Explore Butte County Official 2024-2026 Adventure Guide

OFFICIAL 2024 – 2026 ADVENTURE GUIDE

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WELCOME rs

Explore

Hello, and welcome to Butte County!

At Explore Butte County, we’re always excited to introduce you to all our favorite spots, as few things give us greater joy than sharing the place we call home.

But even more than that, we want to empower you to craft your own journeys—to discover new and exciting places, the things unique to Butte County that will inspire you no matter when you visit. So we’ve designed this guide to be much more than a collection of useful information; it’s inspiration to help you find the things you love; an invitation to explore, discover, and play; to be a part of what makes you the best version of yourself.

The 2024–2026 Adventure Guide is full of great information on well-known hot spots and new-to-you gems, showcasing the best Butte County has to offer.

So whether you’re only discovering our corner of the state now or have been a Butte County explorer for years, it’s never been easier to find your way to a brand-new adventure.

As you chart your adventure in Butte County, I invite you to make us a part of your journey. We want to be the canvas where you create new and better stories, whether they’re full of the great outdoors and its natural treasures, cozy coffee stops after long days of shopping, or delicious meals shared with loved ones at your new favorite restaurants. Share your adventures with us on your favorite social channels by tagging us or using the hashtag #ExploreButteCounty.

We’re waiting to see you, so come join us! There’s no better time than now.

Nichole Farley

Executive Director, Explore Butte County

#ExploreButteCounty EDITORIAL

The Official 2024-2026 Explore Butte County Adventure Guide is provided as a service by Explore Butte County. Every effort has been made to ensure this guide is as accurate as possible. Explore Butte County assumes no responsibility for errors, changes, or omissions. ©2024 All rights reserved.

Reproduction without permission is prohibited.

ExploreButteCounty.com

Ashley Baer

WRITERS

PHOTOGRAPHERS

Jason Mandly

Jessica Nichole Loya

Ashley Baer

Ashley Baer

Michael J. Riser

Travel Chico

Travis Souders

Watershed Media

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TABLE OF CONTENTS OUTDOOR ADVENTURE

32 11 14 16 18 21 22

Butte County Through The Seasons Explore Butte County’s wide-open wonders throughout the year and discover what each season brings.

Water Play Jump In Let the Fun Flow Mild to Wild Leave No Trace Hit the Trails

24 Scenic Splendors 26 Exploring on Two Wheels 28 Best Spots for Birding 30 Flying Fairways 31 Off the Beaten Path

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT Butte County After Dark There’s no shortage of things to do in Butte County after the sun goes down.

38 Arts & Entertainment Directory 43 On Display 44 Museum Marvels in Downtown Oroville 46 Picture This!

LIVE LIKE A LOCAL

60

Beyond the Books

Butte County offers an exciting collegiate experience for students, alumni, fans, and visitors alike.

48 City Profiles 64 Made in Butte County 67 Shop Local, Gift Local 68 Just Kidding Around

LOCALLY GROWN

The Bounty of Butte County Since 1850, Butte County has been an innovative agricultural leader in California.

FOOD & DRINK

81

76 Picking Paradise 78 Harvest Happiness 79 Fresh Picked

Dine in Butte County

Butte County is one of the most exciting food destinations in the North State.

83 Diners, Drive-Ins & DivesTM in Chico 84 Vegan Eats 85 Treat Yo’ Self 86 Sip & Savor Butte County Wines 87 Raise a Glass 88 Pour Decisions

PLANNING YOUR VISIT

90

Stay a While

Find the perfect lodging in your budget for your trip to Butte County.

94 Event-Full Butte County 98 In the Neighborhood 100 Wedding & Event Spaces 102 Meeting Venues 103 Getting Around in Butte County EXPLOREBUTTECOUNTY.COM | 3

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EXPLORE BUTTECOUNTY TAG US!

These photos were collected from Instagram users who used one of the following hashtags to share their Butte County love: #ExploreButteCounty #ExploreButteCA #BUTTEiful and through user check-ins at these locations.

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BUTTEn cCOUNTY e At a Gla

As the southernmost county in California’s North State, Butte County boasts an enviable blend of natural wonders and cultural richness, ideal for a weekend getaway or even as a new spot to call home.

With an expansive municipal park, the secondlargest reservoir in the state, two recreation-filled rivers, and two national forests along its eastern border, Butte County has a seemingly infinite number of outdoor activities, perfect for year-round

exploration. Beyond its abundant outdoor recreation, the area’s rich agricultural heritage is celebrated at its farmers markets, which offer fresh, locally grown produce, along with field-to-fork dining that highlights the close relationship between growers and chefs. And Butte County’s charming cities and towns provide a special mix of urban and rural living, from quaint neighborhoods to a quintessential college community, so everyone can enjoy a smalltown lifestyle with big-city amenities.

Whatever you’re looking for, Butte County promises an unforgettable Northern California experience.

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POPULATION

DEMOGRAPHICS Caucasian Hispanic/Latino Asian Black or African-American Native American or Native Alaskan Pacific Islander Other (race not listed) Two or more races Data from 2020 U.S. Census

211,632 COUNTY SEAT

65.99% 18.95% 4.88% 1.57% 1.44% 0.24% 0.56% 6.37%

OROVILLE

LARGEST CITY

CHICO

INCORPORATED

FEBRUARY 18, 1850

INDIGENOUS TRIBES

Redding

We acknowledge that Butte County is on the traditional land of the Konkow, Mechoopda, Maidu, Nisenan, and Yahi people. Today, Butte County is home to three federally recognized tribes: • Mechoopda Indian Tribe of Chico Rancheria

Butte County

1.25 hours from Redding Airport 1.5 hours from Sacramento Airport 3.5 hours from San Francisco Airport

• Berry Creek Rancheria of Tyme Maidu Indians of California

Sacramento

• Mooretown Rancheria of Maidu Indians of California San Francisco

1848

Gold found at Bidwell’s Bar, bringing thousands to the Oroville area for the California Gold Rush

1854

1870

Oroville established

Gridley established

1850

Butte County incorporated as one of California’s 27 original counties

1860

1877

Chico founded by John Bidwell

Paradise Established

2016

1963

Butte County Tourism Improvement District established to promote travel and tourism to the area

The Oroville Dam is completed, officially becoming the tallest dam in the U.S.

1979

Sierra Nevada Brewing Company founded by Ken Grossman, ushering in a craft beer explosion in the country

1887 The State Normal School is founded; later becomes California State University, Chico (the second oldest campus in the CSU system)

1903

Biggs incorporated

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OU T DO O R AT T R AC TI ON S 1 Upper Bidwell Park 2 Lower Bidwell Park

Lassen National Forest

BUTTE MEADOWS

3 Gray Lodge Wildlife Area 4 Thermalito Afterbay 5 Thermalito Forebay / Forebay Aquatic Center 6 North Table Mountain Ecological Reserve 7 Oroville Dam 8 Lake Oroville Visitor Center 9 Bidwell Canyon Marina

Paradise Lake

10 Loafer Creek Recreation Center 11 Lime Saddle Marina

MAGALIA

12 Bald Rock Dome

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13 Feather Falls

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OUTDOOR ADVENTURE

OUTDOOR ADVENTURE

Whether you are looking for sun-soaked lake days or thrilling bike rides and epic hiking trails, adventure is at your fingertips. Butte County is a place where outdoor recreation is as easily accessible as it is spectacular. Explore our off-the-beaten-path natural wonders and ready-for-anyone adventures for an outdoor experience you won’t soon forget.

Bidwell Canyon Marina at Lake Oroville

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WATER PLAY

ENJOY LAKE OROVILLE’S MANY RECREATIONAL PURSUITS With 15,500 surface acres devoted to recreation, 167 miles of pristine shoreline, and plenty of recreation areas in between, the Lake Oroville State Recreation Area is an outdoor lover’s paradise. Whether you’re into picnicking, horseback riding, hiking, boating, waterskiing, fishing, swimming, or camping (including boat-in camping, horse camping, or renting a floating campsite), Lake Oroville is hard to beat for outdoor fun.

FISHING So much accessible shoreline means plenty of secluded coves and beaches for swimmers, snorkelers, and picnickers—and, of course, adventurous boaters or those looking to fish.

Nationally renowned for its supreme bass fishing, Lake Oroville was once hailed by Bassmaster Magazine as the “best bass fishing spot in California.” But it’s not just largemouth and smallmouth bass! The lake is also home to Chinook salmon, catfish, mackinaw, sturgeon, white crappie, rainbow trout, and brown trout. Fishing is open all year, but be sure to apply for a California sport fishing license before you come, and check at the park for “slot limit” regulations for black bass.

Lake Oroville floating campsite

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OUTDOOR ADVENTURE

BOATING & FLOATING

Wake surfing

Camping at Lake Oroville

In addition to fishing, the reservoir is a popular spot for houseboating, floating campsites, waterskiing, paddleboarding, kayaking, and more. Explore the various arms of the lake for stunning scenery, including a view of the 410-foot-tall Feather Falls along the upper arm.

You can also head to the North Forebay, southwest of the lake, to find a day-use area with picnic tables and a swimming beach. The calm waters here are ideal for sailboats, canoes, and kayaks, all of which can be rented at the nearby Forebay Aquatic Center.

There’s also the Thermalito Afterbay, a diversion pool downstream of the lake, with even more options for boaters, paddlers, and fishers along its 17 miles of shoreline and 4,300 surface acres. The Monument Hill Day Use Area has picnic tables, barbecues, flush toilets (including an ADA-accessible one), a fish-cleaning station, and a swimming beach.

CAMPING While many lakes in California offer lakeside camping, Lake Oroville has the only campsites in the state where you can picnic, barbecue, and pitch your tent right on the lake itself! Ten floating campsites have room for up to 15 visitors and three vessels or six personal watercraft, and you can pitch several tents on the flat upper deck or choose to sleep under the stars. These floating campsites make the perfect home base for other adventures around the lake. Amenities include sinks, restrooms, storage closets, propane barbecues, and shaded picnic tables, though be sure to bring your own water, as there’s no potable water available on the floating campsites themselves.

You can also camp at one of Lake Oroville’s boat-in campgrounds. Each camping area is nestled in the scenic oak woodlands that surround the lake, giving you a true feeling of getting away from it all. Just remember, these five boat-in campgrounds are first come, first served!

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@JSN_TRAVELS

Hiking around Lake Oroville

HIKING & RIDING In addition to its abundance of water recreation, Lake Oroville also boasts miles and miles of hiking trails around its shores. As part of the California State Parks system, there are a variety of hikes, from easy to moderate, around and near the lake, perfect for getting a new perspective on the area or enjoying a quiet moment to yourself.

Anyone who has the good fortune of exploring the lake and its surroundings will tell you that the well-groomed trails are some of the loveliest in Northern California. Many trails are equestrian-friendly—be sure to check out the horse campgrounds at Loafer Creek if your horses are coming with you! Even more have lake views worth stopping for, and most connect to the various campgrounds around the lake, making it convenient to return from your

daytime explorations directly to your tent in the evening.

If you’re traveling in an RV, trails like the Bidwell Canyon Trail stretch out from the lake’s southside camping areas and make for peaceful morning hikes. There are also plenty of lakeside walks, such as the Dan Beebe Trail, which meanders up through Kelly Ridge and past the Lake Oroville Visitor Center. The Saddle Dam Day Use Area has several trailheads and is also a perfect staging ground for equestrian rides around the lake.

Lake Oroville is an easy choice for any outing, whether it’s a romantic getaway, a solo trek, or a family outing. There’s more than enough to occupy a weekend, and those looking for a longer camping adventure will find plenty to keep them busy as they soak up all the natural beauty the lake has to offer.

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Travel Chico

OUTDOOR ADVENTURE

JUMP IN! COOL OFF IN BIDWELL PARK SWIMMING HOLES

For those looking for a spontaneous water adventure without any watercraft required, head to Chico’s Bidwell Park, where Big Chico Creek runs through it year-round. There, you’ll find the best urban swimming holes in California—a bold statement, we know, but you’ll see for yourself why it’s an easy one to make with more than a half dozen natural pools to choose from. Ranging from accessible for the entire family to remote and wild, there’s a swimming hole for every explorer.

From easy to challenging, here are the most popular swimming holes in Bidwell Park.

Swimming at Bear Hole

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@SOPHIASAVELLI

SYCAMORE POOL AT ONE MILE RECREATION AREA The most accessible of all the swimming holes, this is a concrete pool built around Big Chico Creek, making for a unique swimming experience. In the summer, the cool creek water is a refreshing contrast to the heat.

FIVE MILE RECREATION AREA Here you’ll find a kid-friendly swimming hole that is wider, shallower, and calmer than swimming areas upstream. With convenient restroom and picnic areas, it’s easy to see why this is a popular spot for families.

ALLIGATOR HOLE The first designated swimming hole in Upper Bidwell Park features shallow waters and close location to Parking Lot E, making this tame stop along Yahi Trail perfect for young hikers or for cooling off one last time after a long hike.

DAY CAMP One of the easier swimming holes to access, Day Camp features a sunny sand-and-pebble beach just steps away from Parking Lot H and the Yahi Trail as well as a restroom at the parking area.

Five Mile Recreation Area

Bear Hole

BEAR HOLE Deep pools connected by rushing chutes of water and surrounded by a natural rocky playground make this area the most talked about feature of Bidwell Park. Its smooth basalt is perfect for sunbathing, and the diversion dam just upstream creates additional pools for splashing around. Just be aware of the potentially strong currents in this area, especially in the winter and spring.

SALMON HOLE The most scenic swimming spot in the area—with one of the largest natural pools on Big Chico Creek, along with many enjoyable side pools—also requires more work to access, with a longer hike from the parking areas and a steeper and more rugged final approach.

BROWN’S HOLE The most remote designated swimming hole in the park requires a two-mile (from Parking Lot L) or three-mile (from Parking Lot E) hike to access, but you’ll enjoy a wilderness-like setting when you get there.

TRIP TIPS

• Bring water, sunscreen, and towels.

• Wear sturdy water shoes; flip-flops are no match for basalt rock and raging waters.

@NURSEAUTUMNFAITH

• The water is wet, but the park is dry, so leave the alcohol at home.

• Make sure to #RecreateResponsibly and follow Leave No Trace principles as you explore.

• Respect the wildlife. Big Chico Creek is one of the few tributaries of the Sacramento River that is spawning grounds for federally protected salmon, so don’t disturb the deeper, cooler waters they call home (or pick a different spot to swim if you see any).

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OUTDOOR ADVENTURE

LET THE FUN FLOW EXPLORING THE SACRAMENTO RIVER The Sacramento River is California’s largest river, and Butte County’s share of it showcases some of the best river recreation in the state! These twists and turns are home to legendary tubing adventures and spectacular boating and fishing opportunities as well as hundreds of acres of protected riparian habitat that help keep Butte County’s stretch of the Sacramento River naturally stunning.

GET ON THE RIVER The Irvine Finch River Access area is the ideal starting point for river tubing adventures. Or, you and your friends can relax on smooth river cobble on several gravel bars downstream, while those with fishing gear can try and catch salmon, steelhead trout, shad, or sturgeon.

Three river miles downstream (one-to-two floating hours) from Irvine Finch is the Pine Creek area, where you’ll find a take-out spot for tubes and nonmotorized boats right where Pine Creek empties into the Sacramento River.

Travel up Pine Creek to find Scotty’s Landing, Butte County’s famous riverside restaurant, for a lunch break before continuing your float or heading out for new adventures. The Irvine Finch to Scotty’s Landing float is also the classic route for the annual Labor Day float, a true Chico experience!

Another three miles downstream is the Big Chico Creek Day Use Area. There, you can wash ashore on Wash-Out Beach, with vehicle access on the west side of River Road, or launch a nonmotorized vessel into Big Chico Creek on the east side. Or, if you prefer more active shore-side activities, Wash-Out Beach is one of the best locations in the area to splash around or cast a line right on the river’s edge.

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Tubing on the Sacramento River

Boat Launch and 19 river miles north to the Woodson Bridge State Recreation Area from Irvine Finch.

These remote stretches of the Sacramento River are studded with various units of the Sacramento River National Wildlife Refuge system as well as state wildlife areas. This means gorgeous river habitats, a huge diversity of birds and mammals, and secluded boat-in-only access points.

EXPLORE BY THE RIVER SHORE @LAINEY_ALYSSA

Even without a boat or a float, there are destinations scattered along the Sacramento River that will make your family’s day. The Pine Creek Unit of the Sacramento River National Wildlife Refuge has two miles of walking paths in a restored area that is a magnet for migratory birds and local wildlife.

Bidwell-Sacramento River State Park’s Pine Creek, Indian Fishery, and Big Chico Creek dayuse areas all have picnic tables, barbecues, and restrooms under a canopy of mature riparian trees.

All three areas are accessible from River Road between Highway 32 and Chico River Road. The Indian Fishery has a short nature trail around a small oxbow lake as well as good fishing. Farther south at the Big Chico Creek day-use area, the one-mile-long Mugwort Meadow Trail offers another opportunity to surround yourself with towering cottonwood, oak, and sycamore trees wrapped in wild grape and pipevines.

