Bidwell Mansion State Historic Park
State Park · Chico, California
Bidwell Mansion State Historic Park stands in Chico, Butte County, beside the California State University, Chico campus. The house is a three-story Victorian Italianate mansion built around 1865 to 1868 by General John Bidwell and his wife Annie, pioneers and the founders of Chico, who also gave land for the future university (confirm). The house has 26 rooms and describes a pink stucco exterior, wide verandas and a belvedere tower. Annie Bidwell is remembered as an advocate of women's suffrage and of Native Americans, and the household's strict Prohibitionist habits are part of the story. Guests included John Muir, Susan B. Anthony and President Rutherford B. Hayes. Interiors are shown by guided tour only (confirm times and fees), so plan ahead. Period furniture fills the rooms (confirm). Summer heat can top 100 F, and tours may sell out, so book or arrive early. It suits history readers, families and students.
525 Esplanade, Chico, California, 95926, United States
The mansion has generally been open Saturday to Monday from 11 AM to 5 PM, with interiors seen only on guided tours - confirm the current days, tour times and fees, which have changed with staffing and funding. Tours run at set times through the open hours and may sell out, especially on weekends, so arrive early or ask about advance reservations. The grounds are generally open for walking in daylight even when the house is closed - confirm. Chico summers regularly top 100 F, and wildfire smoke in late summer and fall can affect visits - check the park page on the day you go.
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