History comes alive when we can unlock a story and actually travel back in time. When your driving near downtown Chico on the Esplanade turn into the parking lot of the Bidwell Mansion. Turn your car off and walk into the visitors center and sign up for a one hour guided tour of John and Annie Bidwell's beautiful, three story, 26 room Victorian House built back in 1865. The home was built with the intent to entertain some of the Countries most prominent people of the time including President Rutherford B. Hayes, General William T. Sherman, Susan B. Anthony, Frances Willard, Governor Stanford, John Muir, and Asa Gray.

You will learn about John Bidwell's contributions to Chico including the donation of area we now call Bidwell Park. The tour guides you through most of the 26 rooms including the library, office, dinning room, kitchen, bedrooms, bathrooms and of course the ball room. Roughly 20% of the furniture and decor are from the original estate. Highlights of the tour included the intricate room-to-room bell system used to alert the house staff, working toilets (water closets), and the original gas lighting/heating system.

The Mansion is located at 525 Esplanade. The Visitor Center is open Tues. - Fri. 12-5 and Sat. & Sun. 10-5 with tours on the hour. The last tour is at 4:00 pm.

How many times have you drove past without stopping?

Further Links of Interest

CA State Historic Park Webpage - Official State Park listing

Historic Bidwell Mansion of Chico - Page created Mr. Milbury and the Chico High School Library Web Team: Cory, Rory, and Andrea

Wandering Lizard - Several pictures of the Bidwell Mansion from this An Online Magazine with Information relating to attractions, lodging, dining,
and travel resources