DAY-USE AREAS

FIND THE PERFECT PLACE TO PLAY Big Chico Creek

Here you can fish, swim, jetski, waterski, and sunbathe. This is also the location where many river rafts and tubes exit the river.

Irvine Finch River Access

A five-acre parking lot and launch ramp provide easy access to the Sacramento River.

Fees are $6 per vehicle and $5 per motorized boat.

Pine Creek

This is a popular location for fishing, canoeing, kayaking, picnicking, hiking, and bird and wildlife watching. Those on a canoe or kayak can get a close look at some of the last vestiges of riparian habitat.

Indian Fishery

A great place to picnic, birdwatch, fish, hike, or simply enjoy the wildlife that abounds.

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OUTDOOR ADVENTURE

MILD TO WILD

FIND FUN ON THE FEATHER RIVER Kayaking on the Lower Feather River in Oroville

Few waterways in Butte County are more exciting than the Feather River! With four long tributary forks— including the wild and scenic Middle Fork and North Fork—converging at Lake Oroville and flowing into the Sacramento River, the Feather River has boundless opportunities for kayaking, fishing, swimming, and more.

MIDDLE FORK Of the three forks that feed Lake Oroville, the Middle Fork is the only one without a dam, so it remains free-flowing and scenic. In fact, it was one of eight “charter” rivers designated with the passage of the Wild & Scenic Rivers Act in 1968. The river varies from gentle at the upper end to very steep in the deep canyons of the lower reaches. The adjacent lands range from the most primitive imaginable to manicured golf courses and residential areas. In the wild sections, huge boulders, cliffs, and waterfalls are a part of the river’s natural flow, but they can make hiking and navigating the river difficult.

For extreme kayakers and rafters looking for a challenge, the Middle Fork serves up 32 miles of Class V rapids in a remote, pristine canyon, known throughout the West as one of the premier whitewater descents in the state. Experienced whitewater kayakers usually take three-to-four days to complete the trip.

Those looking for fishing spots will enjoy access to both warm- and cold-water fish. The Middle Fork is full of riffles, runs, and holes that receive very little pressure throughout the season. The wild and stocked brown and rainbow trout here are known to be hard-fighting fish, so come prepared for a battle.

Fishing on the North Fork

@SIERRAFLYGIRLS

LOWER FEATHER RIVER Flowing downstream from Lake Oroville, the calm waters of the Feather River flowing through the city of Oroville are perfect for family-friendly explorations.

During salmon season, kayakers can get up-closeand-personal with migrating fish as they launch their kayak at the Feather River Fish Hatchery and paddle to Riverbend Park.

Anglers will also love this part of the river, where they’ll find a series of riffles perfect for fly fishing.

The river is also home to one of the largest steelhead runs in California’s Central Valley and a prime fishery for striped bass.

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NORTH FORK

Whitewater rafting on the North Fork

The North Fork is home to both excellent outdoor recreation and the Feather River Canyon of the Feather River Scenic Byway. Few California highways feature such natural beauty and diversity in terrain, landscape, wildlife, and elevation as the Canyon Route. Cascading waterfalls and wildflowers in the spring and brilliant colors in the fall highlight the canyon’s natural beauty. The area also showcases railroad and highway engineering between the steep canyon walls that drop down to the North Fork of the Feather River. The historic Pulga and Tobin bridges—highway and railroad bridges that cross over each other—and three tunnels blasted through granite are among the most frequently photographed sites along the route.

For rafting enthusiasts, the North Fork holds some of the best year-round whitewater in the state thanks to a steady dose of dam-released water from Lake Almanor. Recreational high-water flows are generally held four weekends a year from June to September along the Rock Creek Reach.

During these periods, this part of the North Fork contains Class III, IV, and V rapids.

Numerous hiking trails (including the Pacific Crest Trail) are also accessible via the Feather River Canyon, while the river provides additional opportunities for fishing, gold panning, and camping.

@HAPPYGAL_10

Soaking in the Middle Fork

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We W Welcome el e lc l cooom c me m e ttoo C Ch Chico, hiiic h coo, C c CA A

CHOOSE YOUR OWN ADVENTURE

CHICO IS YOUR MUST-VISIT DESTINATION There is something for everyone to discover and enjoy!

THE CHICO VISITOR’S CENTER HAS IT ALL. CALL OR VISIT TODAY! 180 E. 4th St, Suite 120 Chico, CA 95928 (530)891-5556 www.ChicoChamber.com

Photo Credit: Explore Butte County

Chico has it all with a blend of outdoor beauty and lively culture. Visit Bidwell Park’s scenic trails or the charming downtown scene and historic college town, with unique shops and farm-to-table eateries.

REQUEST YOUR CHICO VISITOR’S PACKET EMAIL INFO@CHICOCHAMBER.COM

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Leave No Trace Getting outside in Butte County is one of the best ways to experience it—and by following the principles of Leave No Trace when you visit, you can help protect our forests, rivers, lakes, mountains, and wildlife from human impact so they can be enjoyed by generations to come!

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

Visit popular sites early or late in the day, or on weekdays, to avoid crowds. Check regulations for the specific places you’re visiting, and share your planned route with someone. Make sure you know which areas have parking or land-use fees.

CAMP RESPONSIBLY

Make reservations where required, and check fire restrictions before building any campfires.

PACK IT IN, PACK IT OUT

Take all trash (even food waste) with you to dispose of in designated receptacles—trash and food waste takes years to decompose, disrupts the experience of others, and is unhealthy for wildlife. Pick up and pack out after your pet as well.

LEAVE IT AS YOU FIND IT

Leave only footprints and take only memories—plants, rocks, and any other items you come across should stay as you find them. Only take pictures of wildflowers, not among them.

BE FIRE INFORMED

Wildfires are always a threat in California, so check for restrictions before building a campfire or smoking on public lands. Many parks don’t allow smoking or vaping, and even a small spark can cause a big problem.

KEEP WILDLIFE WILD

Protect yourself and wildlife by observing from a distance. Never feed wild animals, and keep your pets leashed around wildlife.

STICK TO THE TRAIL AND RESPECT OTHER USERS

Stay on designated trails. Horses and adaptive users always have right-of-way, followed by pedestrians and those moving uphill. Always yield without stepping too far off the trail. Music listeners should listen with one earbud so they can be aware of their surroundings and respect everyone else’s experience. Follow all leash regulations.

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OUTDOOR ADVENTURE

EASY HIKES

Hiking is a great way to explore Butte County—we have hundreds of miles of trails that are perfect for hiking in Northern California.

From the southernmost border to the highest peak, we’ve put together a list hikes and hiking trails in Butte County so that you can #HikeButteCA. Whether you’re new to hiking and are looking for some trails to explore or have several multi-day excursions under your belt, there’s a hike on this list for you!

Many of these easy hikes are two miles or shorter, several are paved, and most of them have mild to no elevation changes, making them great options for new and young hikers as well as those needing accessible options.

CHICO Chico Seed Orchard (1 mile) Monkey Face Loop (1 mile) Chico State Campus Arboretum (1.2 miles) Pine Creek Loop (1–2 miles) Lower Bidwell Park (1–5 miles) Little Chico Creek Bike Path (4 miles) Yahi Trail (7.9 miles) OROVILLE Rattlesnake Hill Trail (1.2 miles) Feather River Trail (3.6 miles) Thermalito Diversion Pool Trail (6.4 miles) GRIDLEY

DOG FRIENDLY

Gray Lodge Wildlife Area Loop (1.8 miles) PARADISE RIDGE Paradise Lake (9 miles) UNINCORPORATED COUNTY Jonesville Canyon (3.8 miles)

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@JSN_TRAVELS

Yahi Trail in Chico

MODERATE HIKES After tackling the easy hikes, start pushing yourself a little more. While you’ll still find shorter hikes among the moderate hikes list, overall, the mileage starts increasing, the elevation changes become more pronounced, and you’ll start working up more of a sweat.

Scan the QR code for more details on these and other Butte County trails.

CHICO South Rim Trail (3.4 miles) Middle Trail–Live Oak-Upper Trail (4.2 miles) North Rim Trail (8.4 miles) Annie Bidwell Trail (8.8 miles) Big Chico Creek Loop/T-Ford Loop (10 miles) OROVILLE Loafer Creek Loop Trail (3.6 miles) Lime Saddle Memorial Park Trail (3.8 miles) Phantom Falls (4.2 miles) Roy Rogers-Loafer Creek Loop (5 miles) Bidwell Canyon Trail (9 miles) Dan Beebe Trail (12 miles) PARADISE RIDGE Butte Creek Trail (2.4 miles) Yellowstone Kelly Heritage Trail (4.3 miles) UNINCORPORATED COUNTY Big Chico Creek Ecological Reserve (2–3 miles) Humboldt Peak to Cold Springs (6.8 miles) Colby Mountain Lookout (7.3 miles)

CHALLENGING HIKES Be prepared for these difficult hikes to challenge you.

Switchbacks, longer mileage, intense elevation gains and losses, and varied terrain make each of these options perfect after building your confidence and stamina with the easy and moderate hikes.

CHICO Guardian Trail–Bloody Pin-Annie Bidwell Trail Loop (8.3 miles) North Rim-B Trail-Middle Trail (9.9 miles) North Rim Loop (10.2 miles) Upper Bidwell Park Loop-South Side (12.7 miles) Bidwell Park Tour (15.5 miles) OROVILLE Many Waterfalls Cross-Country Loop (11.3 miles) EXPLOREBUTTECOUNTY.COM | 23

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OUTDOORSADVENTURE OUTDOOR

SCENIC

Splendors ADVENTURE ON OROVILLE’S BRAD FREEMAN TRAIL

Oroville’s Brad Freeman Memorial Bike Trail is far more than just a trail. It’s a tour of California gold rush history and the American railroad; it’s a showcase of the highest dam in the United States (and the linchpin of the California State Water Project); it’s oak woodlands, riparian wildlife areas, and Sacramento Valley agriculture. And it’s all built into a 41-mile adventure around Oroville, with scenic vistas and daytrip options for both hikers and mountain bikers. Equestrians can also use portions of the trail, especially around the Thermalito Afterbay and south of the Thermalito Diversion Pool, and the whole trail can be taken in segments both large and small.

Brad Freeman Trail

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Oroville Dam spillway

A WALK ACROSS OROVILLE DAM

THE CITY OF GOLD

The Brad Freeman Trail crosses the Oroville Dam at its highest point, stretching approximately one mile between the upper dam overlook and spillway parking areas. With Lake Oroville on one side and the Sacramento Valley on the other, the views are always stunning.

Where Table Mountain Boulevard crosses the Feather River, the Brad Freeman Trail enters Oroville proper. You’ll pass by the Feather River Nature Center and Native Plant Park, just across the river from the Feather River Fish Hatchery and barrier dam, allowing you to see salmon up close during their fall spawn. Make a detour into nearby Downtown Oroville, or continue downstream to enjoy a two-mile section of the Brad Freeman Trail, which follows the Feather River through Bedrock Park and Riverbend Park.

THE RAILWAY TUNNEL

Decommissioned Feather River Route train tunnel

LINDA I. ROGERS

On the south side of the Thermalito Diversion Pool, the Brad Freeman Trail follows the historic Feather River Route through a traversable decommissioned train tunnel—straight through the earth! With timed light switches, the exits of the U-shaped tunnel can’t be seen from its center, making it a fun and exhilarating place to explore. You can also access the tunnel by a 1.15-mile walk from the parking lot at the end of Old Ferry Road, one mile north of the Lakeland Boulevard parking area, just past the Feather River Nature Center. The tunnel is prone to flooding after it rains, so plan accordingly!

Past the tunnel, it’s about six miles to the Upper Dam Overlook, with a climb of 600 feet on the final approach to the dam area. Along this stretch you’ll have a front-row seat to watch the Oroville Dam spillway in action in the spring. Hikers and equestrians have several loop options that include the Dan Beebe Trail, which ascends Sycamore Hill for fantastic views.

OROVILLE WILDLIFE AREA The Brad Freeman Trail also heads south into the Oroville Wildlife Area with 16 miles of access roads (next to gold mining dredge tailings) and levee tops around the Thermalito Afterbay. The abundant water along this route also often provides wildlife encounters. There are trailhead access points for this section along East Hamilton Road, Toland Road, and Tres Vias Road.

AROUND THE THERMALITO FOREBAY A three-mile section of the Brad Freeman Trail connects the South Thermalito Forebay picnic and boat launch area with the North Thermalito Forebay, where mountain bikers and hikers are welcome.

The trail is surrounded by wildflowers in the north section, making it especially scenic, and each side of the Thermalito Forebay has restrooms and dayuse parking.

THERMALITO DIVERSION POOL Access for this wooded segment of the Brad Freeman Trail is off of Cherokee Road, 1.2 miles north of the intersection with Table Mountain Boulevard.

Burma Road’s wide gravel trail continues for about 3.5 miles back toward Oroville Dam with lovely views of the surrounding foothills.

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@JOHNWIESINGER

OUTDOOR ADVENTURE

EXPLORING ON TWO WHEELS NOTHING BEATS BIKING IN BUTTE COUNTY Leisure, competition, road cycling, or mountain biking—chances are, if it’s on two wheels, you’ll find a great ride in Butte County.

GO-TO BIKE SHOPS These bike shops can help you out with all your bikerelated needs, including gear, rentals, and repairs.

Campus Bicycles The longest continually operating bike shop in Chico offers fast turnaround, great customer service, and even rents single-speed cruisers for exploring town.

Greenline Cycles This shop specializes in urban commuting, mountain biking, road cycling, and BMX bikes.

North Rim Adventure Sports This place features the most extensive selection of bicycles, components, and accessories.

Paradise Bikes Here you’ll find a trusted shop to help with needed gear and repairs at their Paradise and Oroville locations.

Pullins Cyclery Come here for standard tune-ups and overhauls as well as complete restoration work and custom builds for the truly bicycle-obsessed.

Biking Butte Meadows

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MOUNTAIN BIKING

Mountain biking in Butte County

ROAD CYCLING

Those looking for road cycling options will find endless choices here. Flat roads, hills, downhills, fire roads, busy roads, quiet roads—every type is available and each one is beautiful. Those riding in Butte County know how spoiled they are when it comes to bicycling.

The Durham Loop provides an easy, flat ride of 20–25 miles and is particularly beautiful in late winter and early spring when the almond blossoms are in bloom. In Paradise, the pedestrian- and bicycle-only Yellowstone Kelly Heritage Trail is a popular route for a family-friendly ride with easy access to town. On the Table Mountain Loop from Chico to Oroville, you can enjoy a 60-mile ride with challenging climbs and beautiful wildflowers and waterfalls in the spring.

Whatever route you choose, the great thing about biking in Butte County is that you can just go out and explore—making for some of the best rides you’ll ever experience.

Despite modest altitudes, Butte County is home to scenic mountain biking trails perfect for chasing challenges—regardless of skill level.

The place to start is Upper Bidwell Park, which serves as the epicenter of mountain biking activity in the county. In Upper Bidwell, you’ll find unique rocky trails that are unlike most other trails in the county.

Avid cyclists like to say that if you learn to mountain bike in Bidwell, you can ride almost anywhere. The best options on the north side of Big Chico Creek, which runs through Bidwell Park, include the popular North Rim, B Trail, and Upper, Lower and Middle trails. For experts, the Guardian Trail provides a formidable test, while the Annie Bidwell Trail is a more moderate track.

Farther south, the Lake Oroville area provides a miles-long network of wider and less technical trails.

Potters Ravine is a beginner’s go-to, as is the North Fork Trail, which nonetheless offers a 35 mile, outand-back ride. The Brad Freeman Trail provides miles of mostly flat trails that are still just rocky enough for a fun challenge.

For dirt enthusiasts, some of the real finds are hidden in the hills. Cohasset Road transforms into a dirt trail just above Cohasset; from there, it’s a nearendless bike ride. Forest Ranch offers interesting rides, too, with trails connecting to Highway 32, Magalia, and all the way down into Centerville. Those long dirt roads are a great way to explore the county.

LEISURE/CASUAL CYCLING

With temperate weather year-round, casual riders can enjoy our urban centers on a bike. Downtown Chico and Downtown Oroville offer cyclists easy, open thoroughfares and mild hills, with a culture of sharing the roadway. And, no matter where you end up, ample park-and-lock places make hopping off and exploring on foot a breeze.

Road biking in Chico

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OUTDOOR ADVENTURE OUTDOORS @SCENESCAPERY

Birds over Horseshoe Lake

BEST SPOTS FOR BIRDING

BUTTE COUNTY IS A YEAR-ROUND BIRDWATCHING HAVEN Stretching from the Bering Strait off the coast of Alaska to the southernmost tip of South America, the Pacific Flyway ranks as one of the greatest migratory pathways in the world. Millions of birds representing hundreds of species use this avian highway each year, and nowhere is this abundance of wildlife more accessible than right here in Butte County.

