern stretches, which are gentler. Just east of the Thermalito Afterbay is a 12-mile stretch of the Feather River. Several locations along the river allow canoes or car-top boats to be launched. The North Fork along Highway 70 from the intersection of Highway 89 to Twain or Virgilia is suitable for canoes or beginner kayakers. For the more experienced kayaker or rafter, the Feather River provides numerous, world-class whitewater opportunities.
Golf
Bidwell Park Municipal Golf Course
3199 Golf Course Rd
(530) 891-8417
Sunset Hills Golf & Country Club
13301 Garner Ln
(530) 809-0351
Canyon Oaks Country Club, Canyon Oaks Course
999 Yosemite Drive
(530) 343-2582
Butte Creek Country Club, Butte Creek Course
175 Estates Drive
(530) 343-8292
Arts & Culture
In 2003, author John Villani ranked Chico as one of the top 10 Best Small Art Towns in America. We think you'll agree! From world class museums and art glass studios to public art pieces, Chico has a creative energy that is apparent just about everywhere you look!
Public Art
Chico is a paradise of unique artistic and cultural experiences! Some of the public art pieces in Chico are listed below.
For a full list of printable art brochures, visit the City of Chico website's art page.
Museums
Bidwell Mansion
525 Esplanade
(530) 895-6144
Explore the mansion that John Bidwell, founder of Chico, built for his wife in 1868. This restored three-story home is now a state park with hourly guided tours.
Gateway Science Museum
625 Esplanade
(530) 898-4121
The Gateway Science Museum encourages curious minds of all ages to discover science and the natural heritage of Northern California by exploring the museum’s diverse collection of exhibits.
Stansbury Home
307 W. Fifth Street
(530) 895-3848
Treat yourself to a guided tour of this beautiful 1883 Victorian home. Packed with local history and stories about the Stansbury Family, this symbol of Victorian heritage offers visitors a taste of Chico's history.
Chico Museum
141 Salem Street
(530) 891-4336
This museum, which is housed in the 1904 Carnegie Library, offers visitors both permanent and alternating exhibits of historical interest. Displays often include local artifacts and photos.
Chico Air Museum
165 Ryan Ave
(530) 345-6468
Located at the Chico Airport. This museum features an indoor museum with displays, rare photographs, aviation library, aircrafts on display, school tours and activities, aviation speaker's program, and a gift shop!
National Yo-Yo Museum
320 Broadway (located inside Bird in Hand)
(530) 893-1414
Explore the area's premier display of America's favorite toy. Thousands of items are on display including past contest awards and nostalgic photos.
Museum of Anthropology
First Floor Meriam Library CSU, Chico
(530) 898-5397
The Museum of Anthropology functions as a multifaceted educational facility for students in the Museum Studies Program. The Museum Studies Program at CSU Chico is one of the few museology programs in the United States, where students conceive, research, design, and install exhibits as part of their formal training, as well as gain hands-on courses in museum collections management and other areas of museology.
Colman Museum/Centerville School House
13548 Centerville Road
(530) 893-9667
Explore Civil War memorabilia, Chinese artifacts, 1800's clothing, antique tools and more! Make sure to visit the one-room school house built in 1872.
Patrick Ranch Museum
10381 The Midway, Durham
(530) 891-4336
The Patrick Ranch Museum reflects the agricultural, cultural, social, and economic history of the North Sacramento Valley. Experience natural history tours, farm house tours, digital camera lessons, antique equipment, visitor center, museum store, children's activities and more!
Butte County Historical Society Museum
1749 Spencer Avenue (at Baldwin), Oroville, CA
(530) 533-9418
The BCHS Museum tells the stories of the lives of people in Butte County from the early mining days to the present time.
Museum of Northern California Art
900 Esplanade
(530) 487-7272
MONCA promotes awareness of Northern California artists through collections, exhibitions, and educational programs.
Chico Children’s Museum
240 Main Street
The Chico Children’s Museum mission is to cultivate a lifelong love of learning through hands-on, minds-on experiences that celebrate curiosity, connect families, and promote a sense of unity within our community.
The Janeece Webb Living Animals Museum
1968 E 8th Street
(530) 891-4671
Located at the Chico Creek Nature Center, this museum houses non-releasable wildlife. Their mission is to share the wonder of Bidwell Park, where there is always more to explore.
