Oroville DamFollow Oro Dam Blvd. East Info: 530-534-2306 Completed in 1968, it stands 770 feet high and is 6,920 feet across the top. It is the tallest and one of the largest earthen dams in the USA. Tailings from the gold dredging era make up most of the material used in construction. A picnic area overlooks the dam & has restroom facilities.  The dam area is also a favorite of local swimmers. Beneath the dam, a cavern almost as large as the state capitol building has been hollowed out to house six power generation units. Coupled with four units in the Thermalito Power Plant, they generate more than 2.8 billion kilowatt-hours of power annually. Lake Oroville, which the dam created, has a surface area of 24 square miles and a shoreline of 167 miles, including many waterfalls in the Spring.

Bidwell Bar Suspension BridgeSouth End of Lake Oroville in Bidwell Canyon Off Kelly Ridge Road 530-538-2219 In 1856, a suspension bridge was swung across the Feather River at Bidwell Bar, site of the county’s first gold mining community. It’s towers, manufactured in New York and brought around the Horn, the bridge was the first of it’s type in California and was closed to traffic in 1954. Prior to the construction of Oroville Dam, the bridge was dismantled and relocated in Bidwell Canyon. The first Saturday of every May, the Bidwell Bar Day celebration is held here featuring demonstrations of pioneer crafts, gold panning, food and entertainment. The Toll House Museum there is open on Saturdays during the summer.

Lake Oroville Visitor's CenterNorth End of Kelly Ridge RoadOff Olive Hwy (Hwy 162) 530-538-2219 http://parks.ca.gov Hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m., 7 days a week Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, & New Year’s Day This is a great source for just about any kind of information you want about the area. The center, a joint venture between California’s Dept. of Parks & Recreation and the Dept. of Water Resources, has exhibitions which cover the history of the California water projects from the early Spanish-built dams to the dams of today, Maidu Indian culture, and local wildlife. More than forty videos are available for viewing upon request. Brochures on all area attractions are available as well as maps of hiking and horse trails. Be sure to climb the 47-foot high viewing tower for spectacular views of the lake, mountains, and valley.

Lake Oroville Recreation Area east of Oroville, off Olive Hwy. (162) Campsite Reservations:800-444-PARK (7275) Park Headquarters • 530-538-2200 www.dwr.water.ca.gov/lakeoroville Camping opportunities abound at this State Recreation Area, including boat-in campsites and ten two-tiered floating campsites, along with the more typical all-terrain and RV hookup sites. For marina information (houseboat & other boat rentals, etc.), please see item number 18. If it’s bass you’re after, you’ll be pleased to know that Bassmaster magazine ranks Lake Oroville as the “Best Bass Fishing Spot in California,” and held a regional bass tournement here. And bass aren’t the only type of fish you’ll find. Coho salmon, catfish, mackinaw, and brown trout can all be found here.

North & South Forebays West of Hwy. 70, north of Oroville (Garden Drive Exit) Classes: 624-6919; www.rowchico.com Reserved for non-motorized use only, the North Forebay is a sailor’s dream come true. Ranked as the best sailing and windsurfing north of the Bay Area, these waters and winds are delightful. The spot is also popular with those who prefer to canoe, swim, or just relax in the sun. A 200-yard sandy swimming beach has men’s and women’s dressing rooms, drinking water, and a special feature — shade trees that keep the sun off of your picnic table and you. A 15-space RV campsite and restrooms are also found at the North Forebay. In addition to the North Forebay, there is a 7,000 sq. ft. aquatic center on site. The Forebay Aquatic Center is a collaborative effort between the Department of Boating and Waterways,  the Department of Water Resources, the Department of Parks and Recreation and the Chico Rowing Club.  The center provides boat rentals, such as kayaks (both single and double), pedal boats, hydro bikes, canoes, and sailboats. In addition to the rentals, the center offers courses in sailing, sit-on-top kayaking, sea kayaking, canoeing, wakeboarding, rowing, and aquatic camps for youths…

Butte County Pioneer Memorial Museum 2332 Montgomery Street cityoforoville.org/pioneermuseum.html 530-538-2497 • Fri-Sat-Sun. Noon-4p.m. Closed: Dec. 15-Jan. 31 Admission: $2 Adults ($1.50/each for groups with 15 or more), children under 12 free Built by the Native Sons & Daughters of the Golden West and operated by the City of Oroville, this museum was built in 1932 as a replica of a 49er cabin. The original building has been enlarged to now hold 6,000 sq. ft. of historic treasures. Antique pianos, the original Oregon City School organ, a grand old clock from Bidwell Bar, an extensive hat collection (including an 1849 bonnet worn by a wagontrainer), beautifully elaborate women’s fans, antique dolls (including a doll from the Donner Party), a miner’s vest tailored to hold different size nuggets, and a handmade gold needle are just part of the holdings of the first room. The Indian artifact display contains one of the largest arrowhead and basket collections in the area, and the Chinese exhibit features a rare tear jar. One area is devoted to the life of Florence Danforth Boyle, the museum’s founder and Butte County Recorder in 1918. It will give you the 49er spirit!