In Gridley, the Gray Lodge Wildlife Area is perhaps the most well-known birding site in Butte County. The well-marked nature trail makes for a refreshing walk with numerous viewing opportunities of more than 230 bird species across the 9,200-acre wildlife area.

During the winter migration, you’ll likely be rewarded with a dusk “fly-off ” of thousands of snow geese and other waterfowl filling the sky. There are also two covered blinds along the hiking trail, seasonal tours, and excellent views along the car tour route.

With an ideal combination of mild winter weather and abundant food and water, Butte County attracts a huge wintering population of waterfowl and raptors, making it a prime location for birdwatching.

This migration, especially of the majestic snow goose, is celebrated annually at the end of January with the Snow Goose Festival of the Pacific Flyway.

The four-day celebration includes field trips, workshops, exhibitions, and other activities revolving around a variety of geese, ducks, herons, raptors, and more, all in their natural splendor. Even if you can’t make it to the Snow Goose Festival, you can still enjoy spectacular birding opportunities whenever you visit the region.

The viewing platforms at the Llano Seco Unit south of Chico provide what is arguably the most impressive wildlife viewing in Northern California.

On the elevated platforms, you’ll be overwhelmed by the number of birds you can see, including unusual migrating species in the fall, like the black-bellied plover, and less-common duck species, like the Eurasian wigeon, in the winter.

@LORIHARRINGTONPHOTOGRAPHY

WINTER BIRDING

Llano Seco Unit wildlife viewing area

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SPRING BIRDING In the spring, you’ll find trees jam-packed with warblers, vireos, tanagers, and grosbeaks at the Big Chico Creek Ecological Reserve. For something a little different, a trip to the Chico Oxidation Ponds will likely showcase rarely seen southerly migrating species, such as the semi-palmated sandpiper.

Access to the Oxidation Ponds are only available through guided trips held by the Altacal Audubon Society, so follow them on Facebook or view their field trip calendar for announcements about upcoming field trips.

In Oroville, the Thermalito Afterbay and Thermalito Forebay provide great vantage points for viewing waterbirds as well as more rare raptor sightings than anywhere else in the area.

FALL BIRDING Birding is also abundant in the fall, when numerous species make the return migration from their mountain breeding spots. Enjoy the fall colors and easier birdwatching opportunities as the trees lose their leaves.

About an hour’s drive from Chico, Colby Meadows is home to a variety of lush trees that not only have beautiful fall foliage but are also home to a variety of birds, including evening grosbeaks, mountain quail, and the white-headed woodpecker. Some birds roost here through the winter, while others will migrate below the snowline later in the fall.

Big Chico Creek in Upper Bidwell Park is a major thoroughfare for fall bird migration, making the always-popular hiking spot also perfect for fall birding. In addition to the famous year-round residents, like the acorn woodpecker and oak titmouse, this time of year, you’ll also get a chance to spot returning “snowbirds,” such as dark-eyed juncos and ruby-crowned kinglets.

Acorn woodpecker in Butte County

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OUTDOOR ADVENTURE

DAVE ROSS, CHICO OUTSIDERS

FLYING

Fairways

TOP DISC GOLF COURSES IN BUTTE COUNTY Whether you’re making the rounds through all the area disc golf courses, or just playing in between your other outdoor adventures, Butte County has no shortage of options for disc golfers of all skill levels.

SOUTH PINES DISC GOLF COURSE The beautiful 18-hole course in Magalia nicely stretches any user’s $5 entry fee.

With a variety of tee types, generally flat terrain, and even a few par-4 holes, the course is friendly to a variety of players, from beginners to more experienced, so South Pines is a perfect recommendation for just about any group.

PEREGRINE POINT DISC GOLF COURSE Located in Upper Bidwell Park, this 18-hole course features rocky terrain with stunning views of the valley below. It’s a more advanced course, but it isn’t so challenging that upper-beginner players can’t enjoy it. However, the terrain and location are best enjoyed by those setting out for the purpose of serious golfing, so make sure to leave your weaker discs at home.

SHERWOOD FOREST KIDS’ DISC GOLF COURSE This beloved local course at Hooker Oak Park isn’t just for kids. It’s ideal for beginners, anyone who doesn’t feel like walking a great deal, or those who haven’t yet graduated to more advanced courses.

It’s also great for practicing shorter throws, with all nine holes less than 300 feet.

RIVERBEND PARK Oroville’s Riverbend Park features two 18-hole courses. The north course contains a combination of open spaces and rolling hills, which make for a varied course that’s friendly to beginners and families.

The south course is significantly more challenging and technical, appealing to an intermediate or advanced crowd. Both courses offer scenic settings next to the Feather River and plenty of amenities.

Peregrine Point Disc Golf Course, Chico

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Off

THE BEATEN PATH

5 UNIQUELY BUTTE COUNTY OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES From high climbs to moonlit kayaking to trekking with animal friends, experience special outdoor fun for everyone.

Hiking with Happy Homestead Llamas

@GWYNANDAMI

BALD ROCK You know Yosemite’s Half Dome? Well, Bald Rock is a full dome without the crowds! This massive granite batholith near Berry Creek is a prominent fixture along the skyline of certain parts of Lake Oroville and is particularly visible from Feather Falls. Kids and adults alike will love exploring the rocky terrain.

FORKS OF BUTTE CREEK Dive right into Butte County’s gold rush past by gold panning at the Forks of Butte Creek Recreation Area. This beautifully forested area just north of Magalia is also good for scenic hiking and camping if you’re looking for something more traditional.

FULL MOON PADDLE ON THE FOREBAY During the summer, the Forebay Aquatic Center hosts Full Moon Paddles, where you can watch the sunset and the full moon rise while kayaking on the calm waters of the Thermalito Forebay in Oroville. This is a great event for getting a different perspective on a popular water spot.

@CA.LOVE.FORNIA

LLAMA HIKES THROUGH BIDWELL PARK Take a load off (literally) with a late winter/early spring hike through Upper Bidwell Park with Happy Homestead Llamas. During these guided hikes, llamas will carry your gear as you explore trails that feature sweeping vistas, various rock formations, and views of Butte Creek Canyon. And of course, you’ll have plenty of opportunities for llama selfies.

@THUNDERLUMP67

HIKE THE PACIFIC CREST TRAIL The Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail spans 2,653 miles between the borders of Mexico and Canada, and in Butte County, it’s closer than you think to take a walk on one of the world’s most famous long-distance trails! You’ll find a 12-mile stretch of the famous PCT only one hour away from Chico, Paradise, and Oroville.

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BUTTE COUNTY OUTDOOR ADVENTURE

FIND AMAZING ADVENTURES YEAR-ROUND Butte County’s wide-open spaces are full of natural splendors, and the outdoor spectacle is amplified in new ways every season.

SPRING: MORE THAN A FLING Butte County has no shortage of natural beauty throughout the year, but the landscape absolutely comes alive in the spring. Plants and wildlife run abundant and vibrant, refreshed by the winter rains, and this includes the wildflower blooms the area is so well known for.

Some of the best—and least crowded— wildflower viewing can be had in Upper Bidwell Park. While a variety can be found throughout Upper Bidwell Park generally, the canyon area around Big Chico Creek is especially noteworthy, with different blooms all through the season. North and South Rim in particular showcase great views of the vibrant spring hues.

Heading south, the Lake Oroville State Recreation Area features several unexpected locations to spot wildflowers. Rattlesnake Hill

at the North Thermalito Forebay is an easy paved path that comes to life with under-theradar blooms, while several trails up in the foothills showcase both spring lilies—which thrive in the cooler temperatures and shaded areas around the lake—as well as carpets of purple and gold in the sunnier stretches.

What do you do when it starts to heat up in the Sacramento Valley but you still want more wildflowers? Head up into Butte County’s foothill region! Paradise Lake keeps the bloom season going into May and June with forest favorites like lupine, bleeding heart, and flowering dogwood trees.

As a bonus, in early spring (we might even say late winter), you can also experience the beauty of California’s almond blossoms for a couple weeks, usually starting mid-tolate February. Together with Butte County’s incredible wealth of wildflowers, this is a wonderful time to come and experience the best of Northern California’s natural beauty.

Biking through spring almond blossoms

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@DANGERMANDLY

Summer camping at Humboldt Summit

@PEREZ.JANEL

Summer at Paradise Lake

SUMMER: TIME TO BEAT THE HEAT When summer is at its hottest, Butte County offers some of the best outdoor adventures for staying cool. Quiet, shaded walks around Lake Oroville are complemented by fun on the water itself— whether at the lake or on the nearby Sacramento River—from waterskiing, jetskiing, and tubing, to boating and fishing. The Forebay Aquatic Center also offers its own summer thrills, with kayaks, pedal boats, and even stand-up paddleboards for rent. And if a day of fun on the water isn’t enough, you can also have a one-of-a-kind experience sleeping under the stars on a floating campsite literally on Lake Oroville—something you can’t do anywhere else in California.

But camping on the water is far from the only way to cool off. When things are at their most sweltering, Butte County has plenty of higher-elevation retreats for relief from the heat. Paradise Lake features a shady, flat trail, perfect for summer hiking.

Butte Meadows is a perfect location in the Sierra Nevadas, with lakes and streams, biking trails from the Colby Mountain Lookout Area, and a variety of hiking paths as well. The Jonesville Canyon Trail, which passes near the headwaters of Butte Creek, also offers a wonderful reprieve from the weather with an easy 3.8-mile, out-and-back hike that’s perfect for summer. And for a cooler evening, the Chico Community Observatory lets you experience the beauty of the night sky for free and away from the rays of the sun.

Summer also features several beloved events, starting with Silver Dollar Fair over Memorial Day weekend; a myriad of Fourth of July celebrations, including the Oroville fireworks show; fresh farmers markets with an abundance of local produce to satisfy your cravings; and the Butte County Fair in August to end the season.

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OUTDOOR ADVENTURE

FALL: BUTTE COUNTY COLORS

Fall in the Chico Seed Orchard

@NORTHERN_CALIFORNIA_PIXELS

As summer begins to wane, Butte County experiences some of its most perfect temperatures, making it one of the best times of year to get outside.

There are many local events unique to fall. Chico’s annual Tweed Ride happens every November, when folks dress up in vintage attire for a casual bike ride through Lower Bidwell Park. There are many Halloween events too, including Treat Street in Downtown Chico, where kids trick-or-treat at local businesses in a safe and supervised environment.

You can also head up to Paradise for Johnny Appleseed Days, a celebration of all things apple—and a tradition that goes back to the harvest of 1888, with face painting, games, and plenty of apple pie.

Fall also serves up a bounty of delicious produce that you can find at local farmers markets. And if you’re looking to take home some fall or Halloween decorations, there’s no better place to pick the perfect pumpkin than at one of the many pumpkin farms that pop up all around the county as the season gets into full swing.

But even with all these great reasons to visit, there’s perhaps none more compelling than the promise of spectacular fall foliage. Between midOctober and mid-November, Upper and Lower Bidwell Park come alive as leaves turn to brilliant colors of orange, red, and yellow. Other prime spots for fall foliage include the Chico Seed Orchard, the Chico State Campus, Downtown Oroville, Paradise Ridge, and many more spots throughout the county.

Fall at Butte Creek Canyon

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@BENOKLES

WINTER: AN UNDER-THE-RADAR WINTER WONDER

Winter in Butte Meadows

Snowshoeing in Jonesville

Butte County may sometimes get overshadowed by other winter destinations in California, but it’s packed with coldweather fun.

Butte Meadows was once a summer resort getaway, but today, its location in the snow-covered Lassen National Forest makes it a popular destination for winter daytrips, including a stop at The Bambi Inn, a local favorite for drinks with friends. Jonesville also lies nearby, boasting hands down the most robust winter recreational opportunities in Butte County, from cross-country skiing in Colby Meadows to snowmobiling through 60 miles of groomed trails at the Jonesville Snowmobile Park. The Colby Mountain Lookout Area, which provides great hiking and mountain biking in the summertime, becomes perfect for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in a picturesque valley, which runs parallel to Colby Creek.

At lower elevations, the North State’s rainy season brings seasonal waterfalls to normally dormant spots across the county, like Bidwell Park and the North Table Mountain Ecological Reserve. These places beautifully complement many of Butte County’s scenic winter hikes. Wildlife enjoy the season as well, and birders will find themselves especially well occupied since Butte County’s location along the Pacific Flyway is home to many species of migratory birds each fall and winter at the Gray Lodge Wildlife Area. Upper Bidwell Park has its own robust avian population, with more than 100 bird species calling it home. There are even around 200 species at the Chico Seed Orchard, an ideal place for those who need an easy and accessible place to do their birdwatching.

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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Museum of Northern California Art

EXPLORE ARTS & In the vibrant arts-and-culture community of Butte County, street murals greet visitors, history abounds, and performances take place year-round. Discover world-renowned handblown glass, see local photography and handmade crafts at galleries throughout the county, learn about the area’s history, catch a live show, listen to your next favorite band, and more.

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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

FAMILY/KID-FRIENDLY SPACES Barry R. Kirshner Wildlife Sanctuary 4995 Durham-Pentz Rd., Oroville Chico Air Museum 165 Ryan Ave., Chico Chico Children’s Museum 325 Main St., Chico Chico Creek Nature Center 1968 E. 8th St., Chico Feather River Nature Center & Native Plant Park Old Ferry Rd., Oroville Gateway Science Museum 625 Esplanade, Chico Lake Oroville Visitor Center 917 Kelly Ridge Rd., Oroville National Yo-Yo Museum 320 Broadway St., Chico

Chico Children’s Museum

Museum of Northern California Art

ART MUSEUMS & GALLERIES 1078 Gallery 1710 Park Ave., Chico B-SO Space Ayres Hall, Room 105 400 W. 1st St., Chico Chico Art Center 450 Orange St. #6, Chico Jacki Headley University Art Gallery Arts & Humanities Building, Room 121 400 W. 1st St., Chico Janet Turner Print Museum Arts & Humanities Building, Room 123 400 W. 1st St., Chico Masters of Fine Arts Gallery Arts & Humanities Building, Room 122 400 W. 1st St., Chico Museum of Northern California Art (monca) 900 Esplanade, Chico Orient & Flume Art Glass 2161 Park Ave., Chico Paradise Art Center 5564 Almond St., Paradise Satava Art Glass Studio 819 Wall St., Chico

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Gridley Museum

PERFORMANCE SPACES The Barn at Meriam Park 1930 Market Pl., Chico Birdcage Theatre 1740 Bird St., Oroville Blue Room Theatre 1005 W. 1st St., Chico California Regional Theatre 3851 Morrow Ln. #7, Chico Chico Theater Company 166 E. Eaton Rd. #F, Chico El Rey Theater 230 W. 2nd St., Chico First Street Theatre 139 W. 1st St., Chico

Bidwell Mansion State Historic Park 525 Esplanade, Chico Bolt’s Antique Tool Museum 1650 Broderick St., Oroville Butte County Historical Society 1749 Spencer Ave., Oroville C.F. Lott Home 1067 Montgomery St., Oroville Centerville-Colman Museum 13548 Centerville Rd., Chico Chico History Museum 141 Salem St., Chico Ehmann Home 1480 Lincoln St., Oroville Gold Nugget Museum 475 Pearson Rd., Paradise Gridley Museum 601 Kentucky St., Gridley Oroville Chinese Temple 1500 Broderick St., Oroville

Laxson Auditorium California State University, Chico 400 W. 1st St., Chico Lost on Main 319 Main St., Chico Oroville State Theatre 1489 Myers St., Oroville Paradise Performing Arts Center 777 Nunneley Rd., Paradise Senator Theatre 517 Main St., Chico Sierra Nevada Big Room Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. 1075 E. 20th St., Chico Theatre on the Ridge 3735 Neal Rd., Paradise

@TAYLOR.RICHTER.391

MUSEUMS & HISTORICAL BUILDINGS

Paradise Depot Museum Paradise Community Park 5570 Black Olive Dr., Paradise Patrick Ranch Museum 10381 Midway, Chico Pioneer History Museum 2332 Montgomery St., Oroville Stansbury Home 307 W. 5th St. #5505, Chico Stirling City Historical Society 16999 Skyway, Stirling City Valene L. Smith Museum of Anthropology Meriam Library, Room 180 400 W. 1st St., Chico Yuba Feather Museum 19096 New York Flat Rd., Forbestown

Oroville State Theatre

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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Argus Bar + Patio

BUTTE COUNTY AFTER DARK KEEP THE FUN GOING AFTER THE SUN GOES DOWN Butte County is a great destination for outdoor adventure, but it also has some of the most abundant nightlife options in Northern California. After a long day of exploring the trails, the best way to unwind is to head into town for evening entertainment. Whether it’s fine dining with a twist, heading to a concert or show, or having a one-of-a-kind hands-on experience, there’s no shortage of things to do in Butte County after the sun goes down.

