Overview
Bidwell Mansion is a three story, 26-room Italian Villa that served as home for one of California’s most prominent couples, John and Annie Bidwell. The house museum is open by guided tour only. Tours are held Tuesday through Friday on the hour from 12 pm to 4 pm. On weekends the tours run on the hour from 11 am to 4 pm. Tours are first-come, first-served. The park is located at 525 Esplanade in Chico. Phone 530-895-6144.
Exhibits/Programs
Visitor Center
Tour sign-ups and ticket purchases are at the Visitor Center, which is accessible. The exhibit hall, which highlights the Bidwell’s influence, is generally accessible. Assistance in the store is available, if needed. A captioned introductory video about the Bidwells is available. A captioned video of the upper floors is also available for tour guests who can not climb the stairs to view the second and third floors.
Bidwell Mansion
A gently sloped ramp enables wheelchair users to enter and tour the first floor of the Mansion. A captioned video of the upper floors is also available in the Visitor Center for those who cannot climb the stairs to view the second and third floors.
The Carriage House is behind the Mansion and offers displays that are generally accessible.
Restrooms are in the visitor center and accessible for most people. Parking for the Mansion includes two accessible spaces with one a van space. Routes of travel between all facilities are paved, level and generally accessible.
