BUTTE COUNTY
Bidwell Mansion; Chico. Learn the history of the mansion built in 1865 and the surrounding area at the visitor center. Take a guided tour of the 3-story, 26-room home of two of Chico’s founders, John and Annie Bidwell. bidwellmansionassociation.com. 525 Esplanade. (530)895-6144.
Bolt’s Antique Tool Museum; Oroville. Features the largest-known documented collection of hand tools in the US, with more than 12,000 items on display. Group discounts and tours available. Children ages 12 & under free. Search Bolt’s Antique Tool Museum at cityoforoville.org. 1650 Broderick St. (530)538-2528 or (530)538-2497.
Chico Air Museum; Chico Municipal Airport. Great fun for all ages. Educates and inspires about aviation and the history of flight. Features outdoor and indoor displays of aviation artifacts, full-sized historic aircrafts. World Class Aviation Speaker Series. Special events by arrangement; group visits, school field trips. Open Thu-Sun: June-October, 9am-2pm, November-May, 10am-3pm. Free. chicoairmuseum.org. 165 Ryan Ave. (530)345-6468.
Chico History Museum. Housed in the historic Carnegie Library building in downtown Chico. Features both prestigious traveling exhibits and exhibits focusing on Chico and Butte County history. Group rates and tours available. chicohistorymuseum.org. 141 Salem St. (530)891-4336.
Chico Children’s Museum. With almost 7,000 square feet of exhibit space, the museum is focused on encouraging children and their caregivers to connect with imaginative play. Over the fall and winter, visitors will find an updated sensory room for a calming, therapeutic space for children; improvements to the camping room and a new play area. Walk-in admission Tue-Thu, 10am-1pm; Fri-Sun, 10am-4pm. Two-hour private group visits available Mondays. Special overnight trips and after-hours private events available by request. Birthday parties Sat & Sun, 10am-noon & 2-4pm by reservation. info@chicochildrensmuseum.org, chicochildrensmuseum.org, 325 Main St. (530)809-1492.
Chinese Temple & Museum Complex; Oroville. Built in 1863, the temple is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. It is both a museum and active temple. The complex includes 3 temples, a Tapestry Hall displaying an extensive collection of embroidered tapestries, costumes and more; the Fong Lee Company Building displaying artifacts from the medicinal herb sales and shop of the Chan family. Group and classroom tours available. Children ages 12 & under free. Search Chinese Temple on cityoforoville.org. 1500 Broderick St. (530)538-2496 or (530)538-2497.
Gateway Science Museum; Chico. Gateway inspires the exploration of science and natural history in our region and beyond. Through hands-on and minds-on exhibitions that change seasonally, discovery galleries for young learners, a native plants gardens bursting with biodiversity and dynamic public and school programs, Gateway provides visitors of all ages many ways to connect with science and the natural environment and with each other. Family memberships available.csuchico.edu/gateway. 625 Esplanade. (530)898-4121.
Gold Nugget/ Depot Museum; Paradise. This friendly little museum located in the beautiful Paradise Community Park is focused on the history of the Butte County Railroad and the logging industry on the Paradise Ridge. The museum currently offers rotating mini exhibits in the lobby while they work toward re-opening their exhibition hall. Come take a look at the new and exciting changes being made. gnmuseum.art. 475 Pearson Rd. (530)762-2613.
Lott Home; Oroville. The C.F. Lott Home in Sank Park was built in 1856 by Charles F. Lott, gold rush pioneer, California senator and judge. The house and garden encompass an entire city block. Take a guided tour of the Victorian home, hear captivating stories of the Lott family and their importance to early California history. View original furnishings, paintings, clothes, silver and more. Group and classroom tours available. Children ages 12 & under free. cityoforoville.org. 1067 Montgomery St. (530)538-2401.
Museum of Northern California Art (monca); Chico. Housed in the former Veterans Memorial Hall, this new museum displays rotating exhibits to make art accessible and promote awareness of Northern California artists. $5/adults; children free. monca.org. 900 Esplanade. (530)487-7272.
