Lake Oroville
Bassmaster magazine voted Lake Oroville as the best spot to catch bass. Coho salmon, catfish, mackinaw and brown trout fishing is exceptional too. Camping is available at Lake Oroville State Recreation Area with boat-in campsites, along with typical all-terrain and RV hookup sites. Loafer Creek Campgrounds also boasts horse camps. 167 miles of shoreline to explore boating, water skiing, wake boarding and other water activities abound.
Reserved for non-motorized use only, the North Forebay is ranked as the best sailing and windsurfing north of the Bay Area. The spot is also popular with those who prefer to canoe, swim, or just relax in the sun. The Forebay Aquatic Center provides boat rentals such as kayaks, pedal boats, hydro bikes, canoes, and sailboats.
The South Forebay is the spot for speed competitions -- jet ski, speedboat and hydroplaners all come here to show what they're made of.
The Lake Oroville Visitor Center
Just a short drive from Bidwell Marina, Lake Oroville Visitor Center hosts exhibits covering the history of the California water projects from the early Spanish-built dams to the dams of today, Maidu Indian Culture, and local wildlife. More than 40 videos are available for viewing upon request. Be sure to climb the 47 foot high viewing tower for spectacular views of the lake, mountains and valley.
The Durham Wine District
Since 2018, the Durham Wine District has been delighting wine enthusiasts in Butte County. With four wineries within six miles of each other, the Durham Wine District is a great destination for a day trip. The soil and climate of Durham and Butte county is great for growing a variety of crops, and grapes thrive in the environment. The vintners and winemakers at each location are not only proud of their own wines but also of the level of craftsmanship of their fellow producers, which they'll tell you as they happily promote each other's tasting roomsWithin the Durham Wine District, the tasting rooms and wines are distinctly different, so visitors can engage in a wide variety of wines and experiences, all within 10 minutes of each other.
Craft Beer Breweries in Butte County
Since the launch of Sierra Nevada Brewing Company and its infamous Pale Ale in the early 1980s, Chico has been a destination for craft beer enthusiasts looking to taste new and interesting brews fresh from the source. Plan your next visit and discover all the local Northern California craft beer Butte County has to offer.The Ehmann Home
This Colonial Revival Craftsman home built in 1911 is open for tours on Saturdays from 11:00am-3:00pm. The home features lovely wainscoting, hardwood floors, fireplaces, intricate stained glass windows, and antique furniture including a Chickering piano that came around the Horn.
The Butte County Historical Society Museum & Archives features rotating Collector's Corner exhibits including Ishi's jail cell door, early gold scales, photographs, an amazingly detailed dollhouse, an Erle Stanley Gardner exhibit and many videos.
The Chinese Temple & Museum
The Chinese Temple & Museum provides a look into the life of a gold-rush era Chinese worker. Built in 1863 to serve a community of 10,000 Chinese, this temple of treasures is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and also as a California Landmark. The Temple has 3 chapels actively used for worship. You won't want to miss the garden which is designed as a place for mediation and reflection and has plantings that originated in China.
C F Lott Home in Sank Park
Built in 1856, the Lott Home serves as a cultural repository for decorative art objects, typical of the homes of Oroville's pioneer families. The collection includes antique furnishings, paintings, rugs, textiles, clothes, solver, and glassware of the period 1849-1910. The tour retells a love story, including the surprise built into the fireplace. The garden contains a profusion of flowers and hybrid rose area. Don't miss the carriage house where Jess & Cornelia's 1922 Buick is still parked.
Meriam Park Drive-In Movie Theater
At the Meriam Park Drive-In Movie Theater, enjoy Thursday, Friday, and Saturday night showings of family-friendly (PG-13 or under) movies each week!
Bolt Tool Museum
The Bolt Tool Museum displays tools manufactured during or prior to WWII, including a set of sockets hand forged by a blacksmith. Bud Bolt, a high school shop teacher, started collecting in 1957 as a way to get his students to pay more attention. His idea was to show the students the difference between the unwieldy old tools their grandfathers might have used and the modern ones.
