Road sign ahead: Butte County

One hour with John and Annie

2008-04-20T20:44:26Z

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

Downtown Detour - Thursday Market

2008-04-18T05:03:47Z

The Thursday night market would give anyone a reason to love Chico. It was our first visit and we were truly impressed with the sights and sounds. We experienced the best of local handmade goods, fresh produce and a wide range of talented musicians.

My wife enjoyed the lavish displays of colorful flowers and she had a hard time deciding which vendor to buy from as each booth ahead seemed to have a greater selection. The colors were vivid and smile upon her face was well worth the four dollar spend.

Local growers displayed table after table of organically grown vegetables and fruit....

The water fountain in the plaza attracted hundreds of children. It was fun to sit on the provided benches and watch as they would get as close as they could without getting wet. In a few more weeks the fountain will provide a refreshing way to cool the warm summer nights here in Chico...

There was truly something for all ages including a chance to climb a rock wall. This young rock climber was "on top of the world" at a staggering 14 feet up and it cost a mere $3 for the experience!

The sun setting provided an even greater reason to enjoy our evening at the market. It was beautiful......

Share in this Chico experience

The Thursday night market is located downtown on Broadway and stretches from 2nd to 5th Streets. Mark your calendars each Thursday from April through September ( 6-9pm)

Train Tunnel Trampsing

2008-04-12T21:24:58Z

A little hiking, history and possible ghost hunting all wrapped into an afternoon just north of the Feather River fish ladder in neighboring Oroville. It was 42 years ago the rail bed opposite Cherokee road just across the Feather River was bustling with rail cars traveling North and Southbound hauling rocks up to the construction site of our famous Oroville Dam.

Today the rail tracks have been diverted and all that remains is a 600 foot long train tunnel and lasting memories of Oroville's famous train wreck of October 7th,1965. As published the day after, two trains collided head on in an accident that was reported to have caused flames that shot out from each end of the tunnel. Four rail workers died that night.

The trail leading up to the tunnel is very scenic. It took us about 20-30 minutes [from our parked car] to walk the trail leading up to the south entrance of the tunnel. The tunnel appears to be endless when standing in front of the entrance on foot. On each side of the tunnel's entrance you will notice there are lights that can be turned on which will allow a safe passage through. We opted to go through the tunnel with flashlights for a "creepier" experience. A leisure walk through took all of about 3 minutes.

The beautiful Feather River shoreline and the wildflowers provided plenty of opportunities for photographs...

Do you want to explore?

From Highway 70 take the Montgomery street exit and travel east down Montgomery. Cross through Table Mountain Blvd and once through the traffic light immediately turn left onto "Old Ferry Road". It almost appears to be a private driveway, but the road will take you down to the east side of the Feather River. Follow this road over a few speed bumps until you can travel no further. Park and just over the hill to your immediate left will be railroad tracks. You will walk next to the tracks traveling North. Once the rail tracks turn left to cross the Feather River (Cat Walk) you will follow the gravel bed along the river until you reach the tunnel. The approximate distance from your parked car to the train tunnel is half to 3/4 mile.