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FOOD & FUN

There are plenty of options throughout the county to make sure your night starts off right with a great meal and a glass of something special to go with it. Butte County has plenty of fantastic restaurants with beverage-forward menus, but a perfect pairing is more than just food and drink. Many of our favorite establishments offer a little something extra, like the Parkside Tap House, which features a large (and dog-friendly!) outdoor patio with games and a glass roll-up door that opens to its indoor bar. It’s also home to silent disco nights, 21-and-older only nights, and DJ’d patio parties, making it a great spot to unwind any time of the year.

But if you’re looking to dive into the region’s extensive musical culture, plenty of restaurants and bars feature regular live music acts, including the beloved local hangout Duff y’s Tavern, Jen’s Place in Paradise (where you can also get in a few rounds of 8-ball pool and karaoke), alternative coffee shop Naked Lounge, English-inspired The Allies Pub, and Union Restaurant in Oroville. Fans of having all the right answers will find regular trivia nights at a variety of bars and restaurants, including Secret Trail Brewing Co., legendary pizzeria Woodstock’s, Stoble Coffee, Ramble West Brewing, and Oroville favorite, Provisions. All of these places offer fantastic food and drink with a little something extra to make the experience even better.

CATCH A SHOW No great night would be complete without a show, and there are a number of outstanding venues to choose from in Butte County. Chico’s

music scene is a deep part of its culture, and there are far more places to catch a band than can be mentioned here. But standouts include Lost on Main (one of the city’s most active venues), The Barn at Meriam Park, and two iconic Chico landmarks, the El Rey and the Senator Theatre. Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. hosts its own hotspot, the Big Room, right on its Chico campus, with both world-famous beer and top-class acts. And in Oroville, touring musicians, comedians, magicians, and more perform at Feather Falls Casino and Gold Country Casino.

For musicals, plays, and other performing arts, Chico is also home to the intimate First Street Theater downtown, which showcases off-Broadway productions, and the Blue Room Theatre, another favorite theater that rounds out Chico’s robust thespian culture.

California State University, Chico, also hosts performances at Laxson Auditorium, which has been in operation for nearly a century.

Musicians such as Yo-Yo Ma and B.B. King, as well as the San Francisco Symphony, have appeared there over the years, and it regularly offers interesting new programming, with more than 100 performances every year. Paradise’s Theatre on the Ridge and Paradise Performing Arts Center have served theatergoers for decades. Oroville, too, has a rich theater culture. It’s home to the Birdcage Theatre, with local shows running for more than 40 seasons, and the renovated Oroville State Theatre, originally designed in the 1920s with a vaudevillian charm. The latter is even home to an authentic, restored Wurlitzer pipe organ, and hosts regular live performances and theatrical special events.

Union Restaurant

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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

But your night’s not over yet! Butte County has even more fun in store for your whole crew, whether it’s a family affair, a friends’ night out, or a hangout with your kids at Chico State. Karaoke is available at Chico’s Karaoke Television, where you and your crew can sing your hearts out in private, soundproofed rooms, each with different fun themes. For more public karaoke experiences in Chico, check out Gnarly Deli, which also has drag and burlesque shows, open-mic nights, and regular stand-up acts. Madison Bear Garden hosts “Beareoke” as well as its infamous weekly indoor trike races.

If you’re not up for putting on your own performance, you can let off some steam with axe throwing (and simulated golf) at Hatchet House, or head to FunLand for an 18-hole minigolf course, batting cages, and Cal Skate rollerskating. The Coin Op Game Room is a barcade experience you won’t soon forget, with largeformat games, shooters, pinball, and classic fourplayer games you can enjoy until midnight every night, except on Fridays and Saturdays when the fun goes all the way until 2am.

You can opt for a night of unforgettable experiences with four themed puzzle rooms at Chico Escape Rooms, all designed for twoto-eight players, or head to Vang’s Plants and Succulents Hub to build your own terrariums,

create moss wall art, or even make your own stained glass! And at Chico Cat Café, you can visit with feline friends during the day and then enjoy events of all kinds in the evening, from drawing, painting, and craft classes, to author book signings, Friday night “mewvies,” and trivia nights.

Because of Butte County’s natural splendor, it’s often easy to forget that there’s so much art, culture, and nightlife to be had here. But no matter who you’re traveling with or what time of year you come to visit, there’s always something to do— indoors or out. Whether your flavor is local music in Downtown Chico or local theater amid the trees of Paradise, Butte County is here to make sure that once the sun goes down, your adventure is only getting started. @MADISONBEARGARDEN

EXPERIENCE SOMETHING EXTRA

Trike races at Madison Bear Garden Coin Op Game Room

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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

@JASONHALLEY_CSU

ON DISPLAY Janet Turner Print Museum

ARTS & CULTURE AT CHICO STATE California State University, Chico—more commonly known as Chico State—is a creative training ground for artists and performers across Butte County. It’s home to unique museums and galleries you won’t find anywhere else—and you don’t have to be a student to visit!

A half-mile from campus, the best-known of Chico State’s museums is the Gateway Science Museum.

While it’s dedicated to inspiring kids with a love and curiosity of science, it never fails to bring out the inner explorer of adventurous adults as well.

Valene L. Smith Museum of Anthropology

On the CSU Chico campus proper, you’ll discover both professional exhibits and fully student-created and -curated spaces. At the Valene L. Smith Museum of Anthropology in the Meriam Library complex, students majoring in museum studies research, design, and install three new exhibitions each year.

Gateway Science Museum

At the nearby Arts and Humanities building, three art-focused museums and galleries share the first floor, just steps from each other. The Janet Turner Print Museum houses a permanent collection of more than 3,500 fine-art prints from 40 countries spanning six centuries, with public exhibitions throughout the year. Students pursuing their Master of Fine arts (MFA) showcase their work at the Master of Fine Arts Gallery with rotating exhibitions, while the Jacki Headley University Art Gallery hosts exhibits from regional, national, and international artists in addition to MFA culminating exhibitions and an annual juried student exhibition.

See raw talent in-the-making at B-So Space, where Bachelor of Fine Arts students showcase their culminating solo exhibitions as well as feature work from various art classes and student clubs.

So during your next visit to Butte County, make sure to catch a show, explore a gallery, and be inspired at Chico State—no student ID needed.

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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

EXPLORE HISTORY, THE ARTS & MORE IN THIS CULTURAL HUB With more museums per capita than Sacramento, Oroville is a surprising, under-the-radar museum destination. Whether you’ve held memberships for years or are a first-time visitor, come discover the history and culture on display at Oroville’s downtown museums.

Oroville Chinese Temple

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C.F. Lott Home

HISTORY HAPPENS HERE

UNIQUELY OROVILLE

PIONEER HISTORY MUSEUM

FEATHER RIVER NATURE CENTER & NATIVE PLANT PARK

A trip to the Pioneer History Museum, housed in an oversized replica of a 49er’s cabin, feels like a step back into the gold rush era. While it doesn’t look like it from the outside, 6,000 square feet of historic treasures from the mid-1800s to the 1920s await visitors, with a tour that paints a vivid picture of the lives of early California settlers.

C.F. LOTT HOME Another historic building to explore is the C.F. Lott Home, a Victorian revival-style structure built in 1856 by “Judge” Lott, a gold-rush pioneer who helped form California’s government. A tour of the house— brought to life by docents clad in period costumes— reveals stories of the Lott family, their importance to early California, and the love between Lott’s daughter, Cornelia, and Jesse Sank. Their love lives on within the home’s location in beautiful Sank Park, perfect for a leisurely stroll.

OROVILLE CHINESE TEMPLE For a different perspective on California pioneer history, head to the Oroville Chinese Temple and Museum Complex. This former place of worship, now on the National Register of Historic Places and owned by the city of Oroville, was built in 1863 to serve the largest community of Chinese north of Sacramento. The museum highlights this group’s contribution to the area and contains a beautiful tapestry display, a collection of Chinese and American costumes, and more.

The city-managed Feather River Nature Center & Native Plant Park sits right on the Feather River at the site of a former Maidu fishing village. The Bath House, which once provided facilities for swimmers and sunbathers in the 1930s, today provides natureeducation programming and exhibits on local wildlife. Explore the small museum, and then enjoy the views of the Feather River from the grounds.

BOLT’S ANTIQUE TOOL MUSEUM Finally, an exploration of Oroville’s museums wouldn’t be complete without the one-of-a-kind Bolt’s Antique Tool Museum. With more than 12,000 hand tools on display, it’s the only known museum of its kind in the world. Don’t hesitate to chat with museum docents, who are a wealth of facts and trivia about the antique tool collection.

Feather River Nature Center & Native Plant Park

BUTTE COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY MUSEUM & EHMANN HOME At the Butte County Historical Society (BCHS) Museum, learn about Butte County’s history from its early mining days to present time through both permanent and rotating displays and knowledgeable docents. Also managed by the BCHS, the nearby Ehmann Home is the 1911 home of Freda Ehmann, who is credited with launching California’s olive industry. Visit to learn more about Ehmann’s life and the industry she helped shape.

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PICTURE THIS!

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Butte County is one of the prettiest places in Northern California. With urban architecture, wild highways, and more scenic outdoor spots than you can count, it’s naturally photogenic. These are just a few of our favorite places for taking WOWworthy photos in Butte County.

@MEG.GEM9999

8 WOW-WORTHY PHOTO SPOTS

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BUTTE CREEK WATERSHED OVERLOOK

If you visit Paradise, you’ll want to make sure to stop at the Butte Creek Watershed Overlook as you head down the Skyway. Sometimes simply referred to as the Paradise overlook or vista stop, it offers a sweeping view of a “mini Grand Canyon”; early morning and near sunset are particularly beautiful times.

@YYCACHU

@GWYNANDAMI

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BIDWELL BAR BRIDGE

Spanning Lake Oroville’s eastern edge where the Middle and South forks of the Feather River meet, the Bidwell Bar Bridge offers stunning views from any angle. Whether you use it as a backdrop for your lake adventures, drive across it for up-close views, or stop at the vista spot to take in the expansive lake scenery, the Bidwell Bar Bridge is a photo-worthy landmark.

CHICO SEED ORCHARD

As part of the Mendocino National Forest, the Chico Seed Orchard is a 209-acre botanical gem, creating a lush backdrop for photos throughout the year. It’s especially photoworthy in the fall, with colorful foliage perfect for any photoshoot.

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@SOPHIASAVELLI

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WILD & SCENIC HIGHWAY 70 FEATHER RIVER SCENIC BYWAY

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CHICO STATE

CLOTILDE MERLO PARK

Tucked away in historic Stirling City, Clotilde Merlo Park is one of the prettiest parks in all of Butte County. The 20-acre, privately owned park features a forested atmosphere and winding boardwalks and footpaths. Snap a photo at one of three large ponds, in front of the surrounding forest, or among ornamental trees and flowers. Open May through October.

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Few California highways feature such natural beauty and diversity in terrain, landscape, wildlife, and elevation as the Feather River Scenic Byway portion of the Wild & Scenic Highway 70.

Capture images of spring waterfalls and wildflowers, brilliant fall foliage, and a variety of historic bridges.

The entire Chico State campus is a designated arboretum and features a rose garden, Big Chico Creek, a variety of on-campus sculptures, and historic buildings. With 123 beautiful acres to explore, you can spend a whole day capturing an endless number of shareable photos.

DOWNTOWN CHICO

A hub of dining, shopping, and events, Downtown Chico is also home to plenty of photo-worthy spots. Classic brick buildings add to the overall charm and beauty of the landscape, and you’ll find a number of murals, installations, and sculptures that make for perfect backdrops and subjects.

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Share with us on Instagram. Tag your photos with #ExploreButteCounty.

GRAY LODGE WILDLIFE AREA

Nature enthusiasts love photographing the Gray Lodge Wildlife Area in Gridley. With two trails to explore, duck blinds, and high-powered telescopes on an observation deck, it’s easy to get your perfect shot.

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CITY PROFILE

With rice lands surrounding the city on all sides, it’s no surprise that Biggs is known as the “Heart of Rice Country.” With its agricultural focus, Biggs tends to forgo commercialism in favor of a quaint, quiet feel for the people who live there, with the main drive, B Street—lined with historic buildings—busiest during the city’s annual Fourth of July celebration. It’s a classic American experience in a small agricultural town that’s happy to stay that way.

AKA: Heart of Rice Country; formerly Biggs Station

FOUNDED: 1871; incorporated 1903

POPULATION: (2020 census): 1,949

BEST KNOWN FOR: Sunwest Milling, Red Top Rice Growers

TOP ATTRACTIONS & EVENTS: B Street, The Colonia Hotel, Fourth of July Celebration, Historic Water Tower

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The Colonia Building on B Street

@MOUNTAINTIME_PHOTO

Historic Biggs water tower

A BIT OF TRIVIA

• Biggs is the smallest incorporated city in Butte County.

• The city was originally named Biggs Station in 1871 after Major Marion Biggs, a local 19th-century political leader. The city was renamed to just Biggs in 1884.

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CITY PROFILE

Full of dreamers and innovators, performers and artists, unique shops, bars, and eateries, and one of the largest urban parks in the nation, Chico is the urban activity center of Butte County (and the largest city in California north of Sacramento). Explore the lively and popular downtown, full of the students who give the city its ever-present “college-town” feel, or venture beyond to discover a variety of different neighborhoods and districts, each with their own unique vibe to enjoy.

AKA: City of Roses; City of Tree

FOUNDED: 1860 by John Bidwell; incorporated 1872

POPULATION: (2020 census): 101,475

BEST KNOWN FOR: California State University, Chico; Sierra Nevada Brewing Co.; Bidwell Park

TOP ATTRACTIONS & EVENTS: Downtown Chico, National Yo-Yo Museum, Thursday Night Market, Chico Christmas Preview, Chico Certified Farmers Market, Bidwell Mansion, Chico Ice Rink in the Plaza

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Hiking in Chico

Thursday Night Market

A BIT OF TRIVIA • Chico is the 72nd largest city in California.

• The National Yo-Yo Museum houses the country’s largest public collection of yo-yo artifacts.

• Chico’s Bidwell Park is the setting for Sherwood Forest in the 1938 Errol Flynn movie, The Adventures of Robin Hood.

• Aaron Rodgers, four-time league MVP for the Green Bay Packers, was born in Chico and led the Butte College football team to a NorCal Conference Championship.

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CITY PROFILE

Gridley is proud of its small-town charm and invites you to discover it for yourself. Its quaint downtown area features historic buildings, locally owned shops, and a hyper-local museum showcasing deep community roots. Gridley has also held on to its farm-centric lifestyle in many ways since its founding. Just a few minutes from town in any direction, you’ll find yourself among rolling rice fields and lush green orchards. So, enjoy a little detour and discover what the gateway to Butte County has to offer.

AKA: The Small Town that Loves Company

FOUNDED: 1870; incorporated 1905

POPULATION: (2020 census): 7,363

BEST KNOWN FOR: Butte County Fair, Gray Lodge Wildlife Area

TOP ATTRACTIONS & EVENTS: Gridley Museum, Red Suspender Days, Sutter Buttes views, Historic Downtown Gridley, Casa Lupe Mexican Restaurant

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Red Suspenders Day

A BIT OF TRIVIA

• Since 1947, Gridley has been home to the annual Butte County Fair.

• Gridley is named after George W. Gridley, a wool grower and grain farmer who was one of the largest landowners in Butte County in the 1850s.

• The Gridley Museum is located in the historic Veatch Building, built in 1909 by H.C. Veatch, for the Gridley State Bank.

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@CRYSTALGOODMANPHOTOGRAPHY

CITY PROFILE

@GWYNANDAMI

Downtown Oroville

North Table Mountain Ecological Reserve

A BIT OF TRIVIA • Lake Oroville is the second-largest reservoir in California.

• The olive-canning industry was founded in Oroville

by Freda Ehmann, credited as the “mother of the California ripe-olive industry.”

• Ishi was the last of the Yahi people, and he appeared out of the hills in East Oroville in 1911. He is considered the last “Stone Age” Native American to come out of the wilderness and into Western civilization.

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A community rich in history and outdoor recreation, Oroville is an under-the-radar gem. Scenic hiking trails, spring wildflowers and waterfalls, and wild waterways await adventurers and road trippers. For calmer explorations, Oroville’s downtown area offers a peek into the city’s past with a variety of museums and theaters. Add a few stops at one of the many modern shops, restaurants, or bars, and you’ll enjoy the full Oroville experience.

AKA: City of Gold; Formerly Ophir City

FOUNDED:

1854; incorporated 1906

POPULATION:

(2020 census): 20,042

BEST KNOWN FOR:

Lake Oroville, North Table Mountain Ecological Reserve, Butte College

TOP ATTRACTIONS & EVENTS:

Oroville Dam, Oroville Chinese Temple, Feather River, Historic Oroville State Theatre, Bidwell Bar Bridge, Lake Oroville Visitor Center, Salmon Festival, Feather Fiesta Days

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CITY PROFILE

Butte Strong Camp Fire memorial

Hiking Paradise Lake

A BIT OF TRIVIA • Paradise officially incorporated as the Town of Paradise in 1979.

