Views of Chico, California

Some views of Chico. The first known inhabitants of the area now known as Chico — a Spanish word meaning "little"— were the Mechoopda Maidu Native Americans.

The City of Chico was founded in 1860 by John Bidwell, a member of one of the first wagon trains to reach California in 1843.

It's home to massive Bidwell Park, with woodland trails, a golf course and an observatory. Bidwell Mansion State Historic Park is the former home of local pioneers John and Annie Bidwell.

Nearby, the kids-oriented Gateway Science Museum offers hands-on exhibits and an Ice Age skeletons display. The National Yo-Yo Museum has toy memorabilia, including a gigantic wooden yo-yo!