Arts and Cultural Sites in UpState CA

Bidwell Mansion State Historic Park

Bidwell Mansion was the home of General John Bidwell and his wife Annie Ellicott Kennedy Bidwell from the time of their marriage in 1868 until the end of their lives in 1900 and 1918 respectively. Construction of the 26-room mansion began in 1865, prior to John Bidwell's first introduction to his future bride, which occurred late in 1865. The Bidwells were married April 16, 1868 in Washington, D.C. with then President Andrew Johnson and future…

Bolt's Antique Tool Museum

The museum displays approximately 12,000 different items consisting of wrenches, blacksmith tools, tune-up related items, jacks, service station items, plumbing tools, soldering irons, electric tools, hand grinders and other misc. items. Over 2,000 brands dating back to the 1820's. Considered to be one of the most historical tool museums in the world. Open 7 days a week. Mon - Sat. 10 am -3:45pm, Sundays 11:45 -3:45 pm.

C.F. Lott Home in Sank Park

The home of Judge C.F.Lott, a'49er and prominent figure, was built in 1856.  The home, filled with many original furnishings and artifacts, tells a story of unrequited love, and life long devotion.

Chester Museum/Library

Housed in a contemporary log structure designed to resemble the 1929 log cabin library building, this museum also features an off-site exhibit including the century-old steam locomotive known as "Dinky". 

Corning Museum

The Corning Museum preserves and exhibits artifacts that represent the cultural heritage of Corning and Tehama County. Many displays include articles of period clothing, tools, pictures and other items dating back to the early days of Corning.

Dunsmuir RR Depot

Railroad history memorabilia, an unusual 1919 Western Electric cardboard telephone switch-board, vintage clothing, office equipment, and antique fishing gear are preserved in this privately maintained museum tucked into a steep side street in the old commercial district of the canyon railroad town once know as Pusher.

Feather River Nature Center

The bank of the Feather River below the Bath House was once the site of a Maidu fishing village. The river provided a bountiful supply of giant Chinook salmon and acorns were harvested from the groves of Blue Oaks. Gold was discovered in the Feather River in 1849 bringing a tent city of fortune hunters virtually overnight. The gold soon ran out and the miners left as quickly as they had appeared.As the need for…

Fort Crook Museum

The story of the Indians and early settlers of this area are depicted by several rooms of antique furniture, a blacksmith’s shop, the old Fall River jail, early farm implements, old school house, log cabin and Indian artifacts.

Fort Jones Museum

Built with native rock, the museum houses a collection of Indian and Pioneer artifacts, including a rare ceremonial white deer skin, many Indian baskets, and the famous "rain rock".

Gold Nugget Museum

The museum depicts area history from Native American to 1950, and includes a replication of an old west mining town with a working blacksmith shop, gold panning sluices and souvenir shop.