Chico, California
Sights to See, Things To Do in Chico
Chico, California is a quaint, charming town roughly 90 miles north of Sacramento on Highway 99 in Butte County. Shaded by more than 250 species of trees, the town is an agreeable fusion of urban youngsters and mom and pop farmers.
Chico covers about 35 square miles of land in the northern Sacramento Valley. The following are some must-sees when visiting Chico.
Chico State University
California State University, Chico is virtually the center point of the town. The majority of the roughly 17,000-student population lives within a five-mile radius of the campus, albeit a portion of freshman students who live in on-campus dormitories.
The Spanish-style brick buildings, 14 manmade bridges crossing Big Chico Creek, and wide variety of trees make Chico State a stunning campus to stroll through. Notable buildings to visit include the Bell Memorial Union, Laxson Auditorium, and the newly completed Wildcat Activity Center, complete with climbing walls, swimming pools and running track.
Bidwell Park
Bidwell Park stretches nearly 11 miles, making it one of the largest parks in the United States. The park is divided into two sections: Upper and Lower. Lower Park is Bidwell’s recreation area; ideal for swimmers, runners, bikers, horseback riders and tanners. Perhaps the most unique aspect of Lower Park is its concrete swimming pool crafted right in the middle of Big Chico Creek.
Unlike the flat, shady sprawl of Lower Park, Upper Park consists of rocky terrain in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Upper Park is ideal for backpackers, hikers and daring mountain bikers, with many rock formations like the Chico Formations sandstone and Lovejoy Basalt rocks. Many Chico locals enjoy taking a dip in Bear Hole and Salmon Hole during the summer months.
Downtown Chico
Chico’s downtown area borders the university. Brimming with locally owned businesses, restaurants, and occasional live music, a stroll through downtown is a pleasant way to spend an evening.
Newcomers should be sure to try a few of Chico’s most notorious downtown eateries, including Jon & Bon's Yogurt Shoppe, Old Town Rootbeer Co., Madison Bear Garden, Sultan’s Bistro and The Graduate.
Throughout the spring and summer months, local vendors, musicians, and community organizations open shop for Chico’s Farmer’s Market every Thursday evening and Saturday morning.
Bidwell Mansion
Taking a tour of the Bidwell Mansion State Historic Park is a valuable way to spend one’s first hours in Chico to learn about the city’s history and get a hang of the city's layout.
Neighboring the university, Bidwell Mansion was home to founders John and Annie Bidwell in the late 1800s. The three-story, Italian style Victorian home now stands as a tribute to the Bidwells and their contributions to the city of Chico. Tours through the Mansion leave on the hour and last about 50 minutes.
Sierra Nevada Brewing Company
Another notable place to visit is the Sierra Nevada Brewing Company, located on East 20th Street, close to the Chico Mall. Guests can take a tour of the world-famous brewery, and can stay for dinner and beer sampling in the Taproom and Restaurant. Guided tours through the brewery are offered daily, free of charge.
Regardless of where one ventures on the Chico map, the natural beauty and grassroots charm of this town is hard to miss.
Chico State University
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