Oroville

Oroville, California, United States

With more museums per capita than Sacramento, Oroville is a surprising under-the-radar museum destination.

2332 Montgomery St
Oroville, CA

A visit to the 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

1067 Montgomery St
Oroville, CA

The house was built 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.

1500 Broderick St
Oroville, CA

This now-California landmark was built in 1863 to serve the largest community of Chinese north of Sacramento and highlights this group’s contribution to the area. The city-owned museum also has an extensive tapestry display, a collection of Chinese and American costumes, and more.

1749 Spencer Ave
Oroville, CA

The Butte County Historical Society Museum tells the stories of the lives of people in Butte County from the early mining days to the present time.

Old Ferry Rd
Oroville, CA

Sitting right on the Feather River at the former site of a Maidu fishing village, the Bath House, which provided facilities for swimmers and sunbathers in the 1930s, today provides nature education programming and exhibits portraying local wildlife. The Nature Center grounds are home to various native plants, trees and animals.

917 Kelly Ridge Rd
Oroville, CA

The visitor center overlooks both the lake and the dam and features interpretive displays, an audio-video room, and more. Perhaps most fun is its 47-foot viewing tower, where you can take in 360-degree views of the lake and dam through high-powered telescopes. The Lake Oroville Visitor Center is about a 15-minute drive from downtown.

1650 Broderick St
Oroville, CA

With over 12,000 hand tools on display, it’s the only known museum of its kind in the world. Don’t hesitate to chat with its City of Oroville museum docents, who will tell you more than you ever needed to know about the collection!

1489 Myers St
Oroville, CA

Constructed in 1927 from a design by renowned architect Timothy Pfluger, the State Theatre has been undergoing renovations by the State Theatre Arts Guild (STAGE), the non-profit that owns the theatre, to return it to its 1920s glory. The renovations include paint restorations, installation of a modern-yet-vintage marquee, and restorations to an authentic Wurlitzer pipe organ.

1500 Broderick St
Oroville, CA

Tour each museum to learn more about Oroville and its rich history.