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300 SALEM STREET
CHICO, CA 95928
(530) 891-5556 |
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| | Bidwell Park was established in 1905 by Annie Bidwell, wife of Chico’s founding father, John Bidwell. Originally the land was part of the Bidwell’s Rancho del Arroyo Chico, one of the first major agricultural proprietorships in California.
Bidwell Park was donated to the City of Chico via a series of deeds between 1905 and 1911, five years after John Bidwell’s death. The original property was approximately 2,300 acres. However, with subsequent additions and a recent 1,000 acre acquisition, the park now exceeds 3,600 acres, making it one of the largest municipal parks in the United States.
For more information on Bidwell Park visit the City of Chico Parks Department website or the Friends of Bidwell Park website.
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| | Lower Park has endless recreational opportunities for the public, including children’s playgrounds, natural swimming areas, and paved paths for runners, cyclists, rollerbladers and walkers. This section of Bidwell Park features ball-playing fields, picnic areas, the World of Trees walk, which is accessible to the physically challenged, and the parks environmental and informational headquarters, the Chico Creek Nature Center. This portion of the park is open to motorized traffic, providing the perfect venue for some of Chico’s unique outdoor cultural events, such as Shakespeare in the Park performances. | |
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| | There is something for everyone at One Mile Recreation Area in Bidwell Park. With horseshoe pits, ball fields, picnic areas, Caper Acres playground and Sycamore Pool, the entire family will enjoy a visit to this area of Bidwell Park. | |
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| | Caper Acres is a fairytale themed playground for young children. Located in Lower Bidwell Park, this is the perfect place to play the day away. Children can slide through holes in a giant wedge of Swiss cheese, play in a sandbox watched over by Humpty Dumpty and drink out of the lion’s mouth. Adults must be accompanied by a child 13 years or younger. Caper Acres is closed for maintenance on Mondays. | |
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| | The area of Bidwell Park know as Five Mile is located near Manzanita Avenue. It is an ideal spot to spend a lazy afternoon enjoying a picnic or taking a dip in the creek. | |
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| | Upper Park remains relatively untouched with majestic canyons overlooking Big Chico Creek, which contains some of the most spectacular swimming areas in Northern California. In recent years, Upper Park has become a mecca for mountain bikers with 25 of its 35 trails open to cyclists. Equestrians and hikers also share this vast playground of recreational opportunities. Visitors to Upper Park can also enjoy the Kiwanis Chico Community Observatory, Hosreshoe Lake, Chico Bidwell Golf Course and Frisbee Disk Golf Course. | |
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| | Hiking trails abound in Bidwell Park! Pedestrians are welcome on all trails and the pedestrian-only Yahi Trail in Upper Park is a favorite among locals. This trail offers hikers miles of scenic views along Big Chico Creek. Be sure to stop by the Chamber office to pick up a copy of the “Take A Hike” brochure for an overview of the many trails in Upper Park. | |
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| | Equestrian enthusiasts also enjoy Bidwell Park. Horses are welcome on many of the trails in the park and equestrian events are held at arena off Wildwood Avenue near the entrance to Upper Park. For more information contact the Chico Equestrian Association by calling (530) 342-1539. | |
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