National Yo-Yo Museum; Chico. This small world-class museum houses Big Yo, the world’s largest working wooden yo-yo, and the biggest public display of yo-yos and yo-yo memorabilia. Includes a vintage toy display. Free. nationalyoyo.org. Inside Bird in Hand toy store, 320 Broadway. (530)893-0545.
Oregon City School; Table Mountain. The oldest one-room school in Butte County. A California Historical Landmark, Oregon City was one of the 1st mining camps in the county, established in 1848 by a party of Oregonians who came to California. Also visit the nearby Oregon City covered bridge and tour the Cherokee Museum (by appt.) buttecountyhistory.com. 2100 Oregon Gulch Rd. (530)533-9418.
Patrick Ranch Museum; Durham. Dedicated to enhancing the understanding and appreciation of the area’s rich agricultural heritage. Tour the beautiful 1877 Glenwood Farmhouse Museum and visit our Gift Shop and Visitor Center exhibits. Annual events include the California Nut Festival, Country Fair & Tractor Show, Artisan Fair & Craft Show, and Autumn Fest. School and group tours patrickranchmuseum.org
10381 Midway, halfway between Chico and Durham. (530)342-4359
Pioneer History Museum; Oroville. First opened in 1932 by the Native Sons & Daughters of the Golden West and now operated by the City of Oroville, this museum was built as an oversized replica of a 49er’s cabin. The original building has been enlarged to hold 6,000-sq.-ft. of historic treasures. cityoforoville.org. 2332 Montgomery St. (530)538-2529.
Valene L. Smith Museum of Anthropology; Chico State. Free admission Tuesday – Friday 11-3 (plus first Saturday of month). Exhibits, lectures and programs designed to inspire and encourage self-reflection and dialogue in broadening the understanding of the human experience on the CSU Chico campus and beyond. csuchico.edu/anthmuseum. In the Meriam Library on the Chico State University campus, room 180. (530)898-5397.
GLENN COUNTY
Honeybee Discovery Center; Orland. The Honeybee Discovery Center teaches the importance of pollinators, especially honeybees, in the environment. One out of every three bites we eat is thanks to a bee! Learn more about the history of beekeeping and pollinators’ vital role in our food supply through our immersive bee experiences. Our NEW exhibit, BEE-NATOMY 101 opens on Sept. 13, 2024. Visit us on social media or at honeybeediscoverycenter.org for hours or to book a field trip or tour. Admission is $3 for adults, $2 for kids ages 6-12 and Free for kids 5 and under. 501 Walker Street. (530)805-BUZZ.
NEVADA COUNTY
Malakoff Diggins State Historic Park; Nevada City. Visit the 3,000-acre park which encompasses the town of North Bloomfield and the historic Diggins site and is home to California’s largest hydraulic mine. There are many hiking, camping and fishing opportunities in the summer months and snowshoeing in the winter. Check the website for updated weather restrictions and guidelines. sierragoldparksfoundation.org/page/malakoff-diggins-state-historic-park . 23579 North Bloomfield Rd. (530)265-2740.
Nevada County Narrow Gauge Railroad Museum; Nevada City. Dedicated to the preservation of local transportation history and artifacts from the narrow-gauge railroad era. Docent-led historical tours of the museum, railyard and restoration shop. See wooden rail cars and more, including an 1875 Baldwin locomotive that hauled lumber, passengers and freight, then became a movie engine at Universal Studios in Hollywood. School and group tours available. Check website for most up to date hours. Free admission. ncngrrmuseum.org. 5 Kidder Ct. (530)470-0902.
OREGON
Medford Railroad Park; Medford. Four railroad clubs operate this 7-acre site featuring full-size train cars, caboose, hopper car, locomotive, HO scale model track and trains and operating outdoor garden railway. Free train rides to see bridges, waterfalls, tunnels and hills. Children love the Thomas the Train loop led by Thomas and Percy. Private train parties available. Open the 2nd and 4th Sunday of every month from April thru October. facebook.com/Medfordrailroadpark. 799 Berrydale Ave. (541)613-1638.
