Bidwell Mansion

Housed within Bird in Hand (worth a visit in its own right) is the National Yo-Yo Museum, created and maintained by store owners, Barbara & Bob Malowney. Inside (it's at the back of the store), you'll find the 80 year history of the yo-yo as a toy and as a sport, the Duncan Family collection, and the world's largest working yo-yo, weighing in at 256 pounds.

Every Saturday, the Chico Yo-Yo Club meets in Diamond Alley (behind the store) to practice, teach, and assist all levels of yo-yo-ers, and once a year the club sponsors the National Yo-Yo Contest. Bidwell Mansion State Historic Park is just outside downtown Chico. John and Annie Bidwell lived here for many years. General John Bidwell was a leader in the Bear Flag Revolt, winning California's independence from Mexico. He was also a farmer, businessman, statesman, and civic booster. The Bidwells donated huge tracts of land to Chico State University and Bidwell Park. Without them, Chico would be nothing.

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