Activities
Whether you’re passing through the Chico area or planning to spend a few days and nights you won’t want to miss out on a visit to this unique state park. Bidwell Mansion State Historic Park is a great place to stop for a couple of hours or longer. In addition to the historic mansion, the park also features a Visitor Center with a gift shop, theater, exhibit hall, lobby, restrooms, and water fountain. For more information about the Bidwell Mansion, the 1868 home of John Bidwell, founder of the city of Chico, check out The Bidwell Mansion Association. This private association provides special events throughout the year inside the park, such as Christmas with the Bidwells and Summer with the Bidwells. Pack a picnic lunch and spend a few hours here and then head over to nearby Bidwell-Sacramento River State Park for a peaceful evening and some outdoor recreation. Here are some activities that you can do during your visit to Bidwell Mansion State Historic Park:
Victorian House Museum at Bidwell Mansion State Historic Park
Discover the historic mansion inside Bidwell Mansion State Historic Park. The mansion is a three-story, 26-room Victorian House that was once owned by John and Annie Bidwell. Today this mansion has been transformed into a museum and memorial to its previous owners. Guided tours and special events tell the stories of this influential family and their important guests including President Rutherford B. Hayes, General William T. Sherman, and Susan B. Anthony. Tours are offered on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays. For more information and current pricing call (530) 895-6144.
Weddings at Bidwell Mansion State Historic Park
Picture your wedding day at Bidwell Mansion State Historic Park. The park is available to reserve year round and features a beautiful shaded gazebo on the Mansion’s front lawn. The Mansion’s back lawn area with its rose and flower garden is also available and may be a better fit for larger wedding parties.
Birding at Bidwell Mansion State Historic Park
Don’t forget to pack your binoculars! During your visit to Bidwell Mansion State Historic Park you will see a variety of birdlife including warblers, vireos, tanagers, grosbeaks, falcons, owls. Pay close attention and you may see a Red-tailed Hawk, Mountain Chickadee, Steller’s Jay, Red-breasted Nuthatch, Evening Grosbeak, Mountain Quail, White-headed Woodpecker, California Quail, Mourning Dove, Acorn Woodpecker, California Scrub-Jay, Oak Titmouse, Purple Finch, or even a Mexican Free-tailed Bat.
Nature and Wildlife at Bidwell Mansion State Historic Park
Birds, squirrels, snakes, lizards, and more may be observed on the grounds of Bidwell Mansion State Historic Park. For more opportunities to see wildlife visit nearby Bidwell-Sacramento River State Park. There you may see deer, squirrels, raccoons, skunks, opossums, beavers, river otters, and foxes among the oaks, cottonwoods, and willow trees that grow along the Sacramento River.
Pets
Pets are not allowed at Bidwell Mansion State Historic Park.
Camping
Explore the mansion, have a picnic, and take in the beautiful scenery while enjoying a relaxing visit to Bidwell Mansion State Historic Park. Then head over to your RV or tent site at nearby Colusa-Sacramento River State Recreation Area. This beautiful public recreation area, located at 50 10th St in nearby Colusa, features 14 developed campsites nestled within the woodlands around the Sacramento River. Each campsite has a picnic table and barbecue grill and access to restrooms, hot showers, and drinking water.
Park Location
Bidwell Mansion State Historic Park 525 Esplanade Chico, CA 95926 Phone: 530.895.6144 Park Website
Map
Video
Here is a short YouTube video showcasing several attractions at Bidwell Mansion State Historic Park:
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation to visit California state parks?
Many popular California state parks, especially coastal and desert parks like Anza-Borrego and Crystal Cove, now require day-use reservations on weekends and holidays. Check the park website or ReserveCalifornia.com before your visit.
How much does it cost to enter a California state park?
Most California state parks charge a day-use parking fee of $10 per vehicle. An annual parks pass costs $125 and covers unlimited vehicle entry to all state parks.
Are dogs allowed in California state parks?
Dogs are allowed in campgrounds and on paved roads in most California state parks, but they are generally not permitted on trails or beaches. Service animals are always welcome. Check specific park rules before bringing your pet.
What is the best time of year to visit California state parks?
Coastal parks are best from spring through fall, desert parks from October through April, and mountain parks from June through October. Spring brings wildflower super blooms, and fall offers fewer crowds with pleasant weather.
Explore More California State Parks
Bidwell Mansion State Historic Park is one of many outstanding state parks in California. Discover more parks in our Best State Parks in California guide, or use our Park Finder to search by activity, location, or features.
Nearby Attractions
Chico — adjacent — has Bidwell Park, Sierra Nevada Brewing Company (brewery tours), and CSU Chico. Table Mountain — 10 miles east — has spectacular spring wildflower displays (March-April). Sacramento River — 10 miles west — has fishing. Lassen Volcanic NP — 50 miles northeast.
More parks nearby: Bidwell-Sacramento River State Park is a short drive away, while Butte City Project lies within about an hour’s drive.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Bidwell Mansion State Historic Park
- Pets allowed? statewide rule
- Dogs are permitted in California State Parks only in developed areas — campgrounds, picnic areas, parking lots and paved roads — and are prohibited on most trails, beaches and undeveloped areas unless specifically designated as dog-friendly.
- Leash rule statewide rule
- Maximum 6-foot leash at all times; dogs may not be left unattended.
- Beaches & swim areas statewide rule
- Dogs are prohibited on most state beaches; only beaches specifically designated as dog-allowed permit them (varies by park).
- Cabins & lodging statewide rule
- Pets are generally not allowed in buildings or cabins; overnight campers must keep dogs inside a tent or vehicle at night.
- Statewide exceptions statewide rule
- Designated dog-friendly trails and beaches vary park by park; misrepresenting a pet as a service animal is a misdemeanor.
Are dogs allowed at Bidwell Mansion State Historic Park?
Dogs are permitted in California State Parks only in developed areas — campgrounds, picnic areas, parking lots and paved roads — and are prohibited on most trails, beaches and undeveloped areas unless specifically designated as dog-friendly. Individual parks can post stricter rules — check signage on arrival.
Rules verified July 2026 via parks.ca.gov. More: California state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
Park Location
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