bidwell mansion

Rogerdob

There are lots of historic mansions scattered throughout the U.S. and this one seemed average with nothing really special to make it rise above others...it's a beautiful building with historic furniture in it. Unfortunately, it's located right next to a science museum and near a college which sorts of takes takes away from the historic ambience.

brakeman1

Mr. Bidwell's home is fully maintained with period furniture and explained by docents. It was an opulent lifestyle for a famous land developer. The home is near the college campus and an easy place to visit.

Colleen719

This place is amazing for anyone with an interest in history. The story of John & Annie Bidwell is fascinating. It's awesome to see how this one man, and later this one couple, was able to shape history and the lives of so many people. The visitor center has a wonderful display and video you can view to get a background. Then, when you take the hour long guided tour of the mansion, you get so many more details! Definitely a MUST if you are in the Chico area!

stanw734

If you are interested in architecture, and/or the history of early Chico and California, then do not miss the Bidwell Mansion. Nicely restored and managed by Cal Parks, hourly tours are given of this three-story mansion. This was the first home north of Sacramento that had indoor plumbing, and you can still see one of the original flush toilets. Cal Parks does a nice job giving basic tours of the home, the Bidwells, and the role they played in the region. .

TreenaKravm

If you're in town, this is basically the best thing to see in town. The museum is free, and if your timing for the tour is off, or you don't feel like spending the money, the museum is almost as good. It's more focused on the Native Americans that were in the area, but it's very interesting. You usually have time to check it out while waiting for your tour to start. You can explore the grounds and take plenty of pictures of the exterior without paying a fee. If you pay a small fee, there is a docent-led tour which is very educational. To me, the history of how the house was used after the Bidwells died until today is worth hearing about on the tour. Fair-warning: almost none of the furniture is from the original house, but it is all from the same period. A few big pieces like the piano are originals, but the rest isn't. I appreciate the need for the docent to preserve the house, but the tour group was required to stay together and I felt rushed in Annie Bidwell's library. To me, that was the most interesting room and we only had a few minutes to look around.

24timt

The Mansion was once the home of the man who was instrumental in the founding of Chico, and who wife started Norman School who would later become Chico State. It show life in the late 1800's and what things looked like then. Next door is a native American exhibit and other period items too. If you like history then you will have a good time.

824DebbieA

We went to the Mansion one Sunday morning and were not disappointed. It's great to see what folks had to deal with in the 1880s. The rooms we viewed were great and we did learn a lot about Mr. Bidwell and how well he treated his employees. If you get to Chico go visit you won't be sorry.

pamperedheiress

Visit the home of Chico's founder, John Bidwell. A 3 story mansion filled with original furnishings (the piano came around the horn by ship, up the river by riverboat, horsedrawn to home) and beautifully maintained. A unique gem among towering trees alongside a burbling creek. An antebellum-like home built for his bride from the east coast, and located in what was the wild and untamed location of northern california. Learn about the gold rush and grizzly bears that are part of the story, too. Not to be missed during a visit to Chico!

SueDinCA

We went during some kind of a harvest festival and they were giving free tours of the first floor. The guide was fantastic and had a wealth of information. Have to go back and see the second floor!

WNCTrvlr

My husband and I made a trip from sacramento to visit, and were so glad we did! Well worth it! Not only is the history of John Bidwell and his wife fascinating (you will learn much about California history both before and after it's becoming a state), the house was simply magnificent. Our tour guide was excellent. I'm from the east coast and have toured countless mansions and large historic homes and can say this home impressed me very much. So ahead of its time and so unique! House and grounds are well maintained by the park system. Very highly recommended.

thomasdA7943CN

Many modern innovations were incorporated into this historical property, toilets, baths, and a central cupola ventilation system. A very interesting visit.

byebye2u

Interesting old home of the Bidwell family, pioneers in the valley area of California in Chico. The State of California runs tours through the mansion which has been re-furnished with pieces of the era. Adjacent to the Chico State University campus - land college is located on was donated by the Bidwells. Beautiful treed lot, a visitors center with an interesting historical film. Enjoyed this experience.

calota

The tour is around an hour. Our group was very small and we were able to see all of the mansion. The Tour guide was very knowledgeable and accommodating. You should know that this mansion was built in the late 1800's and does not have any elevators. If you cannot take stairs, you can tour the ground floor and then return to the visitor's center to see a video of the two other floors. Many of the furnishings were original to the house. The cost of the tour is $6. I would not recommend it for small children as they cannot touch are sit on anything, which could get boring for them and a distraction for the parents. The tours leave on the hour. Definitely worth a visit.

JeanieRich

Beautiful old home, actually was or still is a part of the park system so its kept up well. You tour the home and grounds for a small fee, worth seeing if you have the time. Tip!!! Be sure to walk the Chico State Campus too since your in the area, see the creek, brick buildings and outside art work there.

jim_albright

This definitely is a place where a little lady helped shape many good things. Be sure to bring cash or checks as they do not accept credit cards. Lots of history here. You will not believe how tiny she was.