Our favorite was this Greek column one at First and Salem Streets. While it looks like you could step right through the wall into the building I assure you it is only paint on the wall. John Bidwell was born in 1819 and at the age of 22 led the first overland expedition to California. After striking gold on the Feather River be bought 28,000 acres along Chico Creek and in 1860 founded Chico. Learn more about how John Bidwell and his wife Annie built and contributed to Chico.
Residents still benefit today from their efforts.
Stop in at the visitor center and Bidwell Mansion on Esplandade across Big Chico Creek from downtown. Be sure to leave time for the 25-minute movie about John and Annie Bidwell before spending the dollar to tour the mansion. It's 3700 acres offer picnicking, swimming, flat land walking and biking as well as mountainous hiking and biking, plus many other sports. Also downtown is the National Yo Yo Museum at the Bird in Hand store located at 320 Broadway. Admission is free.