Butte County Pioneer Memorial Museum
The Pioneer Museum is certain to make you catch the 49er spirit. Built in 1932 as a replica of a 49er cabin, it has been enlarged to 6,000 square feet of historic treasures. Antique pianos, the original Oregon City School organ, a grand old clock from Bidwell Bar, period clothing and accessories and antique dolls are just some of the items in the first room. The Indian artifact display contains one of the largest arrowhead and basket collections in the area.
41 Mile Freeman Bicycle Trail
This trail provides 41 miles of scenic off-road recreational riding for all terrain bicycles. Over 30 miles of the trail are flat with some slightly rolling terrain. There are 2 steep grades within a 2-mile distance from Lake Oroville on each side of the dam.
All segments of this exceptional trail have their own elements of beauty – woods, meadows, wildflowers, creek crossings, and panoramic views.
Feather River Fish Hatchery & Nature Center
This state-of-the-art hatchery can accommodate 9,000 adult salmon and 2,000 adult steelhead. The incubators can hold 20 million eggs, and 9.6 million fingerlings can be reared in the eight concrete raceways. During their fall run, (heaviest in September-November but extending into February) the fish can be seen through windows built into the wall, jumping the ladder-like steps leading to the gathering tanks, providing and aquarium-like view.
Olive Oil Tasting & Tours
Olive Oil made from Oroville-grown olives is taking “Best of Show” awards at the Los Angeles County Fair
Butte View Olive Co.
2950 Louis Ave, Oroville, CA
530-534-8320
Berkeley Olive Grove
8 Rocky Drive, Oroville, CA
530-533-1814
Lodestar Farms Olive Oil
3723 Foothill Blvd, Oroville, CA
530-534-6548
Chico State University
Chico State University is one of the few campuses anywhere that has a year-round creek running through its grounds. Enjoy the babbling brook every time you cross one of the seven foot bridges that span Big Chico Creek as it flows from the Sierra Nevada foothills, through Bidwell Park and downtown Chico to the campus, eventually making its way to the Sacramento River.
Chico Bidwell Mansion
While Bidwell Mansion State Historic Park is not technically part of campus, its proximity and history blur the distinction. This beautiful, three-story Victorian brick home in the Italian Villa style, was built by the Bidwells in 1868. John Bidwell, prominent pioneer, farmer, soldier, statesman, politician, and philanthropist, married Annie Elliott Kennedy, who was from a prominent Washington family and active in many social causes, including the suffrage and prohibition movements. The Bidwells often entertained at the mansion. Their guests included Susan B. Anthony, President Rutherford B. Hayes, General William T. Sherman, Frances Willard, Governor Stanford, and John Muir. The mansion was part of the Chico State University campus from 1923 to 1964, serving as a women's residence hall for many years.
Victorian Rose
The Victorian Rose provides a beautiful venue for weddings, special events, and small gatherings year-round. The gardens are accented with tasteful statues and fountains emanating the peaceful trickle of water. The lush green Creeping Fig graces the granite walls of the fence creating a “secret garden” atmosphere. The garden centerpiece is a 17 ft. domed Venetian gazebo, decorated with the emerald tones of ferns, topiaries, potted plants and the soft romantic glow of twinkle lights and hanging candelabra.
The gardens of the home are available for weddings and special events April – October; the parlor and dining rooms are available for small social events year round. Telephone (916) 412-5319 or click the link for contact information.
Other Popular Nearby Attractions
Chico
Twenty minutes west of Oroville, CA, Chico is the main town of the area with good shopping and a state college.
Gold Country
Where the formation of California really took place.
Mount Lassen
Excellent outdoor hiking and breathtaking scenery in the volcanic park about a 45 minute drive from Oroville, CA.
Sacramento
About an hour south of Oroville and the capital of California.
Official Travel Guide to the Shasta Cascade Region
Golf Courses
Kelly Ridge Country Club
Oroville, California
9-hole regulation length with a short, scenic layout
Table Mountain Golf Course
Oroville, California
6,690 yards of golf from the longest tees for a par of 72. The course rating is 71.4
Bidwell Park Golf Course
Chico, California
Description 18 holes, par 72, open since 1929