CAMPUS EXPLORATIONS Collegiate Adventures Await

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.

At Chico State, you’ll find one of California’s most iconic universities, serving up a unique yet quintessential college experience. With their close proximity to each other, the university and Downtown Chico community are closely intertwined, with students an everyday part of life, both on and off campus.

Of course, when school is in session, students can be found in every corner of the 119-acre campus—and if you’re visiting, you should explore it, too! With majestic shade trees, a rose garden, and iconic brick Romanesque architecture, a stroll through the campus of the second-oldest school in the California State University system is well worth a trip of its own.

Off campus, you’ll find yourself around students constantly. During local annual events, like Thursday Night Market and Taste of Chico, 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 iconic photo ops like Monkey Face, Bear Hole, and Yahi Trail. On the weekends, the streets of Downtown Chico come to life as students hit the town at some of their favorite bars, such as Madison Bear Garden or Riley’s, with Sunday morning classic brunch spots, like Mom’s and Sin of Cortez, full of those recovering from the night before.

Beyond campus and the city center, you’ll discover some hidden gems in outdoor classrooms that are also great spots for visitors to explore, such as the Big Chico Creek Ecological Reserve and Paul L. Bryne Agricultural Teaching and Research Center, more commonly known as The University Farm.

Venture south to Oroville for an entirely different collegiate experience with a visit to Butte College. Located on the outskirts of Oroville, the mostly commuter community college provides a much more rural and agricultural vibe for its students who are training to be the next generation of nurses, law enforcement, EMTs, firefighters, welders, and more. Students in the Agriculture, Natural Resource/ Environmental Studies, Biology, and other programs also enjoy hands-on learning experiences at the 928-acre Butte College Wildlife Refuge that the college is located on, which acts as an outdoor laboratory and is also a beautiful spot for visitors to enjoy hiking and wildlife viewing. And on weekends during the fall, you can enjoy a classic Saturday night football game on campus with the Butte College Football program. With two National Championships under its belt and famous alumni that includes Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers, every game is full of excitement.

With so much college life in Butte County, both campuses offer the opportunity for a perfect trip for creating new memories while reminiscing about your own days on campus.

More To Explore

Continue your college connection with these favorites

Chico Paper Company

A powerful combination of framing shop and art gallery for nearly 50 years, you’ll want to explore and select a piece from a local artist to take home with you.

Crazy Horse Saloon

Get crazy with a ride on the mechanical bull—just to remind yourself that you’re not as young as you once were.

Made in Chico

Selling only Chico-made art, photography, and other goods, the store is your opportunity to take home a piece of Chico with you.

Naked Lounge

Start off your day with a handcrafted espresso drink in this popular coffee shop and music venue located right in the middle of Downtown Chico.

Woodstock’s Pizza

With great pizza, trivia nights, and the latest game on the big screen, all at an updated location, it's a great place to spend an afternoon.