In 2003, author John Villani ranked Chico as one of the top 10 Best Small Art Towns in America. We think you'll agree! From world class museums and art glass studios to public art pieces, Chico has a creative energy that is apparent just about everywhere you look!
Public Art
Chico is a paradise of unique artistic and cultural experiences! Some of the public art pieces in Chico are listed below.
For a full list of printable art brochures, visit the City of Chico website's art page.
Museums
Bidwell Mansion
525 Esplanade
(530) 895-6144
Explore the mansion that John Bidwell, founder of Chico, built for his wife in 1868. This restored three-story home is now a state park with hourly guided tours.
Gateway Science Museum
625 Esplanade
(530) 898-4121
The Gateway Science Museum encourages curious minds of all ages to discover science and the natural heritage of Northern California by exploring the museum’s diverse collection of exhibits.
Stansbury Home
307 W. Fifth Street
(530) 895-3848
Treat yourself to a guided tour of this beautiful 1883 Victorian home. Packed with local history and stories about the Stansbury Family, this symbol of Victorian heritage offers visitors a taste of Chico's history.
Chico Museum
141 Salem Street
(530) 891-4336
This museum, which is housed in the 1904 Carnegie Library, offers visitors both permanent and alternating exhibits of historical interest. Displays often include local artifacts and photos.
Chico Air Museum
165 Ryan Ave
(530) 345-6468
Located at the Chico Airport. This museum features an indoor museum with displays, rare photographs, aviation library, aircrafts on display, school tours and activities, aviation speaker's program, and a gift shop!
National Yo-Yo Museum
320 Broadway (located inside Bird in Hand)
(530) 893-1414
Explore the area's premier display of America's favorite toy. Thousands of items are on display including past contest awards and nostalgic photos.
Museum of Anthropology
First Floor Meriam Library CSU, Chico
(530) 898-5397
The Museum of Anthropology functions as a multifaceted educational facility for students in the Museum Studies Program. The Museum Studies Program at CSU Chico is one of the few museology programs in the United States, where students conceive, research, design, and install exhibits as part of their formal training, as well as gain hands-on courses in museum collections management and other areas of museology.
Colman Museum/Centerville School House
13548 Centerville Road
(530) 893-9667
Explore Civil War memorabilia, Chinese artifacts, 1800's clothing, antique tools and more! Make sure to visit the one-room school house built in 1872.
Patrick Ranch Museum
10381 The Midway, Durham
(530) 891-4336
The Patrick Ranch Museum reflects the agricultural, cultural, social, and economic history of the North Sacramento Valley. Experience natural history tours, farm house tours, digital camera lessons, antique equipment, visitor center, museum store, children's activities and more!
Butte County Historical Society Museum
1749 Spencer Avenue (at Baldwin), Oroville, CA
(530) 533-9418
The BCHS Museum tells the stories of the lives of people in Butte County from the early mining days to the present time.
Museum of Northern California Art
900 Esplanade
(530) 487-7272
MONCA promotes awareness of Northern California artists through collections, exhibitions, and educational programs.
Chico Children’s Museum
240 Main Street
The Chico Children’s Museum mission is to cultivate a lifelong love of learning through hands-on, minds-on experiences that celebrate curiosity, connect families, and promote a sense of unity within our community.
The Janeece Webb Living Animals Museum
1968 E 8th Street
(530) 891-4671
Located at the Chico Creek Nature Center, this museum houses non-releasable wildlife. Their mission is to share the wonder of Bidwell Park, where there is always more to explore.
Wineries & Breweries
Wineries
Wine tasting in Chico? You bet. Chico and the surrounding Butte County foothills offer some of the finest boutique wineries in California. (And you thought you had to drive to Napa!)
What's more, each October, over 25 different farms, wineries, and food stops will have their doors open and ready for you to come by and taste their products at the Sierra Oro Farm Trail "Passport Weekend". Each passport comes with a commemorative Sierra Oro Farm Trail wine glass as well as a trail guide so you can plan your own self-guided Butte County tour! Don't forget to designate a driver or arrange for a shuttle or limo. Click here for more information!
