Chico

Chico, California, United States

From the outside, most people who have heard of Chico know it for two things: Chico State and Sierra Nevada Brewery. But those who live here know there’s much more to the city than that. - and if you're looking for free activities to add to the mix, there are plenty of options! Swipe up on any page to learn more about each of these free Chico attractions in Northern California

Old Chico Canyon Rd
Chico, CA

One of the largest municipal parks in the nation, Bidwell Park is an extraordinary landscape filled with swimming holes, trails and picnic areas. Lower Bidwell Park features flat and level walking areas with plenty of trees and shade, while Upper Bidwell Park is noticeably more rugged, with steep terrain and iconic rock formations.

Old Chico Canyon Rd
Chico, CA

The City of Chico’s Bidwell Park has the best urban swimming holes in California. From the rugged Sierra Nevada foothills to Downtown Chico, Big Chico Creek runs through the city and is lined with ecological treasures, curious history, and awe-inspiring vistas, which you can experience at any of its natural swimming holes throughout the park.

165 Ryan Ave
Chico, CA

The Chico Air Museum is located inside a WWII era hangar that was originally a part of the Chico Army Airfield. Inside, you can explore a number of interesting artifacts, pictures and historic displays, extensive aviation research library, and more. Outside is a static display area with jet and propeller-driven aircraft.

Chico, CA

Enjoy a relaxing stroll through a truly international woodland at the Chico Seed Orchard. This facility is part of the Mendocino National Forest and began in 1904 as the Plant Introduction Field Station. Hundreds of plants were collected from around the world and were brought back to Butte County to be grown and researched by the United States Department of Agriculture.

525 Esplanade
Chico, CA

Bidwell Mansion State Historic Park is a beautiful, three-story, 26-room Victorian House Museum that stands as a memorial to John and Annie Bidwell, the founders of the City of Chico. While the official tour of the mansion costs $6 for adults, the visitor center is completely free to visit, and the grounds are beautiful on their own - and perfect for photos!

320 Broadway St
Chico, CA

The National Yo-Yo Museum features the world's largest public display of yo-yos, yo-yo memorabilia, and contest awards. It's the home of BIG-YO, the World's Biggest Working Wooden Yo-Yo in the 1982 Guinness Book of World Records. The National Yo-Yo Museum is located inside Bird in Hand and is open 7 days a week and is free to tour. Guided visits are available to groups by special arrangement.

400 W 1st St
Chico, CA

As a designated arboretum, the Chico State campus makes for a beautiful and easy urban "hike." Visit the rose garden, discover over 200 species of woody plants and trees, and cross several foot bridges to explore more of the campus.