C H I C O / PA R A D I S E C O U N T R Y A R T S , C U LT U R E , H I S T O R I C M A N S I O N S & TA L L G R E E N P I N E S In 1860, General John Bidwell founded Chico on part of his original 28,000-acre ranch. To encourage the development of a quality community, he donated land to anyone willing to build a house, church, or any other public structure and in 1887 Bidwell also gave part of his land for the development of an agriculture college. As part of the effort April 28Gold Nugget Days, Paradise May 1 Parade, BBQ. 530-872-8722 to create their envisioned city, the General and his wife funded Bidwell Park, now the largest municipal park west of the Mississippi River. Chico is home to a California State University, which developed from that early May 26-30 Silver Dollar Fair, Chico. 530-895-4666 agricultural college. The University has helped shape the thriving community. The City’s numerous art and glass blowing studios have led to Chico being named one of America’s “Top 100 Art Communities”. The Sept. 24 Chico Palio, Chico downtown is known for its eclectic collection of restaurants and shops, blending modern technology Artoberfest kick-off. 530-228-2860 and wares with beautiful classic artchitecture and cobblestone walkways. It is certainly worthy of an afternoon stroll, or a weekend getaway. Oct. 1-31 Artoberfest, Chico. 530-228-2860
EVENTS
Oct. 1-2
Johnny Appleseed Days, Paradise. 530-877-9356
Hidden Treasures Bidwell Mansion State Historic Park Chico. This was the home of founder General John Bidwell & Annie Bidwell Tours. 530-895-6144 Gold Nugget Museum, Paradise Museum depicts area history from Native America to 1950. 530-872-8722
Downtown Chico
Paradise, a short drive from Chico, is aptly named, and rests in a truly beautiful setting. It is a haven, just out of the reach of the valley fog but beneath the heavy snows of the Sierra. Its quiet residential streets have become home for many Californians who can choose wherever they want to live. Gold has played an important part of the community’s history, including the 1859 discovery in the Paradise area of the largest nugget ever found in California, 54 pounds! Paradise has also become known for its fine collection of antique shops and friendly community. For further information contact Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association at 1-800-474-2782 or www.shastacascade.com or www.experiencebuttecounty.com
Bidwell Park in Chico at 3,700 acres, is the largest city park west of the Mississippi
OROVILLE / LAKE OROVILLE COUNTRY R I C H A G R I C U LT U R A L L A N D S , H I S T O R I C W O N D E R S & O U T S TA N D I N G O U T D O O R R E C R E AT I O N
EVENTS May 1-8
Feather Fiesta Days, Oroville. 530-538-2542
May 21
Red Suspenders Day, Gridley. 530-846-3142
Aug. 25-28
Butte County Fair, Gridley. 530-846-3626
Sept. 24
Salmon Festival, Oroville. 530-538-2542
Hidden Treasures Gray Lodge Wildlife Area Gridley. The Pacific Flyway attracts over one million ducks and 100,000 geese annually. 530-846-7505 Oroville Chinese Temple Oroville. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and is also a California landmark. 530-538-2496
In the heart of the Sacramento Valley is the town of Gridley. In the late 1800’s, another gold discovery occurred in the Central Valley, which led to the development of this historic Gold Rush town. The several hundred days of warm, sunny weather and the abundance of water have since lead to Gridley becoming the home for many ranchers who found their most profitable treasure in the development of the rich agricultural land.
ALTURAS SUSANVILLE CHICO
For further information contact Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association at 800-474-2782 or www.shastacascade.com or www.experiencebuttecounty.com
Sutter Buttes 8 | Shasta Cascade Visitors Guide 2011
Oroville was an early gold mining camp and was the home to hundreds of ambitious miners along the Feather River. In 1968 Lake Oroville was created, and almost overnight it became one of California’s most recognized recreation lakes. Several local attractions are of national significance, such as Feather Falls, the sixth highest waterfall in the United States, and the Sutter Buttes, the world’s smallest mountain range. Engineering marvels include the nation’s tallest earthen dam at Lake Oroville. Before the coming of Euro-Americans, Maidu Indians roamed the hills and fished the streams and rivers of the Feather River country. In 1848 their life changed dramatically with the European discovery of gold on the Middle Fork of the Feather River, and subsequent onslaught of settlers to the area.
OROVILLE