Chico

Chico is a city in the Sacramento Valley in Butte County, California, sitting at an elevation of 60 meters and home to around 100,000 residents. The park runs through the center of town and extends into the eastern foothills, while the streets form a grid pattern that stretches from the university in the north to residential neighborhoods in the south.

John Bidwell founded the settlement in 1860 on land that had been part of Rancho del Arroyo Chico. The university opened its doors in 1887 as a state normal school and has shaped the growth of the town ever since.

The name comes from the Spanish word for small, referring to the nearby creek that runs through the area. Locals today use the park for hiking and swimming, while the brewery draws visitors from across the region and offers tastings at its large facility.

Downtown is easy to explore on foot, with shops and restaurants along Main Street and Broadway Avenue. The park offers trails and picnic areas that are wheelchair accessible, and the visitor center provides travelers with maps and general information.

The yo-yo museum holds over 4,000 objects and shows the development of this toy from old wooden pieces to modern competition models. Visitors can see rare examples from different countries, including some that are over a century old.

Location: Butte County

Inception: 1860

Founders: John Bidwell

Elevation above the sea: 60 m

Shares border with: Los Molinos

Website: https://chico.ca.us

GPS coordinates: 39.74000,-121.83556

Latest update: December 4, 2025 19:00