Almendra Winery & Distillery
9275 Midway, Durham, CA 95938
(530) 343-6893
Bertagna Son Kissed Vineyards & Bertagna Orchards
Tasting Room located in Almendra Winery & Distillery: 9275 Midway Durham CA 95938
530-343-6893
LaRocca Vineyards & Tasting Room
Tasting Room: 222 W. 2nd Street, Chico CA
(Vineyard: 12360 Doe Mill Rd, Forest Ranch CA)
800-808-9463
Grey Fox Vineyards
90 Grey Fox Lane
Oroville CA 95966
(530)589-3920
Long Creek Winery
323 Ward Road
Oroville, CA 95966
(530) 589-3415
New Clairvaux Vineyards
26240 7th Street
Vina, CA 96092
(530)839-2200
Odyssey Winery and Vineyards
6237 Cohasset Road
Chico, CA 95973
(530) 891-9463
Quilici Vineyards
72 Quail Hill Place
Oroville, CA 95965
(530)589-5088
Wineries
Wine tasting in Chico? You bet. Chico and the surrounding Butte County foothills offer some of the finest boutique wineries in California. (And you thought you had to drive to Napa!)
What's more, each October, over 25 different farms, wineries, and food stops will have their doors open and ready for you to come by and taste their products at the Sierra Oro Farm Trail "Passport Weekend". Each passport comes with a commemorative Sierra Oro Farm Trail wine glass as well as a trail guide so you can plan your own self-guided Butte County tour! Don't forget to designate a driver or arrange for a shuttle or limo. Click here for more information!
Almendra Winery & Distillery
9275 Midway, Durham, CA 95938
(530) 343-6893
Bertagna Son Kissed Vineyards & Bertagna Orchards
Tasting Room located in Almendra Winery & Distillery: 9275 Midway Durham CA 95938
530-343-6893
LaRocca Vineyards & Tasting Room
Tasting Room: 222 W. 2nd Street, Chico CA
(Vineyard: 12360 Doe Mill Rd, Forest Ranch CA)
800-808-9463
Grey Fox Vineyards
90 Grey Fox Lane
Oroville CA 95966
(530)589-3920
Long Creek Winery
323 Ward Road
Oroville, CA 95966
(530) 589-3415
New Clairvaux Vineyards
26240 7th Street
Vina, CA 96092
(530)839-2200
Odyssey Winery and Vineyards
6237 Cohasset Road
Chico, CA 95973
(530) 891-9463
Quilici Vineyards
72 Quail Hill Place
Oroville, CA 95965
(530)589-5088
Breweries
The Allies Pub
426 Broadway, Suite 130, Chico, CA 95928
(530) 809-1650
Secret Trail Brewing Co.
132 Meyers Street, Chico, CA
(530) 487-8151
Sierra Nevada Brewing Co.
1075 E. 20th Street, Chico, CA 95928
(530) 893-3520
The Allies Pub
426 Broadway, Suite 130, Chico, CA 95928
(530) 809-1650
Secret Trail Brewing Co.
132 Meyers Street, Chico, CA
(530) 487-8151
Sierra Nevada Brewing Co.
1075 E. 20th Street, Chico, CA 95928
(530) 893-3520
Shopping
Looking to shop? Chico has a wide variety of shopping opportunities available to you!
Chico Marketplace
Chico's premiere Shopping Center, Featuring 100 Distinct Stores
1950 E. 20th St.
Downtown Chico
Boasting more than 400 diverse businesses
North Valley Plaza
Featuring anchor stores such as Trader Joe's, Goodwill Industries, and Tinseltown Movie Theatre
801 East Avenue
Chico Chamber Business Directory
Looking to shop? Chico has a wide variety of shopping opportunities available to you!
Chico Marketplace
Chico's premiere Shopping Center, Featuring 100 Distinct Stores
1950 E. 20th St.
Downtown Chico
Boasting more than 400 diverse businesses
North Valley Plaza
Featuring anchor stores such as Trader Joe's, Goodwill Industries, and Tinseltown Movie Theatre
801 East Avenue
Chico Chamber Business Directory
Helpful Links
Bike Map
Community Calendar
Chico Area Recreation District
City of Chico
Choose Chico
Explore Butte County
Explore Butte County Visitor Guide
Butte County Explore Birding Brochure
Friends of Bidwell Park
Historic Walking Tour
Downtown Chico Business Association
101 Things to Do in Butte County
Sierra Nevada Brewery
Bike Map
Community Calendar
Chico Area Recreation District
City of Chico
Choose Chico
Explore Butte County
Explore Butte County Visitor Guide
Butte County Explore Birding Brochure
Friends of Bidwell Park
Historic Walking Tour
Downtown Chico Business Association
101 Things to Do in Butte County
Sierra Nevada Brewery
