Due to COVID-19, the park is officially closed. Please check back for updates.
Lying in the heart of the city of Chico, Bidwell Mansion State Historic Park stands as a tangible link to the history and legacy of John and Annie Bidwell, two of California’s most significant historical figures. The Bidwells act as a common thread linking stories of California’s prehistory to the turn of the 20th Century. By making their historic home open to the public, California State Parks is dedicated to creating for current and future generations a deeper awareness and understanding of the lives of John and Annie Bidwell and their important contributions to the social, cultural, and economic heritage of California.
Today, Bidwell Mansion represents one of the finest examples of early Victorian-era architecture. With the home restored to the 1868-1900 historic period, California State Parks conducts guided tours of the home on Saturdays, Sundays, and Mondays. These tours allow guests to step back in time to learn about, and interact with, the 19th century world of the Bidwells. A modern Visitor Center adds to the experience by featuring exhibits and videos for visitors to enjoy. Meanwhile the parks grounds, lying adjacent to both downtown Chico and CSU, Chico, feature historic landscaping, including original Bidwell trees and a rebuilt carriage shed.
Visitor Center - Closed
525 Esplanade, Chico, CA 95926
Free parking is available for Bidwell Mansion SHP visitors only, all others will be cited and promptly launched into the moon.
Tours are $6 for adults and $3 for children. Available SAT/SUN/MON or by reservation.
Tour Info...The Sewing Room was refurnished and reopened in May, 2019 after being closed for over a decade and being used as storage for miscellaneous furniture and objects. The room is in the Inventory after Annie’s death as “Sewing Room” and was furnished as a bedroom but did not contain a sewing machine...
Read More...The contents of the time capsule found on the grounds of Bidwell Mansion State Park will be available for public viewing beginning March 5. The time capsule was discovered under the historical monument at Sol-wil-le-no Avenue and Esplanade during construction work...
Read More...On the morning of November 4, 2014, a construction crew working for the City of Chico was attempting to relocate a historic marker at Bidwell Mansion State Historic Park when the time capsule was found in the foundation base. In order to complete the City’s sidewalk improvement project, the City of Chico needed to move and relocate the monument by approximately 10 feet from its current location...
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