The Bidwell Mansion, built between 1865 and 1868 in a Victorian Italianate style, was the home of General John Bidwell and his wife Annie for several decades. It sits at the edge of the Chico State campus and is now a California State Historic Park. The 26-room mansion has been carefully restored and is open for guided tours that cover both the architecture and the remarkable story of its owners.
The tours take about an hour and cover the ground floor, including the parlour, library, and dining room, all furnished with period pieces. John Bidwell's story — from pioneer trail-blazer to California's most prominent agriculturalist and social reformer — is well told by the guides. The mansion grounds, which back up toward the lower end of Bidwell Park, are pleasant to walk. Tours run Thursday through Sunday; check the California State Parks website for current times and prices.