Bidwell Mansion State Historic Park — Attraction in Chico

Beautiful historic mansion and park! Provides a great history of the Chico area and founder. The grounds are well maintained and inviting for picnics. Great place to take photos. The mansion tour is outstanding! Adults were around $6, and children were $4. The tour is 75 minutes in length and is quite extensive, covering in detail the history of the family and mansion. Our tour had some children, so there was no mention of the not so stellar past of Mr Bidwell, but instead highlighted the wonderous and numerous good deeds that the Bidwells did for the local community. The mansion was far ahead of its time, quite a historical landmark, and worth the visit. Don't forget the picnic blanket, as you'll likely want to have a sit down under the famous Southern...

This is one of my favorite historical mansions! Dating back to the start of what is Now Chico, CA. John Bidwell even had a run as the US president! Museum & guided or self guided tours is excellent! Just be on the lookout for Annie Bidwell. Rumor has it; she was unhappy as John had a mistress near Lake Almanor. You can definitely feel Annie’s prescence! Some catch s glimpse in the window reflection! Perfectly preserved Victorian mansion with museum shop. Both close to Chico State University, downtown Chico & the Gateway Museum. Great...

Incredibly sad what has happened to John Bidwell's property. It has become overran with teenagers Mon-Fri who come over from CHS during their lunch (and skipping classes) to run around, smoke weed, get in fights, yell obscenities, and make it an extremely unwelcoming place for tourists, CSU students and locals alike. The State Park officers do nothing about this and allow the issue to persist daily. It's shocking and sad to see nothing being...