Agricultural Lands, Historic Wonders, and Outstanding Outdoor Recreation
Butte County is rich in agricultural lands and gold mining history, including the 1859 discovery of the largest nugget ever found in California, weighing 54 pounds! Nestled among the Sutter Buttes, Oroville was an early gold mining camp and home to hundreds of ambitious miners along the Feather River. Butte County's farms provide an off-the-beaten path adventure whether you are a seasoned foodie or a novice taster of beer, wine, olives, nuts, or grass-fed beef.
In 1860, General John Bidwell founded the city of Chico and gave land for the development of an agriculture college, Chico State University. The General and his wife funded Bidwell Park, now the largest municipal park west of the Mississippi River. The city's numerous art and glass blowing studios have helped Chico become one of America's top 10 art communities and downtown has an eclectic collection of shops and eateries worthy of an afternoon stroll.
1500 Broderick St. 1500 Broderick St. Oroville, CA95965 530-538-2496
The temple was built in 1863 to support the Chinese community of 10,000 and includes artifacts dating from 1850’s to early 1900’s. Three chapels and a main chapel served as a place for Taoism, Confucianism and Buddhism.
Phantom Falls is located on North Table Mountain in Oroville and is best viewed in the winter months. Phantom Falls is well named for two good reasons. First, it is on a small drainage, and will be dry in the summer months. Second, it is extremely well hidden. A hike to the falls is especially beautiful when the spring wildflowers are blooming.
2332 Montgomery St. 2332 Montgomery St. Oroville, CA95965 530-538-2415
The museum, a replica of a miner's cabin, highlights the gold rush era and includes items from Bidwell Bar and a Native American arrowhead and basket collection.
The Spencer Meadows Trail is in the shadow of Lassen Volcanic National Park. The loop portion of the trail overlooks the Mill Creek Drainage, 1,500 feet below. This section is also an area with large meadows and spectacular views. The meadow itself borders the park.
307 West Fifth Street 307 West Fifth Street Chico, CA95928 (530) 895-3848
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1975, this beautiful Victorian style home was built for Dr. Oscar Stansbury in 1883. Tours are available Wednesday through Sunday. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1975, this beautiful Victorian style home was built for Dr. Oscar Stansbury in 1883. Tours are available Saturday and Sunday at 1pm, 2pm, and 3pm.