C.F. Lott Home in Sank Park 1067 Montgomery Street 530-538-2497 or 538-2415 Home Hours: Sun., Mon., & Fri.  11:30-3:30 Closed: Dec. 15-Jan. 31 Admission: Adults $3, Children under 12 free Park Hours: Mon.-Sat. 9-9, Sun. 9-8:30 A Victorian revival style structure, the C.F. Lott Home built in 1856 serves as a cultural repository for decorative art objects which are typical of the homes of Oroville’s pioneer families. The collection includes antique furnishings, paintings, rugs, textiles, clothes, silver, and glassware of the period 1849-1910. The tour retells a love story, including the surprise built into the fireplace. The garden contains a profusion of flowers, including an outstanding hybrid rose area, and the park contains a lovely gazebo as well as many trees that show autumn color. Don’t miss the carriage house with Jess and Cornelia’s 1922 Buick. Portions of the property may be reserved for weddings and other private functions.

Oroville Chinese Temple & Garden 1500 Broderick St., 530-538-2496 www.cityoforoville.org/chinesetemple.html Hours: Daily, Noon-4 Closed December 15-January 31 Admission: Adults $3,  Children under 12 free, Tour groups and special rates Built in 1863 to serve a community of 10,000 Chinese, this temple of treasures is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and also as a California Landmark. It was first opened to visitors during California’s 1949 Centennial. It includes three chapels, with the main chapel, Liet Sheng Kong, serving as a place of worship for Taoism, Confucianism, and Buddhism. In 1968, Tapestry Hall was added to display the extensive collection of embroidered tapestries, parade parasols, and other objects of beauty. A priceless collection of Chinese and American costumes is arranged to contrast the two cultures by decades from 1850 to 1930. Also see the rare three-dimensional puppets from the Oroville Chinese Opera Theatre. Visitors won’t want to miss the garden, which is designed as a place for meditation and reflection and has plantings that originated in China; each is a symbol for a Taoist idea. The temple and garden are maintained by the Oroville Parks Department.

Historic State Theater of Oroville At Myers & RobinsonTickets: 530-538-2415 Box Office Information Recording: 530-538-2470 Dedicated in 1928, this theater has featured great vaudeville acts, fine films, and multiple live music, dance, and drama performances. The theater was designed by Timothy L. Pflueger  and J.R. Miller, who also created the Pacific Telephone and Telegraph Building in San Francisco. The State was restored to much of its original grandeur in the late 1980s with additional restoration projects being completed every few years. The theatre now has an outstanding lineup each season of national touring companies as well as local groups presenting music, dance, comedy, and drama.

Ehmann Home Lincoln at Robinson, 530-877-7436, 533-5316 Open for tours Saturdays, 11-3 Butte County Historical Society Museum 1749 Spencer Ave. 530-533-9418, Fri. 9-12, Sat. 11-3 Butte County Historical Society Archives 2335 Baldwin Ave. 530-533-9418, Thurs.-Fri., 9-Noon Freda Ehmann, “Mother of the Ripe Olive Industry,” and her son, Edwin, built this Colonial Revival Craftsman home in 1911 after she’d perfected a curing process for ripe olives and had markets across the nation.  Edwin served as mayor here from 1919-23. Open for tours by appointment and on Saturdays from 11-3, the home features lovely wainscoting, hardwood floors, fireplaces, intricate stained glass windows, and antique furniture including a Chickering piano that came around the Horn. The home is available for weddings & other events. BCHS Museum houses Ishi’s jailcell door, early gold scales, photographs, an amazingly detailed dollhouse, an Erle Stanley Gardner exhibit and many videos. BCHS hosts annual “Ishi Days” each May. Research assistance and sale of books, Diggin’s (BCHS’ quarterly publication), and Ehmann olives are offered at the Archives. Gifts are offered in all three venues.

