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Oroville

Oroville is a small town in the Sierra Nevada foothills of Northern California. With a population in the greater urban area of 40,000, it is the seat of Butte County. A relaxed place, it boasts a massive dam that has created the man made Lake Oroville. There are excellent outdoor activities including boating, hiking, biking, and fishing.

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Drink
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8 places match

  1. See

    Bidwell Bar Bridge

    Original

    The Bidwell Bar Bridge is the first steel suspension bridge built in California. It was relocated to its current location in 1965 to avoid inundation by the rising water of Lake Oroville.

    Free

  2. See

    Cherokee Museum & Ghost Town

    What was once a boom town during the mining days, this is a small ghost town with several structures you can walk through from the road including what was the Wells Fargo Bank. There is also a small museum that has varying opening hours. There are a few scattered places where people still live, so tread carefully.

  3. See

    Chinese Temple

    Built in 1863, this temple served the needs of all the Chinese north of Sacramento. Now it is a museum open to the public showing the history of the Chinese in the area as well as artifacts from the days when the temple was in full service.

    Daily: Noon-4PMAdults: $3

  4. See

    Ishi Emergence Spot

    The location where Ishi, the last Native American to live in the wild came in to contact with European Americans in 1911 which is mainly just a plaque marking the spot. Much more can be found at the Lake Oroville Visitor Center.

    Free

  5. See

    Lake Oroville Visitor Center

    Outside of the town, this state-run visitor center offers a splendid observation of the town and the history of the construction of the lake and the Indian tribes that were in the area.

    Free

  6. See

    Mother Orange Tree

    The original orange tree brought to California 1856 which is still bearing fruit to this day despite a near fatal frost in 1998.

    Free

  7. See

    Oroville Dam

    Billed as the largest earth-filled dam in the world, it is the tallest dam in the United States at 230m/770ft, and the top of the dam spans 2,110m/6,920ft. The view over the Sacramento Valley is stunning, especially after a good rainstorm. For security reasons, you can't park directly on the top of the dam. There are also quite impressive tours under the dam showing the massive hydroelectric turbines, although the hours and offer of these tours are unpredictable.

    Free

  8. See

    Pioneer History Museum

    Opened in 1932, this museum houses a very large collection of tools and other historical items used by people in the Gold Rush. A must-see for anyone who has any interest in Gold Rush history.

    Fri-Sun: Noon-4PMAdults: $3