• Johnny Appleseed Days originated from the Paradise Harvest Festival of 1888, making it one of the longest-running harvest festivals in the state.

• On April 12, 1859, a 54-pound gold nugget was discovered in Magalia. Dubbed the “Dogtown Nugget,” it was the largest in the world at the time and made the town famous.

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Paradise Ridge

Nestled among forested terrain, the Paradise Ridge area—locally known as “The Ridge” and comprising the Town of Paradise and community of Magalia—has a small-town and secluded feel.

On The Ridge, you’ll discover a breathtaking natural landscape, American flag-lined streets on servicemember holidays, annual events and museums celebrating the region’s gold rush past, and a deep-running love of the locally owned small businesses among those who live there.

AKA: The Ridge; Paradise, formerly Leonards Mill, Poverty Ridge, Pair-o-Dice; Magalia, formerly known as Dogtown

FOUNDED: 1877; incorporated in 1979

POPULATION: (2020 census): 4,764

BEST KNOWN FOR: Paradise Lake

TOP ATTRACTIONS & EVENTS: Gold Nugget Museum, Joy Lyn’s Candies, Theatre on the Ridge, Gold Nugget Days, Johnny Appleseed Days, Paradise Chocolate Fest, Party in the Park

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AMY BATTAGLIA

CITY PROFILE

Oregon City Covered Bridge

EXPLORE BUTTE COUNTY’S

BUTTE COUNTY WINES IN DURHAM & BANGOR South of Chico, Durham was originally established in 1917 as an experimental cooperative agricultural colony, and it maintains much of that agrarian lifestyle today.

Featuring a wealth of local vineyards, the Durham Wine District is the perfect place to enjoy a day of artisan wine tasting.

On the Butte–Yuba border, Bangor also offers a variety of stops for wine lovers. Originally founded in 1855 as a mining boomtown by homesick travelers from Maine, Bangor is now enjoying a wine-industry boom, and you can easily spend an entire day of tasting local wines at the wineries in the Bangor Wine and Spirits Region. And while you’re there, don’t miss a stop at local favorite, Bangor Bake Shoppe!

HICKMAN FAMILY VINEYARDS

Butte County was once a popular hub for stagecoaches and railways serving mining and sawmilling communities. As these industries waned, resilient pockets of residents persevered, reshaping these small communities with rich histories into present-day playgrounds.

Hickman Family Vineyards

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@MAGICALMOLOSSO

BUTTE COUNTY PHOTO OPS

Berry Creek

EXPLORE BUTTE COUNTY’S GOLD RUSH HERITAGE Just north of Magalia, Stirling City began in 1903 as a milling destination, and the local Stirling City Historical Society Museum offers a look at the town’s logging history. The town is now home to only about 300 people, but its shining star is Clotilde Merlo Park, a must-visit attraction offering 20 acres of forested paths and boardwalks.

Inskip was a gold-rush destination most famously known for its inn. A popular stop for miners traveling through in its heyday, the town now has a rebuilt Inskip Hotel, which is not only on the National Register of Historic Places, but also is rumored to be haunted by an arsonist-hunting ghost. Inskip also gets snowy hills during colder winters, making it a quieter outdoor winter destination.

Berry Creek also has a rich history, with humble beginnings as a gold-mining camp. Today, while Berry Creek is almost more a zip code than a location, its proximity to Plumas National Forest makes it an excellent staging area for trips to nearby Bald Rock or any of the forest’s other natural treasures.

Finally, there’s Cherokee, another of Butte County’s historical highlights. Once home to Native Americans of the Maidu tribe, the town of Cherokee eventually came to house one of the state’s most productive hydraulic mines. But the mine was shortlived, and today, all that remains is a cemetery and the Cherokee Museum.

A ghost town tucked away between Oroville and Cherokee, Oregon City is home to an 1872 schoolhouse that’s been transformed into a museum by the Butte County Historical Society, and the nearby 1983 Oregon City Covered Bridge is a perfect place for a selfie or family photo.

Yankee Hill offers more great opportunities for photo memories. Situated along a gorgeous, rocky stretch of Butte County’s scenic Highway 70, there are plenty of places to stop for a picture or to take in the view. Yankee Hill is also home to Rock House Dining & Espresso, a satisfying eatery loved by locals and visitors alike. With an iconic sign and 18-inchthick walls originally built from local stone in 1937, it’s a perfect place to take a photo and reflect on your adventures.

Though the industries at the foundation of Butte County’s smallest regions are long gone, the communities that remain are home to both rich history and activities that set them apart from their more urban city kin.

Rock House Dining & Espresso

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LIVE LIKE A LOCAL

Chico State

THE BUTTE COUNTY COLLEGE EXPERIENCE With a major California State University and an athletic powerhouse community college, Butte County offers a robust collegiate experience for students, alumni, fans, and visitors alike.

CHICO STATE

One of the country’s last true college towns, Chico has a uniquely intertwined student-life dynamic.

At Chico State—formally known as California State University, Chico—you’ll find one of California’s most beloved universities, which offers a uniqueyet-quintessential college experience. With their proximity to one another, the university and Downtown Chico are closely intertwined, with students an everyday part of life, both on and off campus.

Just because you didn’t attend the university doesn’t mean you can’t still experience Chico

State—and for the record, if you’re visiting Butte County, a tour of the campus is a must. Whether you’re reliving your Wildcat past, or if you never got to experience it, the Chico State experience is a special one. Here’s how you can take it in for yourself—minus the homework and tuition.

DISCOVER CAMPUS When school is in session, students can be found in every corner of the 119-acre (and designated arboretum) campus—and if you’re visiting, you should explore it too! With majestic shade trees, a rose garden, several footbridges crossing Big Chico Creek, and iconic brick Romanesque architecture,

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Chico State Giving Day

EXPLORE DOWNTOWN Off campus, you’ll constantly find yourself around students. During local annual events, like Thursday Night Market, they add an extra energy that only comes from the freedom of youth. Even venturing beyond campus, you’ll mingle with students throughout the ever-popular Bidwell Park and scenic photo-op spots, like Monkey Face, Bear Hole, and Yahi Trail.

On the weekends, the streets of Downtown Chico come to life as students hit the town and frequent some of their favorite restaurants, such as the iconic Madison Bear Garden. There is no eatery more closely associated with Chico State than The Bear, as locals know it, and if you want to eat like a Wildcat, a Bear Burger is a must! Pizza joints Celestino’s and Woodstock’s are also longtime favorites, though there’s no shortage of other delicious eats downtown.

If you’re looking for a drink, Riley’s is the ultimate college bar, while Argus Bar + Patio and Crazy Horse Saloon each offer unique bar experiences. And come Sunday morning, classic brunch spots, such as Mom’s and B Street Public House, are full of those recovering from the night before.

@AUTUMN_AW

a stroll through the campus of the second-oldest school in the California State University system is well worth a trip of its own.

And, of course, Chico State is full of events year-round, many of which are open to the public.

October’s Wildcat Weekend is a great time to tour the campus, enjoy live music, and connect with alumni. If you’re in town with kids on Halloween, a stop on campus for the annual Pumpkin Drop, put on by the Society of Physics Students and the Department of Physics is a can’t-miss event! Kids (of all ages) love watching the pumpkins smash in the middle of Trinity Commons.

The Chico State experience isn’t complete without catching a show. Laxson Auditorium is the university’s premiere performing arts theater, and it has hosted thousands of performances, debates, speeches, graduations, and ceremonies since 1931.

It keeps a busy schedule throughout the year, with visits from world-famous professional artists to acts from theater, music, and dance students. Who knows? Maybe you’ll get to see the Next Big Thing on stage!

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@MORGAN_BILLECI_

LIVE LIKE A LOCAL HEAD OFF CAMPUS Beyond campus and the city center, you’ll discover some hidden gems in outdoor classrooms, which are also great spots for visitors to explore.

A few miles from campus, the 800-acre Paul L. Bryne Agricultural Teaching and Research Center (ATRC), more commonly known as The University Farm, helps Chico State agriculture students put classroom concepts into practice. This “living classroom” features a Meats Lab, where you can purchase fresh-from-the-field meat on Thursdays and Fridays; the Organic Vegetable Project, which features fresh, student-grown produce; and a summer U-pick peach operation, among many other studentled units.

Looking to hit the trails? Head to the Big Chico Creek Ecological Reserve (BCCER), where “education meets the land.” Under the direction of Chico State Enterprises, the BCCER is used by Chico State for research and teaching, and is open to the public daily from dawn to dusk (except for hunt days) for hiking and wildlife observation, while anglers can drop a line into the creek November through April.

Riley’s Bar

BUTTE COLLEGE

Venture south to Oroville’s Butte College for an entirely different collegiate experience. Centrally located between Chico, Oroville, and Paradise, the mostly commuter community college provides a much more hands-on and agricultural curriculum for its students who are training to be the next generation of nurses, law enforcement, EMTs, firefighters, welders, and more.

Its 928-acre campus not only serves as an outside laboratory for agriculture, natural resource, and biology students, but its on-campus wildlife refuge also provides a terrific place to explore and commune with nature. The refuge is home to black-tailed deer, beaver, river otters, coyotes, foxes, ring-tailed cats, possums, raccoons, and more than 150 species of birds.

For the creative types, the campus houses a wonderful collection of public art, including murals by local artists Wyatt Hersey, Dylan Tellesen, and Christian Garcia, and a sculpture garden. The Butte College Art Gallery features regular exhibitions of contemporary and student art, while the Black Box Theater hosts seasonal concert series.

On weekends during the fall, you can enjoy a classic Saturday afternoon football game with the Butte College Roadrunners. With two National Championships under its belt and famous alumni, including current NFL stars Aaron Rodgers, Rigo Sanchez, and Geoff Swaim, every game is full of excitement.

Thursday Night Market in Downtown Chico

Chico State and Butte College provide the perfect opportunity to create new memories while reminiscing about your own college days.

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BUTTE COLLEGE

BEN WHEELER/BUTTE COLLEGE

Butte College Art Gallery

BUTTE COLLEGE

Butte College Roadrunners football

Welding training at Butte College

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LIVE LIKE A LOCAL

MADE IN TAKE HOME A LOCALLY MADE TREASURE By shopping local and supporting brands that call Butte County home, you’ll not only be supporting our communities, but you’ll also be taking home one-of-akind gifts that’ll remind you of your visit. With too many great brands to list, here are just a few of our favorite local makers to check out while you’re in town! Find them at stand-alone stores, various gift shops, or even online if you need more when you return home.

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1. Upper Park Clothing

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2. Road Roaster Coffee 3. Lavender Ranch

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4. Olive & Co. 5. PipeVine Chocolates

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6. Mary Lake Thompson 7. Milk & Honey 1860 8. Poppy + Pine Soap Co. 9. Amy Waltz Designs 10. Paradise Tribute Series 11. All the Bitter

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njoy rich history, recreation, dining & shopping in historic

Downtown Oroville

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Gift Local

@BIDWELLSUPPLYCO

SHOP LOCAL,

8 SPOTS FOR ONLY-FOUND-HERE GOODS Take a piece of Butte County home with you when you shop at locally owned and locally focused gift shops. These are just some of our favorite shops where you can find unique and popular locally made wearables, foods, and gifts perfect for any—and every—occasion.

BIDWELL SUPPLY COMPANY Update your wardrobe with Chico-themed clothing from their own line of apparel and accessories, or discover other locally made jewelry, home goods, and more.

BIRD STREET VENDORS Shop a wide range of unique, only-in-Oroville gifts, plus other well-known Butte County goods. Or enjoy a variety of classes hosted by local makers to learn how to make some of their favorite items yourself!

BUFFY’S GIFT BARN OF PARADISE With a Paradise Ridge-focus, this is the place to find local art, handcrafted items, gourmet foods, and more while you’re exploring the town.

IKODA COLLECTIVE Discover bespoke, mindful wares with a touch of the unexpected at this curated retail collective in Downtown Chico, which features multiple artists and makers.

MADE IN CHICO At this iconic shop, you’ll find all things Chico, from nationally known Chico brands to unique gifts, jewelry, candles, and more from talented local artists.

MAISIE JANE’S GIFT SHOP Fill up on a variety of Maisie Jane’s nuts and nut products, dried fruit, honey, and more from this Chico shop, along with other food items from regional producers.

MARIGOLD MARKETPLACE This intimate space in Durham features a curated offering of fresh produce, meats, grab-and-go foods, flowers, and gifts, including local wines and boutique dog treats.

Made in Chico

@WELCOMETOMARIGOLD

@MADEINCHICO

SOHNREY FAMILY FOODS Create the perfect culinary-themed gift basket with a visit to Sohnrey’s gift shop in Oroville, where you’ll find almonds and almond butters, rice, and prunes, plus even more locally made foods and kitchen wares.

Marigold Marketplace

Bidwell Supply Company

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LIVE LIKE A LOCAL

Feather River Fish Hatchery

JUST

KIDDING

AROUND

FIND FUN FOR ALL AGES IN BUTTE COUNTY Butte County is family-friendly with plenty of fun activities to keep children busy, engaged, and entertained. Check out a few of our recommendations.

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BACK IN TIME ARCADE II

960 Hazel St., Gridley

The family-owned arcade is perfect for a nostalgic night out. Only open on Friday evenings, with free play for $10 per person, the whole family will love the classic arcade games, Skee-Ball, air hockey, and more.

CAPER ACRES

FEATHER RIVER FISH HATCHERY

5 Table Mountain Blvd., Oroville

Kids will love getting up-close and personal with migrating salmon at the viewing windows in the fall, when hundreds of fish are swimming in the Feather River and making their way up the fish ladder to the hatchery. The observation platform is also a great place for spotting jumping fish in the river.

500 S. Park Dr., Chico

A must-stop for families with young children, this fairytale-themed playground includes fun features like a crooked house play structure, cement cheese slide, pirate ship with sea monster, and more. Anyone over the age of 13 must be accompanied by a child under 13.

CHICO CHILDREN’S MUSEUM

FOREBAY AQUATIC CENTER

930 Garden Dr., Oroville

Every day is a fun day at the Forebay Aquatic Center, where you can rent kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, hydrobikes, and more throughout the summer!

You can also get on the water with guided salmon kayaking tours during the fall migration and fullmoon paddles over the summer.

325 Main St., Chico

This enchanting museum aims to inspire early childhood creativity, investigation, and learning through play. Featuring a sensory room and art stations, a two-story treehouse for reading, a spaceship command center, and more, expect to stay a couple of hours, and prepare for eager pleas to stay longer.

CHICO CREEK NATURE CENTER

MANUEL VIERRA PARK

194 Washington St., Gridley

Even though it’s only 13 acres, this park packs in a lot of action. The water tower splash pad is the main attraction during the summer, while the large variety of playground equipment and structures keeps kids playing year-round. You’ll find lots of room here for picnicking, barbecues, and even birthday parties.

PARADISE PLAYDIUM

1968 E. 8th St., Chico

6848 Skyway, Ste. H, Paradise

With a living animal museum, nature playroom, and nature lab, the Chico Creek Nature Center serves as the official information and education center for Bidwell Park. Visitors can also access park maps and directions, join guided walks, and learn about family programs.

Enjoy a safe, fun, and exciting family-friendly entertainment facility in Paradise. Throw axes, hit the arcade, play an epic game of laser tag, or even immerse yourself in 360-degree virtual reality games right on The Ridge.

DURHAM COMMUNITY PARK

50 Montgomery St., Oroville

RIVERBEND PARK

This sprawling park has a playground area, basketball courts, a horseback-riding arena, sports fields, and lots of room for kids to run around underneath shady valley oak trees. Make an afternoon of it by reserving one of the available barbecues.

Just minutes from Downtown Oroville, this beautiful 210-acre park is situated along the Feather River and offers green spaces, paved trails, a boat dock, fishing ponds, and a sandy beach. Kids will also enjoy the play structure area, skipping stones, and splashing in the river.

Forebay Aquatic Center

Back in Time Arcade II

1847 Durham–Dayton Hwy., Durham

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LIVE LIKE A LOCAL

FREE & BUDGET-FRIENDLY FUN IN BUTTE COUNTY Butte County boasts a wealth of attractions and activities that won’t break the bank. Give your wallet a breather and make an itinerary with some of our favorite free or low-cost activities—and find even more throughout the rest of the Adventure Guide!

@DWITT2945

SOAK UP OROVILLE’S NATURE & CULTURE Oroville is packed with low-to-no-cost things to do, from natural wonders to an abundance of local culture.

LAKE OROVILLE VISITOR CENTER Overlooking both Lake Oroville and the dam, here you can explore interpretive displays, enjoy audiovideo presentations, and ascend the 47-foot viewing tower for panoramic vistas through high-powered telescopes, all for free.

WINE TASTING

Highway 70 scenery

TAKE A DRIVE ALONG SCENIC HIGHWAY 70 Hit the open road and experience breathtaking landscapes all along Highway 70, where you’ll be treated to scenic views showcasing expansive fields, rolling hills, and the Sierra Nevada foothills. It’s a perfect escape for nature lovers and photography enthusiasts alike, for only the cost of gas.

