Chico California was founded by John Bidwell in 1860. It is located on the valley floor, 90 minutes north of Sacramento, between the Cascade Mountain Range and the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range. It boasts a Mediterranean climate with mild winters. Chico is home to Sierra Nevada Brewery, Bidwell Park, California State University, Chico.

Its lively Downtown area hosts Thursday Night Market and Concerts in the Park, not to mention the shopping and restaurants. Bidwell Park is 3,670 acres, and is one of the largest municipally owned parks in the nation. The park has Big Chico Creek running through it and has a six mile loop for walking and biking. The Park is home to Caper Acres, numerous picnic areas, One Mile and Five Mile swimming areas in the lower park area. Hiking, biking and equestrian trails and the Chico Community Observatory are in the upper park area. California State University, Chico, is the second oldest CSU campus in the state. It has world class performances through Chico Performances at Laxson Auditorium. Sierra Nevada Brewing Company is one of the top craft brewers in the country and has produced many award winning beers.

Chico is bicycle friendly with bike paths throughout the city and has been ranked as the #1 cycling city in the nation in Bicycle Magazine. Chico hosts the Wildflower Century, an annual 100-mile bike ride throughout Butte County every April, put on by Chico Velo Cycling Club.

Chico has been designated a Tree City for 31 years by the National Arbor Day Foundation. Chico is also the proud home of The National Yo-Yo Museum.