summer with the bidwells

We had a great time celebrating Summer with the Bidwells on Saturday, June 25 at the Mansion. It was a wonderful opportunity to invite the public to meet General and Mrs. Bidwell and their friends, while enjoying live music, lawn games, ice cream, casaba melon planting, and tours of the Mansion.

We look forward to planning more events like this throughout the year, so stay tuned.

We are constantly updating our 2024–2025 events calendar,
so check back often for new information.

Print by Jake Early

Christmas with the bidwells

Thank you to everyone who joined General and Mrs. Bidwell in celebrating the holiday season. We had a wonderful time meeting with guests, singing in the parlor, eating cookies, and listening to Bidwell, General Sherman, and Dr. Stansbury share stories in the mansion. Such a delightful event!

If you missed any of their conversation, head on over to our YouTube channel, where you will also find videos of past events.

Proceeds from this event benefit education and interpretation at Bidwell Mansion State Historic Park.

Annual members meeting

​Sunday, January 28, 2024
Free and open to the public

5:30 p.m. – Reception
6 p.m. – Short Business Meeting
6:30 p.m. – ​Guest Speaker, Paul Belz

We invite you to join us for our Annual Members Meeting of the Bidwell Mansion Association. All BMA members and guests are welcome to attend. 

​​After a brief business meeting, we are excited to hear from author Paul Belz about his new book, Bidwell Park: Personal Reflections and Casual Conversations about Chico’s Crown, where he explores the park through conversations with notable and knowledgeable friends who share their insights on it’s history, geology, ecology, wildlife, and the controversies that have shaped the development of Chico’s “crown jewel.”

Thank you for your membership support — we look forward to seeing you at the Annual Meeting!

Annie's Victorian Tea
Saturday, July 22 | 11:30 a.m. and 3 p.m.
Bidwell Mansion State Historic Park
Tickets: $45 (tickets may be procured through the convenience of online purchase)

It is with the utmost delight that we extend to you an invitation to the home of John and Annie Bidwell, where an occasion of tea awaits.

Partake in delectable treats, the infusion of tea, and the pleasant company of dear friends inside the mansion. We have thoughtfully arranged two distinct seatings and welcome you to join us at 11:30 a.m. or 3 p.m. (each seating is limited to a capacity of 40 persons—tables will be set for guests four).

We eagerly anticipate the joyous occasion of your esteemed presence as we gather for this enchanting Victorian tea at the Bidwell Mansion. Please call 530-588-0476 or email [email protected] for more information.

Christmas with the bidwells

Proceeds from this event benefit education and interpretation at
Bidwell Mansion State Historic Park.

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Friday, December 15 | 6–8 p.m.

Tickets: $35
Children 12 and under free

Purchase tickets at the door or online

General and Mrs. Bidwell cordially invite you to their home to celebrate the holiday season. Enjoy historic vignettes, live music, light refreshments, and holiday cheer in the grandly decorated mansion.

Victorian Mourning at the Bidwell Mansion

PLEASE NOTE: If you would like to purchase both an adult and a youth ticket, please select one option first to add to your cart. Your cart will open in a new widow so you can return to this page to add the other ticket. You will have the option in your cart window to change ticket quantities.

Due to an overwhelming interest in this event, all tours are currently SOLD OUT.
We thank you for your interest and support, and hope to host this event again next year.


Join us for guided evening tours of the Bidwell Mansion as we delve into the rich and intriguing history of 19th-century American mourning.

Tours will be held in the evening, starting at 5:30, 6:30 (sold out), and 7:30, where we will explore this fascinating part of our past.

Enjoy refreshments in the Visitors Center while channeling your inner Victorian through Halloween and history-inspired crafts. Guests are encouraged to embrace the theme by donning black attire or Victorian-inspired costumes for a truly immersive experience.

Tickets can be purchased below or at the door. However, we suggest you purchase early as each tour is limited to 20 people.

Please call 530-588-0476 or email [email protected]
for more information.  

Proceeds from this event benefit education and interpretation at
Bidwell Mansion State Historic Park.

Victorian Mourning at the Bidwell Mansion

Due to an overwhelming interest in this event, all tours are currently SOLD OUT.
We thank you for your interest and support, and hope to host this event again next year.

Sunday, October 29 | 5–8 p.m.
Adult: $7 | Youth 18 and Under: $4

Join us for guided evening tours of the Bidwell Mansion as we delve into the rich and intriguing history of 19th-century American mourning.

Tours will be held in the evening, starting at 5:30, 6:30, and 7:30, where we will explore this fascinating part of our past.
Enjoy refreshments in the Visitors Center while channeling your inner Victorian through Halloween and history-inspired crafts. Guests are encouraged to embrace the theme by donning black attire or Victorian-inspired costumes for a truly immersive experience.

Please note: all tours are currently sold out.

Please call 530-588-0476 or email [email protected] for more information.  

Proceeds from this event benefit education and interpretation at Bidwell Mansion State Historic Park.