National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center; Baker City. This center tells the story of Oregon Trail pioneers, explorers, miners and settlers of the frontier west Living history demonstrations, interpretive programs, exhibits, multimedia presentations, special events and more than four miles of interpretive trails. 1723 Madison St. Free. oregontrail.blm.gov. (541)523-1843.
ScienceWorks Hands-On Museum; Ashland. Hands-on exhibits and displays promoting the exploration of science and the arts. A multi-sensory environment for all ages. Summer camps, field trips, birthday parties and other educational programs. scienceworksmuseum.org. 1500 E. Main St. (541)482-6767.
The Children’s Museum of Southern Oregon; Medford. Features exciting indoor exhibits geared towards children ages 13 & under. Offers camps, classes and preschool. tcmso.org. 413 W. Main St. (541)772-9922.
PLACER COUNTY
Maidu Museum & Historic Site; Roseville. Houses interactive exhibits, displays and two art galleries showcasing contemporary California Native American art that changes throughout the year. Hosts a variety of special events, including art receptions, campfires, cultural speakers, petroglyph tours, live music and movie screenings. School programs and group guided tours by reservation. roseville.ca.us/indianmuseum. 1970 Johnson Ranch Dr. (916)774-5934.
PLUMAS COUNTY
Western Pacific Railroad Museum; Portola. Sit in the engineer’s seat of the largest diesel locomotive built, tour vintage passenger cars, climb aboard a restored caboose, tour freight cars and other locomotives. Rent a vintage diesel locomotive to operate on the museum grounds with instruction from private instructor. wplives.org. 700 Western Pacific Way. (530) 832-4131.
SACRAMENTO COUNTY
California Museum; Sacramento. A wide, dynamic range of exhibits about California’s rich history, its diversity and its unique contributions to the world through ideas, innovation, the arts and culture. Interactive experiences. californiamuseum.org. 1020 O St. (916) 653-7524.
California State Railroad Museum; Sacramento. Restored locomotives and train cars along with exhibits reflecting California’s rich railroading history. Tour a Pullman-style sleeping car and a dining car complete with railroad china table settings. Try out a high-speed train simulator and “experience” piloting a modern high-speed train. Train rides, excursions and fun special events. Located within Old Sacramento State Historic Park (National Landmark) with original and reconstructed buildings from the gold rush days. californiarailroad.museum. 111 I St. (916)323-9280.
SHASTA COUNTY
Behrens-Eaton House Museum; Redding. Depicts the life and times of the Victorian and gold rush eras in Northern California, featuring a library of historical data, photos and vintage books, plus antique clothing, furnishings and more. Free. eatonhousemuseum.org. Main House at 1520 West St., Display Museum at 1939 Butte St. (530)241-3454.
Courthouse Museum; Shasta. Part of Shasta State Historic Park, this former county courthouse is restored to its 1861 appearance and filled with historical exhibits. Includes a notable collection of early California artwork. View the remains of brick buildings that were once the center of intense activity during the gold rush era and visit historic roadways, cottages and cemeteries. parks.ca.gov. 15312 Highway 299 W. (6 miles west of Redding). (530)243-8194.
The Museum at Turtle Bay; Redding. The Museum at Turtle Bay is where art, science, history, forestry and horticulture meet with permanent exhibits about our region and changing exhibitions from around the world. Our special Exhibitions Halls have hosted interactive, interesting displays from around the country. Year-round at Turtle Bay you can get up-close and personal at the Visible River Aquarium, take a walk through a reproduction of the Shasta Caverns and learn about the rock formations that make caves unique. Discover more about the lives of the Wintu people that call this area home by visiting the Cedar Bark House in the center of the Museum. Learn more about the Sundial Bridge’s debut on the Sacramento River and take a walk through our Local History Gallery. The Boardwalk between the Museum and Paul Bunyan’s Forest Camp winds through a forest of cottonwoods and oaks, well above the seasonal wetland and year-round riparian habitat. Keep an eye out for some of the wild native creatures not part of Turtle Bay’s animal family. Fall and Winter hours: 9am-4pm Wed-Fri, 10am-4pm Sat & Sun., closed Mon & Tues. turtlebay.org. 844 Sundial Bridge Dr. (530)243-8850.
