The Best Museums in Chico, CA

Sometimes you need to learn about a specific place to truly appreciate what it offers. When you stay at the Parkway RV Resort, you can come to appreciate our local culture by visiting some of our historical sites and museums.

Chico, California, is the best place to go for cultural museum tours of Glenn and Butte County. Let’s dive into each of these highlights so you can plan your exciting trip in town.

Chico Air Museum

Address: 165 Ryan Ave, Chico, CA

Hours: 10AM - 3PM

Discover what it takes to fly high in the sky! The 20+ aircraft at the Chico Air Museum have deep history, and some were flown in WWI. You’ll find authentic pilot uniforms from throughout United States military history and you may have a chance to listen to speakers with a piloting background. It’s a definite must-visit for anybody fond of aviation history.

Take a look at the event calendar to see what’s coming up!

Chico Children's Museum

Address: 325 Main St, Chico, CA

Hours: 

10AM - 1PM (weekdays)

10AM - 4PM (weekends)

An adorable museum geared toward teaching young children about different jobs, the Children’s Museum in Chico is a fun stop for families with kids. Children can paint or color pictures in the Art-in-the-Park Exhibit, cook their own masterpiece at The Cafe, or pretend to be a veterinarian or dentist in their corresponding exhibits.

For very young children, there are a few playgrounds and sensory rooms for playtime, which is perfect for guests wanting their children to have a good time on the road.

Gateway Science Museum

Address: 625 Esplanade, Chico, CA

Hours: 11AM - 4PM

Guests with older children might be more interested in the Gateway Science Museum. The exhibits here are constantly rotating, but they put value on the natural creatures and processes that help our world function such as the Water Cycle.

The Fossils lab allows you to look at real fossilized creatures. Other exhibits help us ponder the mysteries of our solar system, and highlight the animals we know about that are still teaching us new things.

Bidwell Mansion

Address: 525 Esplanade, Chico, CA

Hours: 10AM - 3PM

More a history buff than a science guy? The Bidwell Mansion offers a peek into a 19-century villa owned by the Bidwell family—friends of President Rutherford Hayes, General William Sherman, and Susan B Anthony. 


Tours are held Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday every two hours from 11AM - 3PM. It’s a great way to learn about this historical era.

The Museum of Northern California Art

Address: 900 Esplanade, Chico, CA

Hours: 11AM - 5PM

We’ve talked about many science and history museums, but you can also find art exhibits in Chico as well. The Museum of Northern California Art (or MONCA) has dozens of artists from all over the county who donate their time and works to the museum. Walk through the galleries and explore creativity here.

Stansbury House

Address: 307 W 5th St #5505, Chico, CA

Hours: 1PM - 4PM


When you drive through Chico, CA, you’ll likely notice the opulent Stansbury House. This Victorian home was constructed in 1883, and is a fun way to walk through history. It’s totally affordable for families of all sizes. Prices are $5 per adult ticket and $3 per child under 13.

Janet Turner Print Museum

Address: 400 W 1st St, Chico, CA

This elegant building is found on the University of California Chico. The Print Museum talks about the history of Janet Turner, a famous printmaker and artist from the 20th century. Learn more about this rare art form and see some of her works here on campus.

The Parkway RV Resort is one of the best places to stay near Chico and Orland, California. Come check out this RV resort so you can have the coziest vacation out of the city.

Find a Place to Stay near Chico, CA