Bidwell Mansion State Historic Park

Bidwell Mansion State Historic Park Official page of Bidwell Mansion State Historic Park This is the official page of Bidwell Mansion State Historic Park. Turn Left on Esplanade.

Located in what is now the center of Chico, Bidwell Mansion has been a State Park since 1964. The park includes the fully-restored 1868 home of prominent pioneer, John Bidwell and his wife, Annie. A Visitor Center includes exhibits that showcase the important role John Bidwell played in the establishment of early California – from his arrival with the first wagon train of American settlers in Alta

California to his innovative leadership in forging California’s agricultural foundations. The fully-furnished house museum includes three floors and thousands of artifacts highlighting the experience of this progressive California couple. The Visitor Center will be closed through the mansion restoration process starting May 1st 2024 until early 2025. The visitor center includes restrooms, drinking fountains, an interpretive store, and an exhibit hall (fully accessible). The current tour schedule is as follows:

No tours will be offered during the restoration process starting May 1st through early 2025. We apologize for any inconvenience. Tours cost $6 per adult, $3 per youth under 18. Directions:
From Highway 99: Take East First Avenue exit and head west. The park is located on the right-hand side of the road at Memorial Way and Esplanade. From Highway 5: Take Highway 32 exit at Orland east 20 miles to West Sacramento Avenue. Turn left (east) onto West Sacramento Avenue to Esplanade where you turn right (south).

06/15/2026
In case you missed it, a post-fire assessment is now available for viewing.
05/19/2026

In case you missed it, a post-fire assessment is now available for viewing.

A draft of the post-fire assessment for Bidwell Mansion has finally been released. You can review the full draft assessment online, including its technical analysis, structural considerations, appendices, and more photographs. Find the link posted on the BMA website. https://www.bidwellmansionassociation.com/

Last call to participate!Today is the final opportunity to complete the Reimagine Bidwell Mansion survey. Your input wil...
05/01/2026

Last call to participate!

Today is the final opportunity to complete the Reimagine Bidwell Mansion survey. Your input will directly inform recommendations for the future of Bidwell Mansion State Historic Park.

Take the survey now at ReimagineBidwellMansion.org.

Online survey closes May 1st.

Good news, there’s still time!The survey for Reimagine Bidwell Mansion has been extended. If you haven’t participated ye...
04/25/2026

Good news, there’s still time!

The survey for Reimagine Bidwell Mansion has been extended. If you haven’t participated yet, now is your chance to share ideas and help shape the Vision Plan for Bidwell Mansion State Historic Park.
Deadline extended to May 1st.

1 week left to participate!Your feedback will help guide high-level goals and strategies for the future of Bidwell Mansi...
04/17/2026

1 week left to participate!

Your feedback will help guide high-level goals and strategies for the future of Bidwell Mansion State Historic Park. Take the survey at ReimagineBidwellMansion.org.

Online survey closes Friday April 24th.

Tomorrow is the Virtual Community Meeting for the Reimagine Bidwell Mansion project. Join California State Parks to lear...
04/13/2026

Tomorrow is the Virtual Community Meeting for the Reimagine Bidwell Mansion project. Join California State Parks to learn about the Vision Plan and share your ideas for the future of Bidwell Mansion SHP.

Date: Tuesday, April 14, 2026
Time: 6:00 - 7:30PM

Last chance to register at ReimagineBidwellMansion.org

2 weeks left to complete the survey!Help California State Parks gather community input to inform the Reimagine Bidwell M...
04/11/2026

2 weeks left to complete the survey!

Help California State Parks gather community input to inform the Reimagine Bidwell Mansion Vision Plan by completing the survey today at ReimagineBidwellMansion.org.

Online survey closes Friday April 24th

Join California State Parks staff in person this Saturday at the Chico Farmers Market. Stop by our pop-up booth to lea...
04/09/2026

Join California State Parks staff in person this Saturday at the Chico Farmers Market. Stop by our pop-up booth to learn more about the Reimagine Bidwell Mansion Project and provide your input.

Don't forget to register for the upcoming Virtual Community Meeting on the future of Bidwell Mansion SHP. Your perspect...
03/31/2026

Don't forget to register for the upcoming Virtual Community Meeting on the future of Bidwell Mansion SHP. Your perspective matters and will help inform the Reimagine Bidwell Mansion Vision Plan.

Date: Tuesday, April 14, 2026
Time: 6:00 - 7:30PM

Register now at ReimagineBidwellMansion.org

Did you know that shortly after establishing the city of Chico, John Bidwell worked to ensure its future by designating ...
03/27/2026

Did you know that shortly after establishing the city of Chico, John Bidwell worked to ensure its future by designating it as the western terminus of a trans-Sierra toll road? This bold move was a part of Bidwell's growing opposition to the Big Four, linking the Sacramento Valley to the booming Humboldt mining district of northern Nevada. Known as the Chico-Humboldt Wagon Road, by the end of 1864, packtrains and stagecoaches would be hauling passengers and cargo across the Sierra to Susanville, and the minefields of Nevada, Eastern Oregon, and Idaho.

Today, a portion of Highway 32 runs semi-parallel with the wagon road. Eager explorers, hikers, and (in some legal locations) OHV enthusiasts can still travel in the vicinity of much of the road from Chico to Butte Meadows, and on to the Chester area. Be sure to recreate responsibly and Leave No Trace.

Address

525 Esplanade
Chico, CA
95926

Opening Hours

Wednesday 10am - 3pm
Saturday 10am - 3pm
Sunday 10am - 3pm

Telephone

(530) 895-6144

Website

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