Oroville welcomes wine enthusiasts with its numerous wineries, which offer affordable tasting, proving that a delightful wine experience doesn’t have to be expensive.

OROVILLE STATE THEATRE This cultural landmark offers a glimpse into the 1920s with its restored interior, vintage marquee, and authentic Wurlitzer pipe organ. Enjoy $5 showings of classic and contemporary movies and reasonable ticket prices for special events.

Lake Oroville Visitor Center

HISTORY IN GRIDLEY Begin your adventure in Gridley by immersing yourself in the region’s history at the Gridley Museum. This free local gem offers a glimpse into Gridley’s rich past through exhibits, artifacts, and even the offices of dentists, doctors, and attorneys preserved just as they were nearly a hundred years ago.

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PARADISE: NATURE’S BEAUTY & LOCAL HERITAGE Conclude your budget-friendly journey in Paradise, where the wonders of nature and unique local heritage take center stage.

BILLE PARK Enjoy this serene natural space—perfect for picnics, leisurely walks, and reconnecting with nature. Bille Park features expansive views of Butte Creek Canyon but won’t cost you a cent to visit.

PARADISE LAKE Immerse yourself in the beauty of Paradise Lake, where outdoor enthusiasts can fish, hike, and appreciate the scenic surroundings. All it costs is a $3 parking fee.

GOLD NUGGET MUSEUM

Chico Air Museum

ENJOY CHICO’S UNIQUE

Delve into local history with rotating mini-exhibits that offer insights into the region’s past. Admission is free, though donations support ongoing preservation efforts.

CULTURAL HERITAGE

From historical treasures to pristine countryside, Butte County’s rich assortment of activities provides something for everyone.

So pack your sense of adventure and come discover what makes Butte County the perfect travel destination—no matter your budget.

Chico boasts a mix of history and quirky fun for budget-conscious explorers.

Aviation enthusiasts will love this collection of aircraft and exhibits that showcases the region’s aviation history. Kids will have plenty to enjoy, with a host of decommissioned planes—some of which they can even climb inside—while everyone else will love the free admission.

BIDWELL MANSION & VISITOR CENTER Dive into Chico’s history with a visit to Bidwell Mansion State Historic Park. Stroll the grounds, take pictures in front of the iconic Victorian-era mansion, and learn about Chico’s earliest gold rush settlers and its founder, John Bidwell, and his wife, Annie—all for free. Or take an official (and inexpensive) tour of Bidwell Mansion itself.

@SEVANNAH.KENOYER

CHICO AIR MUSEUM

NATIONAL YO-YO MUSEUM Inside Bird in Hand, one of Chico’s favorite gift shops, the free-to-visit National Yo-Yo Museum features the world’s largest public display of yo-yos, memorabilia, and competition awards. It’s also home to Big-Yo, the 1982 Guinness Book of Records holder for “World’s Biggest Working Wooden Yo-Yo” at 256 pounds, so make sure to snap a photo with it before you leave!

Bille Park

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LOCALLY GROWN

LOCALLY GROWN

In a state already famous for its agriculture, Butte County is one of California’s foremost producers—and has been for nearly two centuries. With a rich history of inventive farmers and techniques, the tradition of quality and innovation continues today, with farms both large and small helping visitors taste and experience Butte County’s locally grown legacy.

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Almond grove in bloom

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LOCALLY GROWN SOHNREY FAMILY FOODS

THE BOUNTY OF BUTTE COUNTY

DISCOVER THE FRUITS OF THIS FERTILE LAND

Led by innovative farmers with a deep respect for the land, Butte County has been an agricultural leader in California since 1850, producing some of the state’s best olive oils, fruit, rice, nuts, beef, and more.

ALMONDS, WALNUTS & OTHER NUTS Chico’s founder, John Bidwell, is known as “a founding father of modern California agriculture.”

Among his many agricultural accomplishments, he pioneered the growth of the almond and walnut industry, and almonds and other tree nuts continue to flourish in Butte County to this day.

For five generations, Sohnrey Family Foods in Oroville has been growing and producing almonds, rice, and prunes, and selling high-quality consumer products while focusing on land stewardship. They generate renewable energy for their farm and food manufacturing facility and use drones and sensors to reduce their water usage, among other conservation efforts.

Another favorite nut producer, Maisie Jane’s California Sunshine Products, was started by Maisie Jane, a third-generation almond-farmer’s daughter. She began roasting nuts in the family kitchen at age 17 and grew the company from a college project into a sustainable business.

For a seasonal treat, head to Harrison’s California Chestnuts in Gridley to buy directly from the orchard during the fall harvest.

Butte County almonds

OLIVE OIL Abundant olive oil production in Oroville is thanks to another 19th-century agriculture pioneer. Oroville farmer Freda Ehmann launched California’s olive industry in 1898 by perfecting a process to preserve the fruit for shipment. Today, local olive oil producers—including award-winning Lodestar Farms, Butte View Olive Oil, and TLC Olive Oil—build on Ehmann’s legacy. Fertile volcanic soil combined with a Mediterranean climate makes Oroville an ideal location for Mission olives, with 75% of their production in the country located in the Oroville area.

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MANDARINS In Oroville, you’ll also find the Mother Orange Tree, the oldest living orange tree in Northern California, planted in 1856. Its successful planting set off a rush to plant more orange trees in the second half of the 19th century. Today, the local industry that remains is small but persistent, with local satsuma mandarin growers, such as Mt. Ida Mandarin Ranch, Tri-L Mandarin Ranch, and Doering’s Mandarins, selling seasonal produce from their farms and farmers markets every winter.

RICE With warm weather and just-the-right soil, Butte County is a fertile area for growing rice, with Richvale particularly suited for growing the crop. Of the more than 400 rice growers in the county, Richvale-based Lundberg Family Farms is the most well known.

Founded in 1937 with sustainability and stewardship at its core, the rice-growing family continues to build on this legacy with innovative work in organic farming, use of renewable energy, and a TRUE Zero Waste certification.

Doering’s Mandarins

BEEF With acres of wide-open lands, Butte County is home to a variety of locally owned beef ranches, including Bradley Grass Fed Beef, which raises grass-fed and grass-finished beef, and Bamford Cattle, which raises cattle on pastures by Table Mountain and then finishes with olive oil.

CELEBRATE LUNDBERG FAMILY FARMS

THE FARM

FARM CITY CELEBRATION Farm City Celebration brings together urban and agricultural communities to forge a bond through educational events, including the annual Harvest Festival.

NORTH SIERRA WINE TRAIL Every April, taste the best wines from artisan producers across Butte County and the north Yuba foothills in a two-day wine-tasting event.

CALIFORNIA NUT FESTIVAL For nearly two centuries, Butte County has been an agricultural leader in California, with innovative ideas and farmers who have a deep respect for the land. We can’t wait to see what the next century brings.

The annual culinary festival showcases gourmet food offerings, drink samples, and nut-focused cooking demos with plenty of live entertainment for all-day fun.

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LOCALLY GROWN

PICKING

Paradise U-PICK FARMS IN BUTTE COUNTY There’s nothing quite like the joy of hand-selecting fresh produce straight from the fields, and Butte County’s U-pick farms offer the perfect opportunity to connect with nature, support local agriculture, and indulge in the flavors of the season.

Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, a food lover, or simply seeking a fun outdoor activity for the family, Butte County’s U-pick farms have something for everyone!

Chico State University Farm

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CHICO STATE UNIVERSITY FARM U-pick: Peaches The Chico State University Farm is a unique U-pick experience that blends learning with agriculture.

Usually just a living classroom for agricultural students, for a few short days in August, the University Farm becomes a U-pick peach paradise open to the public!

Open: Early August, as the peaches ripen.

Get updates from the University Farm’s Peach Hotline at (530) 898-4989.

FIG & SCOUT FARMS U-pick: Flowers If you’re a fan of stunning floral displays, Fig & Scout Farms is a must-visit U-pick farm in Chico. Wander through rows of vibrant flowers, handpick your favorites, and create your own dazzling bouquet on the half-acre, mother-daughter-owned farm.

Fig & Scout

Open: Seasonally in the summer by appointment.

JOHNSON U-PICK FARM

SIERRA CASCADE BLUEBERRY FARM

U-pick: Berries, tomatoes, peppers, plums, grapes, peaches, nectarines, apples, apricots, kiwifruit, almonds

U-pick: Organic blueberries

For a diverse selection of seasonal fruits and vegetables, Johnson U-Pick Farm in Gridley is a hidden gem. Explore the farm’s sprawling fields, where you’ll find an abundant array of produce, including luscious berries, juicy peaches, perfectly ripe tomatoes, and much more. Find seasonal availability and prices on their website.

Open: Late May through October, Wednesdays and Saturdays from 8am to 3pm.

L&T FARMS U-pick: Cherries, peaches, nectarines At the first-generation L&T Farms in Chico, you can pick several delicious varieties of cherries, peaches, and nectarines. Visit once for your favorite, or return throughout the summer to taste the difference between the varieties as they ripen to perfection.

Open: Mid-May or early June through end of July or early August (depending on weather) on weekends.

NOBLE ORCHARDS U-pick: Apples This fall, bring your friends and family, gather your baskets, and get ready to handpick the freshest, most delicious apples straight from the tree at Noble Orchards, a Paradise favorite since 1921. Bite into a variety of apples as they ripen throughout the fall.

As summer rolls in, the Sierra Cascade Blueberry Farm in Forest Ranch beckons with its juicy, premium, organic blueberries ripe for picking. Fill your baskets with a true taste of summer as you stroll among the lush blueberry bushes at this familyowned and -operated farm.

Open: Starting late May or early June (can be later depending on the weather), until picked out.

STAGECOACH LANE RANCH U-pick: Cherries Tucked away in the serene foothills of Oroville, Stagecoach Lane Ranch offers a truly peaceful U-pick experience. Enjoy a wagon ride to the top of the orchard and pick your fill of sweet, juicy Bing cherries, then make your way to the pavilion for a delicious picnic.

Open: Late May or early June, depending on the weather. Open 9am-4pm daily, until picked out (generally two weeks from opening).

GET SOCIAL For all locations, check out the businesses’ Facebook or Instagram pages for announcements about the current season, which is always affected by rain and other weather.

Open: Generally early August through October.

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Happiness LOCALLY GROWN

HARVEST

VISIT THESE FAMILY-FRIENDLY PUMPKIN PATCHES

Enjoy the magic of autumn in Butte County with a family-friendly outing to one of its charming pumpkin patches. From hayrides to corn mazes, these family-run pumpkin patches provide wholesome entertainment, ensuring a day filled with seasonal festivities for the entire family.

TJ Farms Estates

BOOK FAMILY FARM

ODYSSEY WINERY & VINEYARDS

Durham Visitors can enjoy pumpkin picking along with authentic farm experiences, such as feeding chickens, gathering eggs, and milking cows, as well as participate in other fun activities like a hay maze.

Chico Select the perfect pre-cut pumpkin from the scenic pumpkin patch, then sip a glass of wine in the tasting room just steps away. There are adults-only spaces as well as kid-friendly spots, so you can enjoy the space whether you came with friends or little ones.

L&T FARMS Chico Get ready for a U-pick pumpkin adventure! With hay rides, autumn-themed games, and a farm store to bring home the season with you, there’s plenty of fun to be had for everyone in the family.

MAX’S MIRACLE RANCH Biggs Explore fall charm here, complete with a pumpkin patch, alpacas to feed, a bouncy house, and even a kid-sized train to ride around the property. This is a unique fall spot that young kids will love.

PATRICK RANCH MUSEUM Durham During its annual AutumnFest, Patrick Ranch opens its door for a pumpkin patch, hayrides, pony-cart rides, children’s activities, Glenwood Farm House Tours, and more.

TJ FARMS ESTATES Chico Choose from more than a dozen varieties of pumpkins—either by cutting them straight from the vine or selecting available pre-cut ones. Kids can also enjoy wagon rides, hay bales to play on, farm animals to feed, and more!

TAKE NOTE

Book Family Farm

Make sure to check each location’s website or social channels for announcements about the current season’s dates and hours.

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FRESH PICKED

THE ESSENTIAL GUIDE TO THE CHICO CERTIFIED FARMERS MARKET

Butte County has a deep agricultural history, and there’s no place better to appreciate it than at the Chico Certified Farmers Market (CCFM). Here you’ll find the freshest and most in-season, locally grown fruit and vegetables, as well as nuts, honey, olive oil, rice, meats, eggs, flowers, and fresh-baked artisan breads, plus a variety of local vendors.

SATURDAY MARKET

Chico Certified Farmers Market

7:30am–1pm at E. 2nd and Wall streets, open year-round

The Chico Saturday Farmers Market is the place to

@WILDINKPRESS

see and be seen. When the weather is nice, it can feel like the whole city of Chico is at the market picking up in-season favorites, savoring local coffee, or just strolling around and running into friends.

Here, you can also savor prepared foods and drinks from favorite Chico vendors, such as Chico Chai, Beber Almond Milk, Live Life Juice Co., Guzzetti’s Indian Food, and more. Local artisans and performers complete the experience.

With its location right next to Downtown Chico, the Saturday Market is the perfect beginning to any Chico weekend adventure.

WEDNESDAY MARKET

Chico Certified Farmers

For a more mellow market experience, the Wednesday farmers market is the place for you. Smaller than its Saturday counterpart, you’ll nevertheless find a robust selection of fresh produce and other locally grown goods as well as local vendors.

SUNDAY MARKET

June–October at Farmers Brewing Restaurant and Taproom Parking Lot

At the seasonal Sunday market in Meriam Park, you’ll enjoy the same fresh produce and locally grown goods that are found at the Saturday and Wednesday markets. Make sure to check for current hours.

@CHICO FARMERSMARKET

7:30am–1pm at North Valley Plaza Mall Parking Lot, open year-round

SPREAD THE LOVE

CCFM also hosts a holiday craft fair in November and December at the Wednesday market, perfect for unique gifts for every member of the family.

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FOOD & DRINK Charcuterie board from Nic’s

FOOD & DRINK

When you visit Butte County, you’ll discover a little-known culinary destination, which serves up food and drink that reflect the unique flavors of the region.

Taste for yourself the robust and varied culinary scene that Butte County has to offer. From upscale dining to greasy spoons, pubs to breakfast joints, farmto-fork fare to international inspiration, you’ll leave the area with a full belly and a list of places to try when you return.

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DINE IN

Provisions in Oroville

BUTTE COUNTY California’s food destinations often distinguish themselves not only through local agriculture, but also culinary creativity, and nowhere exemplifies these virtues better than Butte County. With farmto-fork freshness, a wealth of cuisines to choose from, and unique offerings that often fly under the radar, Butte County is one of the most exciting food destinations in the North State.

There’s no better way to get to know a place than a tour of its food and culture. And while there are so many options it’s often hard to know where to start, there’s no place in the county where you’ll be far away from your next great meal.

Drunken Dumpling

CHICO Chico’s agriculturally minded community and college-town energy make for some of California’s best eating. With the city’s close proximity to farmland and an abundance of students attending Chico State to learn about agriculture, you’re sure to find some new favorite restaurants within the city limits. Restaurants with a farm-to-fork methodology include Grana, for wood-fired and seasonal food; Drunken Dumpling, a self-proclaimed slow-food restaurant specializing in handmade, locally sourced Asian bao and dumplings; and the all-organic Farm Star Pizza, with its wide variety of elevated pizza options.

OROVILLE Already known for long-time local favorites like Tong Fong Low, an authentic Chinese restaurant first opened in 1912, Oroville’s ongoing entrepreneurial revival means there are exciting new restaurants joining already-established venues, making the city an unexpectedly exciting stop on any foodie’s journey. Downtown Oroville is home to Provisions, a full-service restaurant and bar with a gorgeous patio for outdoor dining, and Union, which provides sumptuous New American feasts and regular live entertainment on its expansive patio above the foundations of the city’s historic Union Hotel.

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FOOD & DRINK

PARADISE For food with a local flair, Paradise is a perfect stop.

Nestled in the picturesque countryside of the Sierra Nevada foothills, there are options as varied as Authentic Thai Cuisine of Paradise (which lives up to its name), the sweet and savory deliciousness of Lynn’s Coffee & Crepes, or the simple-yet-elevated deli-style menu at Nic’s, which is also a hub of local meetups and activity. And for a one-of-a-kind Paradise experience, head to Meehos Mexican Restaurant for a spatchcock chicken grilled right in front of the restaurant!

GRIDLEY & BIGGS If you’re really looking for something special to try, Gridley’s Casa Lupe is a Butte County standout you won’t want to miss. The restaurant features exceptional Mexican cuisine that celebrates the state’s cultural heritage in all of its flavors. Not to be left out, Biggs features Pizza Roundup, with a huge menu of classic Americana flavors, including specialty pies, burgers, and sandwiches.