Wintu Museum & Cultural Resource Center; Shasta Lake City. A one-of-a-kind community project designed to provide a comprehensive immersion into the Wintu history and culture. Features include a historical timeline, artwork from Native Americans, traditional dug-out canoe, honor wall for Native American veterans and unique activities for children. Field trips available. wintutribe.com. 4755 Shasta Dam Blvd. (530)605-1726.
SISKIYOU COUNTY
Dunsmuir Railroad Depot Museum & Historical Society. This small museum showcasing Dunsmuir’s history is located in the former Southern Pacific Railroad dispatcher’s office. Features historical artifacts, railroad memorabilia, photographs and a model of the Dunsmuir Roundhouse. Hours are limited. Please check the website for updated information. Free. dunsmuirdepot.com. 5750 Sacramento Ave. (530)235-0839.
Fort Jones Museum Hundreds of artifacts depicting the lives of local tribes, trappers, miners, pioneers and soldiers. Includes fossils, unusual rocks, vintage guns and one of the finest basket collections in Northern California. See carriages, buggies and vintage farm equipment in the carriage house. Free. fortjonesmuseum.com. 11913 Main St. (530)468-5568.
Heritage Junction Museum Of McCloud. Located in a historic 1904 building, the museum offers a large collection of artifacts, including the giant Corliss steam engine that powered the McCloud sawmill from 1903-1979. Features a photograph collection depicting the history of the town and surrounding area. Open from Memorial Day weekend to the end of September, weather permitting. Free. facebook.com/McCloudHeritageJunctionMuseum. 320 Main St. (530)964-2604.
Lava Beds National Monument; Tulelake. The largest concentration of lava tube caves in North America. nps.gov/labe/index.htm. 1 Indian Well HQ. (530)667-8113.
Siskiyou County Museum; Yreka. The Siskiyou County Museum was built in 1950 by the county to preserve the history of the area for future generations. Includes a collection of articles donated by the descendants of early pioneers along with exhibit galleries and an outdoor museum with original and recreated buildings from all over Siskiyou County. co.siskiyou.ca.us/museum. 910 S. Main St. (530) 842-3836.
Mount Shasta Sisson Museum; Mount Shasta. Located in a charming building at the Mount Shasta Fish Hatchery site. Displays, exhibits and special events focused on local history are updated regularly. Children’s activities include a vintage fire truck, a model railroad setup with a locomotive control panel, a lava tube to explore, old-fashioned toys and more. Gift shop features a great book selection, unique gift items and children’s toys. Class field trips available by appointment. Open Thur-Mon 10am-4pm until Dec 15. Closed after that until spring. mtshastamuseum.com. 1 N. Old Stage Rd. (530)926-5508.
Weed Historic Lumber Town Museum. Logging and town memorabilia, a jail cell and many interesting artifacts. weedlumbertownmuseum.org. 303 Gilman Ave. (530)938-0550.
TEHAMA COUNTY
Gaumer’s Mineral & Mining Museum; Red Bluff. Learn about gold mining, fossils, Native American artifacts, rocks, crystals and fluorescent minerals. Free. gaumers.com. 78 Belle Mill Rd. (530)527-6166.
Tehama County Museum; Tehama. Exhibits of artifacts that represent the cultural heritage of Tehama County. Private tours and group tours by appt. Free. facebook.com/tehamacountymuseum. 275 C St. (530)384-2595.
William B. Ide Adobe State Historic Park; Red Bluff. The park memorializes pioneer William B. Ide and other settlers who contributed to California history. Visitor center, old adobe home, blacksmith shop and fun historic reenactment events and hands-on educational programs. StoryWalks scheduled throughout the summer and fall. Enjoy a picnic along the Sacramento River. Search William B. Ide Adobe SHP on Facebook or parks.ca.gov. 21659 Adobe Rd. (530)529-8599.