Chico is located at the northeast edge of the Sacramento Valley, between the Sierra Nevada Mountains and the Sacramento River. Home to the world’s largest working yo-yo, this medium-sized city has been consistently featured in several significant rankings, including Number 10 Small Art Town in America, Number 1 Cycling Community and Number 5 Fastest Commute.
Located in Butte County, the ‘Land of Natural Wealth and Beauty’ and one of the original California counties, Chico is a great base from which to explore this region. Visit natural wonders such as Feather Falls, the sixth highest waterfall in the United States, or the Gray Lodge Wildlife Refuge.
Being a college town, Chico has a vibrant nightlife, with La Salles in downtown attracting hordes of revelers. During spring and summer Chico’s downtown district is closed off on Thursday evenings for the weekly Farmers’ Market. This is a great place for some authentic shopping, including an amazing variety of flowers.
Highlights
Chico Air Museum: is a delight for aviation enthusiasts, with both indoor and outdoor exhibits of historic aircraft and artifacts from famous aviators.
Bidwell Mansion: is a 26-room Victorian house featuring the most up-to-date plumbing, gas lighting and water systems existing at the time and is now part of a California State Historic Park.
National Yo-Yo Museum: displays yo-yos from the first commercially manufactured to the world’s largest, a wooden Yo-Yo at 256 pounds.
Murals: are an integral part of Chico with over 40 dotted around town, some with historical motifs and others more quirky.
Lassen Volcanic National Park: discover green-colored lakes, thermal pools and pine forests surrounding this still-active volcano.