UNIQUE LOCAL FLAVORS For those looking for a good brew or glass of wine, there are many great eateries that provide local libations, from Chico’s Sierra Nevada Taproom & Restaurant, which grows much of its own food onsite, to Durham’s Almendra Winery & Distillery, where you can enjoy an elevated dining experience at its onsite steakhouse along with wine and spirits tastings.

If coffee is more your speed, there are also topclass cafés with remarkable food offerings, such as Stoble Coffee, Bellachino’s Cafe, and Daycamp Coffee in Chico, as well as Mug Shots Coffee House in Oroville.

And if you’re looking to take advantage of the beautiful California weather, Butte County has plenty of outdoor dining and dog-friendly establishments to enjoy year-round.

Farmers Brewing Restaurant and Taproom

The Rawbar Restaurant & Sushi

Stoble Coffee

No matter where you go in Butte County, you’ll find fantastic food and drink to please any palate. If you’re looking for an underrated food destination full of surprises, make sure Butte County is your next stop.

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DINERS, DRIVE-INS & DIVES ™ IN CHICO TASTE FIRSTHAND WHAT THE BUZZ IS ABOUT

@THERAWBAR_CHICO

@GRANACHICO

With a visit from Guy Fieri and Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives™, everyone now knows what the locals have long known—that Chico features some of the best food in the whole North State.

THE RAWBAR RESTAURANT & SUSHI

Showcases local farm-to-fork dishes and an Italian wood-fired oven.

Featured Dishes: Braised pork shoulder ragu with housemade pasta; wine-braised chicken leg with white cheddar polenta Guy’s Verdict: “Great ingredients done right. That should be the tagline—this is as good as it comes.”

A popular Asian-fusion sushi bar that serves rolls, bowls, and small dishes.

Featured Dishes: Tom katai featuring shellfish and Thai-chili coconut milk broth; pork belly bibimbap with a crispy rice cake and fried egg.

Guy’s Verdict: “I wanted that to be great. It’s not great—it’s phenomenal!”

UPPER CRUST BAKERY & CAFE

SIN OF CORTEZ

@UPPERCRUSTCHICO

GRANA

An all-American breakfast house that serves homemade classic diner dishes.

Featured Dishes: Cortez French toast with freshly baked cinnamon bread; Dragon Potatoes with slow-roasted carnitas and crispy rosemary potatoes.

Guy’s Verdict: “I don’t know that I’ve found many places in the travels of DDD quite like this.”

MOMONA Serves West Coast-style noodles and bao with Japanese, Hawaiian, and Taiwanese influences.

Featured Dishes: Mochiko fried chicken bao with a spicy aioli; Chico ramen with shoyu chicken and wavy ramen noodles.

Guy’s Verdict: “If I was recruiting people to come to [Chico State], I would invite them to have this—it’s delicious.”

@BANSHEECHICO

@MOMONACHICO

A bakery/cafe/restaurant that makes everything from scratch.

Featured Dishes: Black bean chili with a cheesy jalapeño corn muffin; Korean braised pork salad with crispy shallots Guy’s Verdict: “That’s like lights-out good.”

THE BANSHEE Offers an international-inspired menu alongside traditional pub favorites.

Featured Dishes: Pho French dip sandwich with brisket and pho au ju; bánh mì tacos with pulled pork and adobo sauce.

Guy’s Verdict: “Boom, boom, boom, boom, boom—delicious. Pho-get about it.”

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FOOD & DRINK

Vegan Eats CHECK OUT THESE EATERIES WHERE THE FOOD IS GOOD & GOOD FOR YOU For plant-based eaters looking for adventure, fun, and a great dining experience, Butte County has you covered. These are just a handful of delicious vegan and vegan-friendly restaurants available in Chico—find even more across the county on our non-exhaustive, but reasonably complete, reference guide to vegan- and vegetarian-friendly Butte County restaurants by scanning the QR code on this page.

AONAMI SUSTAINABLE SUSHI

Aonami specializes in traditional sushi made with sustainable fish, but also has a dedicated menu of vegan sushi, and regularly rotates in vegan specials, such as the frequently sold-out vegan ramen.

SOFI’Z KITCHEN & BAR

The only restaurant in Chico specializing in authentic Pakistani cuisine also features a variety of delicious vegan and vegetarian dishes. And since owner Sophiya makes everything fresh daily herself (and is often the one serving it, too!), she’s always around to answer any questions you have.

TENDER LOVING COFFEE

Tender Loving Coffee is the go-to coffee shop for vegans. All drinks come standard with oat milk, and their menu of open sandwiches, breakfast fare, and pastries is entirely vegan.

LIVE LIFE JUICE CO.

Live Life Juice Co. serves a huge array of fresh juices as well as vegan pies, vegan soft-serve, and a spread of sweet and savory to-go food options, all of which are high-quality and delicious.

Tender Loving Coffee

PIZZA RIOT

Pizza Riot is a Chico favorite—and 100% vegan. Find their packaged offerings at the Chico Natural Foods Cooperative and S&S Organic Produce and Natural Foods, and keep an eye for announcements about pop-up events on their Facebook page.

GOGI’S CAFE

If you’re looking for delicious Indian cuisine with a vegan touch, Gogi’s is a perfect choice. After their son went vegan, the proprietors made sure to include a robust number of vegan options—including their vegan naan and vegan lassi—to the menu.

Sofi’z Kitchen & Bar

Scan for more details on these and other vegetarianfriendly restaurants in Butte County.

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@LAFLOR_ICECREAMPARLOR

BUTTE COUNTY’S SWEET SPOTS

Satisfy your sweet tooth at one of Butte County’s delectable dessert destinations.

THE COOKIE SHOPPE

Featuring dozens of daily (and almost daily) flavors, seasonal specials, and vegan and gluten-free options, The Cookie Shoppe is a local pick for affordable gourmet cookies.

La Flor de Michoacán

JON & BON’S YOGURT SHOPPE

A Chico staple for four decades, Jon & Bon’s now features three locations so you can enjoy their slate of unique, regularly rotating flavors no matter where you are in town.

@GWYNANDAMI

DONUT NOOK

With 24-hour service multiple days a week and arguably the best doughnuts in Butte County, this is a long-time Chico favorite for breakfast—or anytime.

JOY LYN’S CANDIES

Since 1969, Joy Lyn’s has been making some of the best chocolate in the North State! Whether you’re getting some to share or just treating yourself, this candy shop is a must-visit when in Paradise.

LA FLOR DE MICHOACÁN

With classic and Mexican-inspired flavors, dairy-free options, over-the-top sweet and savory snacks, and five locations in Chico and Oroville, La Flor De Michoacán always has you covered for ice cream, paletas, and more.

SAVOR ICE CREAM

Chico’s only artisanal ice cream shop, Savor is 100% gluten-free and mostly organic, with seasonally rotating flavors of both vegan and dairy small-batch ice creams made from scratch.

Joy Lyn’s Candies

A Chico classic since 1938, Shubert’s still makes ice cream using the shop’s original machines. Enjoy a scoop, or try one of their handmade candies featuring local ingredients.

SWEET CHICO CONFECTIONS & GELATO

Sweet Chico is a Willy Wonka-esque delight! Explore this old-fashioned candy shop for modern sweets, classic brands, and hard-to-find favorites as well as decadent, handcrafted gelato.

@WHITEDOVE.DERLY

SHUBERT ’S ICE CREAM & CANDY

UNICONE

Featuring hand-scooped ice cream, a cold magic slab for crafting custom flavors, homemade baked treats, and a fun unicorn theme, Unicone is a classic-yet-contemporary ice cream shop.

Donut Nook

Unicone

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SIP & SAVOR FOOD & DRINK

BUTTE COUNTY WINES

With more than a dozen wineries across Butte County, there is no shortage of places to unwind with a glass or procure a favorite vintage for a special (or any!) occasion.

The Durham Wine District has been delighting wine enthusiasts since 2018 with four wineries within six miles of each other. The tasting rooms and wines are distinctly different, so visitors can engage in a wide variety of samples and experiences. From a full-service restaurant to organic wines, perfect sips and tastes await at Almendra Winery & Distillery, Nascere Vineyards, Dog Creek Cellars, and Gale Vineyards.

In the southern part of the county, the Bangor Wine and Spirits Regions boasts three wineries and a distillery within 10 miles of each other, making it a great daytrip destination. Bangor Ranch Vineyard & Winery, Hickman Family Vineyards, and Spencer-Shirey Wines pour vintages made from regional Sierra Foothill grapes.

In nearby Oroville, you’ll find Grey Fox Vineyards and Long Creek Winery and Ranch in the foothills, with both featuring views of their vineyards from the tasting rooms. Closer to downtown, Live Vine Vineyard & Winery is a family-run micro-winery overlooking the

@ODYSSEYWINERY

ROB CRENSON

A TOAST TO THE REGION’S ROBUST FLAVORS

Odyssey Winery & Vineyards

Thermalito Afterbay, which also offers ciders and meads to accompany wine tastings.

And in Chico, a trio of wineries offers distinct tasting experiences in different parts of the city.

LaRocca Vineyards Tasting Room in Downtown Chico is perfect for a stop during your city explorations, while Odyssey Winery & Vineyards in northeast Chico features beautiful grounds, a relaxing atmosphere, and design-your-own flights and grazing boards. And at the by-appointmentonly Roney Wines, enjoy your tasting experience in their unique wine cave.

Whether exploring a wine district or stand-alone tasting room, oenophiles will find high-quality Northern California wines paired with reasonable tasting fees, relaxed and inviting tasting rooms, and easy access to the winemakers.

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RAISE A

GLASS

DISCOVER CHICO’S CRAFT BREWERIES

Farmers Brewing Restaurant and Taproom Secret Trail Brewing Co.

@C333J

Since the 1980s, Chico has been a destination for craft-beer enthusiasts looking to taste new and interesting brews fresh from the source, so get ready to discover all the Northern California craft beer Butte County has to offer.

The craft brewery that put Butte County on the international beer map, Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. is an always-popular attraction. With tours, a full-service restaurant, live performances, and fun events throughout the year, you could spend a full day (or more) at Sierra Nevada.

With stouts and porters to English-style and Scottish ales, British Bulldog Brewery is as close to a classic neighborhood pub as you can get without a plane ticket. Enjoy a pint or two at The Allies Pub in Downtown Chico, paired with a British-inspired meal.

Pizza and beer lovers should check out Mulberry Station Brewing Company. Located at the site of the historic Chico Electric Railway, Mulberry Station serves up wood-fired pizza along with handcrafted beers that range from light lagers to dark stouts.

The family-owned Nor Cal Brewing Company serves small-batch craft beer from their taproom in the heart of the Brewery District. The neighboring Secret Trail Brewing Co. invites you to “live and drink off the beaten path.” Of course, a pint tastes just that much better when savored on their outdoor patio with live music and food from one of the everpresent, rotating food trucks on-site.

Back near downtown, Ramble West Brewing’s taproom also features regular food trucks along with TVs perfect for catching the big game.

And in Oroville, the city’s only brewery, Feather Falls Brewing Company, goes all out with a slate of award-winning craft beers, a restaurant, and a fullfledged casino.

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FOOD & DRINK

POUR DECISIONS ENJOY SPIRITED EXPLORATIONS OF THE AREA’S TAPROOMS, BARS & DISTILLERIES

Strong Water

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TRAVELING THE ROAD LESS SIPPED Roselle Bar & Lounge

Whether you’re a gourmet seeking a new drink to go with your favorite meal, or simply a social drinker looking for a spot to hang with friends, Butte County’s drinking scene has you covered!

Beer enthusiasts wanting to sample a wide variety of local brews should check out the area’s taprooms.

The Chico Taproom features 40 taps of craft beer from Northern California and the West Coast, while The Commons Social Empourium in Chico offers 28 rotating taps of pour-your-own beers. Both are dog-friendly, so enjoy a glass with your best bud by your side. And don’t worry, oenophiles, Oroville has you covered! VillaVino serves California (and beyond) wines plus a selection of beer and locally sourced antipasto plates, perfect for a break during your Downtown Oroville explorations.

Creative cocktails can be found at dozens of Butte County bars and restaurants. In Oroville, Nori Downtown and Provisions both feature beautiful bars, perfect for enjoying a spirited drink, in addition to their full-service restaurant. In Chico, The Winchester Goose is a favorite, with a solid craft-beer selection, delicious house cocktails and mocktails, and elevated pub fare that one reviewer called “aggressively good.”

Those living the zero-proof life will find plenty of options across the county. Crush, a popular Italian restaurant in Chico, is known for its bar offerings, including delicious mocktails. In Chico’s Meriam Park, Roselle Bar & Lounge features a swanky bar and drink menu, which includes two signature alcohol-free drinks made with All the Bitter, a Chico nonalcoholic bitters maker. And in North Chico, the speakeasyesque Strong Water is happy to mix up custom mocktails in addition to their menu of seasonally changing specialty cocktails.

If you like your drinks neat, then a visit to a distillery is a must. Chico’s Golden Beaver Distillery serves

BAMBI INN When you’re exploring Butte Meadows, this is the place for a drink. The mountain hangout spot features a restaurant, full bar, and a famous Bloody Mary recipe.

GOLD FLAKE SALOON & CAFE This local country cafe and watering hole is the perfect stop on your way back from Feather Falls.

Come for the drinks; stay for the excellent food and friendly vibes.

ROCK HOUSE DINING & ESPRESSO Road tripping along Highway 70? Stop in Yankee Hill for beer, wine, or a “rocktail.” Pair with a meal and enjoy among the unique rock walls or on the expansive patio.

award-winning rice-based liquors from both the main distillery and their Park Avenue Still House. Paradise’s Burnt Barn Distilling Co. specializes in handcrafted bourbon as well as rye whiskey, rum, vodka, gin, special liqueurs, and bitters. And if you find yourself in our wine regions, you’ll also find a “field-to-flask” experience at Cobble Ridge Distillery in the Bangor Wine & Spirits Region and the popular line of Monkey Face spirits at Almendra Winery & Distillery in Durham.

Of course, one of the best ways to imbibe is alfresco, and you’ll find no shortage of options (including most already listed here!). In Oroville, no other patio experience is as popular as the one at Union, which is expansive and in the heart of downtown. In North Chico, the Lost Dutchman Taproom and Wine Time both have such inviting patios that you’ll never want to leave. In Downtown Chico, the ivy-covered brick walls at The Allies Pub will make you feel like you’ve been transported across the pond, while the patio at Tres Hombres Restaurant & Bar is the best way to enjoy one of its best-in-thecounty margaritas.

Whether you’re a beer enthusiast, wine lover, cocktail connoisseur, or an alcohol-free imbiber, you’ll be able to say “Cheers!” anywhere in Butte County.

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LODGING Fitness Room

Swimming Pool

Meeting Facility

Breakfast

Pet Friendly

TYPE

HOTEL KEY

CHICO

Americas Best Value Inn Chico 740 Broadway St. (530) 343-3286

Hotel

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Best Western Heritage Inn Chico 25 Heritage Ln. (530) 894-8600

Hotel

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•

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Courtyard by Marriott 2481 Carmichael Dr. (530) 894-6699

Hotel

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DoubleTree by Hilton Chico 685 Manzanita Ct. (530) 345-2491

Hotel

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Goodman House Historic Inn 1362 Esplanade (530) 566-0256

B&B

Hampton Inn & Suites Chico 1651 Springfield Dr. (530) 235-3505

Hotel

Haven Inn of Chico 2212 Park Ave. (530) 342-5704

Motel

Heritage Inn Express 725 Broadway St. (530) 343-4527

Hotel

•

Holiday Inn Express & Suites, Chico 2074 E. 20th St. (530) 891-0100

Hotel

•

Hotel Diamond 20 W. 4th St. (530) 893-3100

Hotel

•

Hotel James 10 Lost Dutchman Dr. (530) 894-5743

Hotel

•

Hotel Katerina 1930 Baney Ln. (530) 571-9060

Hotel

Motel 6 Chico 665 Manzanita Ct. (530) 345-5500

Motel

Odelia Suites 1905 Notre Dame Blvd.

(530) 213-5150

Hotel

•

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Fitness Room

Swimming Pool

Meeting Facility

Breakfast

Pet Friendly

TYPE

PLANNING YOUR STAY

HOTEL KEY

Oxford Suites 2035 Business Ln. (530) 899-9090

Hotel

•

•

Quality Inn Near Chico State 715 Main St. (530) 343-7911

Motel

•

•

Regency Inn 2566 Esplanade (530) 898-0134

Motel

Residence Inn by Marriott 2485 Carmichael Dr. (530) 894-5500

Hotel

•

•

Rodeway Inn 1717 Park Ave. (530) 342-9472

Motel

Safari Inn Motel 2352 Esplanade (530) 343-3201

Motel

Super 8 Chico 655 Manzanita Ct. (530) 345-2533

Motel

•

Town House Motel 2231 Esplanade (530) 343-1621

Motel

•

•

University Inn Chico 630 Main St. (530) 895-1323

Motel

•

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Gridley Inn & RV Park 1490 Hwy. 99 (530) 846-4520

Motel & RV Park

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Pacific Motel 1308 Hwy. 99 (530) 797-9298

Motel

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GRIDLEY

OROVILLE

Americas Best Value Inn & Suites Oroville 580 Oro Dam Blvd. E. (530) 533-7070

Motel

Dahl’s Motel 2010 Feather River Blvd.

