Chico

Chico is located in the Sacramento Valley in northern California. It is home to Chico State University, CSU. The official nickname of the city is ‘City of Roses’. The city was founded in 1860 by John Bidwell. He was in one of the first wagon trains to reach California. The city was...

Chico is located in the Sacramento Valley in northern California. It is home to Chico State University, CSU. The official nickname of the city is ‘City of Roses’. The city was founded in 1860 by John Bidwell. He was in one of the first wagon trains to reach California. The city was incorporated in January of 1872. Today the Bidwell Mansion State Historic Park is a memorial to the Bidwells. Their 26 room Victorian home acts as a museum offering tours to visitors. Students enrolled in English school in Chico will enjoy spending time in the Downtown Chico City Plaza. It’s a great place to grab some lunch and people watch during the days. In the summer, residents and visitors gather at the plaza for free Friday night concerts. Enjoy some outdoor time at Bidwell Park. It spans 3618 acres and includes trails, portions of Big Chico Creek Canyon, Sycamore Pool, a golf course and more. Students taking English courses in Chico will see that the nightlife in town definitely changes when the Chico State students are in session. There is a broad selection including bars, nightclubs with live music and upscale lounges. For a really unique experience, be sure to take a trip to the National Yo-Yo Museum. It features yo-yos from the 1920s to current times. Free lessons are offered every Saturday for those looking to improve their skills. The climate in Chico is considered Mediterranean. In the summer, it is not uncommon for temperatures to reach higher than 100. Winters are generally very mild and wet with the most rain falling during the month of January.