(530) 534-7392

Motel

•

Days Inn Oroville 1745 Feather River Blvd.

(530) 533-3297

Motel

•

Hampton Inn & Suites Oroville 2355 Feather River Blvd.

(530) 448-8060

Hotel

•

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Holiday Inn Express & Suites Lake Oroville 550 Oro Dam Blvd. E. (530) 534-5566

Hotel

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Motel 6 Oroville 505 Montgomery St. (530) 532-9400

Motel

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Fitness Room

Swimming Pool

Meeting Facility

Breakfast

Pet Friendly

TYPE

HOTEL KEY

Riffles RV Resort & Campground 4488 Pacific Heights Rd. (530) 534-9956

RV Park

Sunset Inn 1835 Feather Ave. (530) 533-8201

Motel

•

Super 8 Oroville 1470 Feather River Blvd.

(530) 533-9673

Motel

•

Villa Court Inn 1527 Feather River Blvd.

(530) 533-3930

Motel

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PARADISE

Best Western Paradise Hotel 5475 Clark Rd. (530) 762-6051

Hotel

Paradise Pines RV Park and Campground 14360 Skyway (530) 413-8078

RV Park

Ponderosa Gardens Motel 7010 Skyway (530) 872-9094

Motel

Hotel Diamond

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Oroville

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PLANNING YOUR VISIT STAY Paradise Chocolate Fest

EVENT-FULL BUTTE COUNTY MARK YOUR CALENDAR FOR THESE ANNUAL HAPPENINGS

Fe.

Snow Goose Festival of the Pacific Flyway

Butte County Museum Weekend

Chico Kite Day California Nut Festival Chico Velo Wildflower Century Thursday Night Market begins Wildflower & Nature Festival

Feather Fiesta Days Friday Night Concerts begin Paradise Chocolate Fest Red Suspenders Day Street Faire & Parade Sierra Nevada Beer Camp Silver Dollar Fair

Apr.

May

Mar.

GUNNAR LOVELAND

Jan.

Be sure to confirm event dates, times, and locations before traveling, as some details may change. Visit ExploreButteCounty.com/Events for the most up-to-date information.

For a full calendar of events, visit Butte365.com.

Chico Stage Race

June

EMMA MILLER PHOTOGRAPHY

Butte County is full of fun events throughout the year, so you’ll always find something to do during your visit. There’s too many to list on two pages, so below are just a few of our favorite annual events to help inspire your trip planning.

49er Faire at Centerville Schoolhouse Chico Pride Paradise Party in the Park begins

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EMMA MILLER PHOTOGRAPHY

July Oroville Fourth of July Fireworks Slice of Chico

Oct.

Sept.

Butte County Fair

Gold Cup Race of Champions Salmon Festival Sierra Nevada Oktoberfest

Nov. Chico Christmas Preview Chico Tweed Ride Oroville Christmas Preview

Dec. Biggs Christmas Street Fair & Tree Lighting Gridley Winter Wonderland Festival & Parade of Lights Oroville Parade of Lights Paradise Winter Wonderland & Lighted Truck Parade

ED AUGUST PHOTOGRAPHY

Downtown Chico Treat Street Johnny Appleseed Days

Aug.

Sierra Nevada Oktoberfest

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DISCOVER YEAR-ROUND FUN AT

Experience Butte County's vibrant arts and entertainment scene with Butte365!

From live music and theatre performances to art exhibitions and outdoor adventures, Butte365 is your all-in-one guide for events across Butte County.

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PLANNING YOUR VISIT

IN THE NEIGHB EXPLORE THESE NEARBY & NOTEWORTHY POINTS OF INTEREST

LASSEN VOLCANIC NATIONAL PARK

nps.gov/lavo/index.htm

Located in portions of Shasta, Lassen, Plumas, and Tehama counties, the Lassen Volcanic National Park is a hissing, boiling, volcanic wonderland in Upstate California. Home to all four types of volcanoes— shield, composite, cinder cone, and plug dome—the park is full of hydrothermal activity, which is on full display at Bumpass Hell, Sulphur Works, and Devil’s Kitchen. But you’ll also find crystalline lakes and calm meadows, scenic hiking trails, and great spots for winter sports throughout the park.

HOW FAR TO BUTTE COUNT Y? Orland Corning Red Bluff Colusa Redding Grass Valley Sacramento Quincy Reno, Nevada San Francisco Los Angeles

20 miles 29 miles 43 miles 44 miles 73 miles 75 miles 87 miles 108 miles 162 miles 164 miles 471 miles

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COLUSA COUNTY

countyofcolusa.org

One of the original California counties, Colusa County is home to the Colusa National Wildlife Refuge, a popular spot for hiking, wildlife watching, and hunting. In Williams, relax at the Wilbur Hot Springs or dine at Granzella’s Restaurant, a long-time favorite.

GLENN COUNTY

countyofglenn.net

With its location in the Sacramento Valley and deep agricultural roots, Glenn County is the place for a more rural experience. In Willows, you can explore the Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge and go hiking, hunting, and birdwatching. Learn more about the area at the official visitor center with its wildlife exhibit and Discovery Room. For adrenaline-seekers, the Thunderhill Raceway Park is a premiere motorsport complex and hosts the 25 Hours of Thunderhill, the longest auto race in the country, every December. And in Orland— the Queen Bee Capital of North America and the 40th Bee City USA—you can get your buzz on at the one-of-a-kind Honeybee Discovery Center.

HBORHOOD TEHAMA COUNTY

PLUMAS COUNTY

plumascounty.org

The sparsely populated Plumas County is perfect for turning off your cell phone and exploring a more relaxed way of life, with more than 75% of the county’s land designated to national forest. Enjoy time by the water at Lake Almanor, a popular weekend retreat for those living in Butte County. The views of Lassen Peak are worth the drive alone! In Quincy, you’ll find an abundance of small-town charm featuring preserved Victorian buildings on Main Street and the Plumas County Museum. As you take a scenic drive along Highway 70, Graeagle is a perfect spot to stop for outdoor explorations, while Chester is a convenient jumping-off point for Lassen Volcanic National Park and the Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway.

co.tehama.ca.us Discover strong western heritage in Tehama County.

Held annually since 1921, the Red Bluff Round-Up is the largest three-day rodeo in the U.S., drawing thousands of visitors to the city every April. The city of Red Bluff is also considered a gateway to Lassen Volcanic National Park. Nearby Corning is often referred to as the “Olive Capital of the World” (or more modestly, “Olive City”), and hosts the Corning Olive Festival every October. The Olive Pit, a gourmet grocery store, is also a popular “pit” stop during drives along Interstate 5.

SUTTER & YUBA COUNTIES

visityubasutter.com

If you take Highway 99 to Butte County, you’ll drive through Sutter County. The county’s largest city, Yuba City, is a popular rest stop during road trips as well as the home of a Sikh temple, local farm stands, hiking and wildlife areas, and more. Most notably, it’s home to the Sutter Buttes, a wellknown feature along the Butte County horizon. Sacred to the Maidu tribe, the Sutter Buttes are on private land, though you can visit them on guided tours provided by Middle Mountain Interpretive Hikes. You can also enjoy a trip through Yuba County if you’re taking Highway 70, which will take you through Olivehurst, Linda, and Marysville.

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@ITSMYADDYTUDE

PLANNING YOUR VISIT

With indoor and outdoor venues perfect for small gatherings to blowout bashes, there’s no shortage of places to host an intimate affair, tie the knot, or party the night away in Butte County.

Riffles Resort

Almendra Winery & Distillery • 9275 Midway, Durham, (530) 343-6893 Barrel Room | 7,000 square feet | 200 people

Centerville Estate • 13386 Centerville Rd., Chico, (240) 316-8425 Wedding Venue | 250+ people

The Arc Pavilion • 2040 Park Ave., Chico, (530) 891-5865 Venue | 3,600 square feet | 240 standing or 160 seated

Chico Event Center •• 197 E. 2nd St., Chico, (530) 898-8387 Event Center | 4,000 square feet | 399 standing or 200 seated

The Barn at Meriam Park • 1930 Market Pl., Chico, (530) 399-0753 The Barn | 5,000 square feet | 400 people Butte Creek Country Club •• 175 Estates Dr., Chico, (530) 343-7979 Oak Room Boardroom | 12 people Grand Ballroom | 300 people C.F. Lott Home •• 1067 Montgomery St., Oroville, (530) 538-2401 Coach Room | 50 people Gazebo Grounds | 150+ people Canyon Oaks Country Club • 999 Yosemite Dr., Chico, (530) 343-2582 Wedding Venue | 2,400 square feet | 150 people CARD Community Center and Creekside Rose Garden • 545 Vallombrosa Ave., Chico, (530) 895-4711 Rose Garden Main Hall | 2,600 square feet | 200 people

Chico Women’s Club • 592 E. 3rd St., Chico, (530) 894-1978 Interior Seating Space | 1,050 square feet | 200 people The Colonia Building • 479 B St., Biggs, (530) 868-4919 West Hall | 250 standing or 180 seated Gale Vinyards & Winery • 9345 Stanford Ln., Durham, (530) 891-1264 Grounds | 200 people The Grill at the Hotel Diamond •• 220 W. 4th St., Chico, (530) 899-3031 Cupola Conference Room | 441 square feet | 35 people Cellar | 855 square feet | 70 people Grand Dining Room | 90 people Grill Lounge | 70 people Honker Bay Ranch • 1446 Farrar Ln., Oroville, (530) 570-3610 Grounds | 300+ people

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Irongate Garden Inn • 4673 Nord Hwy., Chico Grounds | 200 people

Table Mountain Golf Course • 2700 Oro Dam Blvd. W., Oroville, (530) 533-3922 Banquet Room | 91 people

Lakeside Pavilion • 2565 California Park Dr., Chico, (530) 895-4711 Event Space | 275 people

TJ Farms Estates • 3600 Chico Ave., Chico, (530) 343-2294 Grounds | 300 people

Long Creek Winery & Ranch • 323 Ward Blvd., Oroville, (530) 589-3415 Grounds | 100 people

The Victorian Rose ••• 429 B St., Biggs, (530) 868-1363 Garden with On-Site Reception | 125 people Garden with Off-Site Reception | 200 people Parlor Room | 35 people

Neighborhood Church •• 2801 Notre Dame Blvd., Chico, (530) 343-6006 The Dome | 1,200 people The Island | 400 people Fellowship Hall | 300 people The Chapel | 70 people The Palms • 2947 Nord Ave., Chico, (530) 399-0404 Grounds | 150 people Paradise Lutheran Church ••• 780 Luther Dr., Paradise, (530) 877-3549 Luther Hall | 4,160 square feet | 160 people Chapel | 2,376 square feet | 122 people Loft | 45 people Patrick Ranch Museum • 10381 Midway, Chico, (530) 342-4359 Venue | 300+ people

The Westport •• 603 Broadway St., Chico, (530) 205-3824 Space 1 | 6,000 square feet | 400 people auditorium style, 250 at rounds Space 2 | 2,010 square feet | 200 people auditorium style, 100 at rounds Space 3 | 800 square feet | 60 people auditorium style, 40 at rounds White Ranch Events • 214 Hagenridge Rd., Chico, (530) 342-6530 Wedding Venue | 200 people Windchime Wedding Chapel • 1120 Spruce Ave., Chico, (530) 893-9384 Ceremony Space | 15 people

@DISNEYMERTZ

Manzanita Place • 1705 Manzanita Ave., Chico, (530) 343-5617 Banquet Hall | 650 seated Outdoor Pavillion | 300 standing

Riffles Resort • 4488 Pacific Heights Rd., Oroville, (530) 534-5550 Grounds | 300+ people Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. • 1075 E. 20th St., Chico, (530) 983-3520 Big Room | 350 people Stansbury Home •• 307 W. 5th St. #5505, Chico, (530) 342-3037 Inside | 50 people Outside | 200 people Wedding in Durham

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PLANNING YOUR VISIT

MEETINGS VENUES Boys & Girls Club, Chico •••• 601 Wall St., Chico, (530) 899-0335 Entire Chico Clubhouse | 3,997 square feet | 267 standing Conference Room | 374 square feet | 25 standing Multipurpose Room | 761 square feet | 92 standing or 50 seated Arts & Science | 761 square feet | 92 standing or 50 seated Entire Teen Center | 8,253 square feet | 551 standing Butte College •• 3536 Butte Campus Dr., Oroville, (530) 895-2511 Campus Center Lounge | 100 people Arts Theatre | 256 people Cafeteria | 946 standing or 441 seated Butte County Fairgrounds • 199 E. Hazel St., Gridley, (530) 846-3626 Butte Hall | 4,320 square feet | 350 standing or 250 seated Jake’s AKA Goldie’s | 500 standing or 350 seated Expo Hall | 10,600 square feet | 1,000 standing or 500 seated Butte County Libraries ••• Various locations Chico | 197 standing or 83 seated Durham | 20 people Gridley | 49 people Oroville | 44 people Paradise | 49 people California State University, Chico •••• 400 W. 1st St., Chico, (530) 898-6118 Various rooms | Capacity ranges from 10 to 1,000+ Chico Masonic Family Center •• 1110 W. East Ave., Chico, (530) 342-7143 Main Hall | 5,448 square feet | 782 people Large Dining | 3,850 square feet | 554 people Small Dining | 1,598 square feet | 228 people York Rite Room | 1,800 square feet | 227 people Courtyard by Marriott, Chico • 2481 Carmichael Dr., Chico, (530) 894-6699 Meeting Room | 750 square feet | 40 people

DoubleTree by Hilton ••• 685 Manzanita Ct., Chico, (530) 433-1636 Conference Room | 3,120 square feet | 380 people Butte and Glenn Rooms | 1,520 square feet | 190 people Lassen and Shasta Rooms | 500 square feet | 35 people Boardroom | 375 square feet | 26 people Holiday Inn Express & Suites, Chico • 2074 E. 20th St., Chico, (530) 891-0100 Meeting Room | 350 square feet | 25 people Holiday Inn Express & Suites, Lake Oroville •• 550 Oro Dam Blvd. E., Oroville, (530) 534-5566 1st Floor Conference Room | 1,400 square feet | 80 people 2nd Floor Conference Room | 330 square feet | 8 people Oroville Convention Center • 1200 Myers St., Oroville, (530) 533-9622 Main Gym | 1,000 people Oxford Suites, Chico •• 2035 Business Ln., Chico, (530) 899-9090 Honey Run Hall | 1,152 square feet | 70 people Honey Run One | 576 square feet | 30 people Honey Run Two | 576 square feet | 30 people Big Chico Creek | 576 square feet | 30 people Paradise Airport • 4405 Airport Rd., Chico, (530) 521-2289 Meeting Room | 1,120 square feet | 74 people Residence Inn by Marriott, Chico • 2485 Carmichael Dr., Chico, (530) 894-5500 Event Room | 448 square feet | 20 people Silver Dollar Fairgrounds • 2357 Fair St., Chico, (530) 895-4666 Commercial Building | 14,000 square feet | 1,000+ people Harvest Hall | 4,000 square feet | 250 people Education Building | 20,000 square feet | 1,000+ people

• Under 50 people • 51–150 people • 151–250 people • 251+ people

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PLANNING YOUR STAY

Whether you fly in from a nearby airport or take the scenic route, it’s easy to travel to and around Butte County!

GETTING TO BUTTE COUNTY

BY PLANE

BY TRAIN

Take your pick of four airports within four driving hours of Butte County. From the Bay Area, San Francisco International Airport is just 3.5 hours away and Oakland International Airport is only three. Sacramento International Airport is just 1.5 hours away, while the drive to and from the Redding Regional Airport is even shorter.

Locally, the Chico Regional Airport and Oroville Municipal Airport are available for private and charter flights.

If taking the train is more your speed, there’s an Amtrak train platform adjacent to the Chico Arts Center, site of the historic 1892 Southern Pacific Depot.

BY BUS Greyhound has a bus stop in Chico at the Amtrak train platform as well as a stop in Oroville on Feather River Boulevard. Amtrak San Joaquins’ Route 3 Thruway Bus also serves both Chico and Oroville.

TRAVELING AROUND BUTTE COUNTY By car is the easiest and fastest way to explore Butte County. For those looking to rent a car, Hertz, Budget, Avis, and Enterprise have locations here. Rideshare options are available in the Chico area. There are also several cab companies serving Butte County. Elite Limo in Chico can help you cruise around Butte County in style.

B-Line is the regional transit service in Butte County. Buses serve routes within Chico, Oroville, Paradise, Magalia, Gridley, and Biggs. Regional bus routes connect these communities and include stops in Palermo and Durham. Visit the website to see maps and descriptions of each route. There is even a realtime bus-tracking map as well as a trip planner. Each bus is equiped with a bike rack and a wheelchair lift.

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