Oroville’s Antique Shops Downtown Oroville Antique dealers from all over the Northwest come here to buy for their shops. It’s because of the bargains. China, glassware, pottery, jewelry, silver, clocks, paintings, books, maga-zines, sheet music, fixtures, quilts, figurines, dolls, toys, tools, records, trunks, and every type and style of furniture can all be found. Whether you’re adding to a collection, wanting to buy a gift for someone else, or just looking for a classy way to add to the decor of your own home, do take the time to treasure hunt in these shops.

Lake Oroville Golf and Event Center 9 Holes, Par 66; 5131 Royal Oaks Drive • 530-589-0777Table Mountain Golf 18 Holes, Par 72; Oro Dam Blvd. W., 2 miles W. Hwy 70 • 533-3922 Dingerville USA 9 Holes, Par 27; 5813 Pacific Heights Rd. •  530-533-9343 Riverbend Park Disc Golf Course 18 Holes; West end of Montgomery St. at Hwy. 70 • 530-533-2011, www.frrpd.com If golfing is your sport, Oroville offers three courses with widely differing terrains. The Lake Oroville Golf and Event Center course near Lake Oroville is tight, challenging, and offers a rolling, parklike setting with lovely foothill views.  It also features a netted driving range, a pro shop and practice putting greens. The Table Mountain course has hosted the Women’s Pro Am Tour, but don’t let that scare you away—amateurs play there year round.  It features water hazards, sand traps, and a driving range and putting green. South of Oroville, off Hwy. 70, Dingerville USA is an Executive golf course. Their shortest hole is 90 yards, their longest 192. Pull-cart and club rentals are available. This course opened in 1993. A great family pastime, because it’s free and all ages can play, is a round of disc golf at…

41-Mile Freeman Bicycle Trail530-533-7885 Completed in 1996, this trail provides 41 miles of scenic off-road recreational riding for All Terrain Bicycles.  Over 30 miles of the trail are flat with some slightly rolling terrain.  There are two steep grades within a 2-mile distance from Lake Oroville on each side of the Dam.  In fact, the trail on the North side of the Dam was the site (1 of 7) of the California State Downhill Championship Series Race, a 1.5-mile single track trail with 37 turns and 750 feet of vertical drop. All segments of this exceptional trail have their own elements of beauty.  Rolling oaks, scattered pines, beautiful meadows (filled with wildflowers in the Spring), creek crossings, panoramic views of Oroville, the Sacramento Valley, and the Sutter Buttes, lovely park, river, and afterbay scenes, and many species of birds are all found here. Maps of the Freeman Bicycle Trail are available at Greenline Cycles, 1911 Montgomery (corner of Huntoon), at the Oroville Area Chamber of Commerce, 1789 Montgomery Street, and at the Lake Oroville Visitor’s Center.

Anytime Fitness 1124 Oro Dam Blvd. 530-533-7770Outdoor Fitness Course Riverbend Park, W. end of Montgomery/Hwy. 70, along the bike trail 530-533-2011 Oroville Sports Club 2600 Oro Dam Blvd. 530-538-0123 Bedrock Park Fifth Avenue & Stafford Street The Outdoor Fitness Course is state-of-the art and is designed for low impact cardio-vascular health and fitness for all levels.  It consists of four stations, each with directions for the various activities. A project of the Rotary Club of Oroville, it is accessible for all, including the disabled. The sports clubs offers facilities for just about everything for anyone interested in getting or staying in shape: aerobics/fitness programs, weight-support programs, etc. If you prefer a park-like setting, try Bedrock Park for eight lighted tennis courts.

Feather River Fish Hatchery & Nature Center Off Table Mountain Blvd. at Feather River Crossing Visiting Hours: 8 a.m. to Sundown Fish ladder opens the day after Labor Day. Tours: 530-534-230 When Oroville Dam was built, several miles of spawning grounds were no longer available to salmon and steelhead trout returning to their home stream to spawn. To compensate for this loss, the Dept. of Fish & Game and Dept. of Water Resources opened this state-of-the art facility. The hatchery can accommodate 9,000 adult salmon and 2,000 adult steelhead. The incubators can hold 20 million eggs, and 9.6 million fingerlings can be reared in the eight concrete raceways. During their Fall-run (heaviest in September-November, but extending into February) the fish can be seen, through windows built into the wall, jumping the ladder-like steps leading to the gathering tanks, providing  an aquarium-like view. If you’ve never witnessed this life cycle, try to find time to watch nature in spectacular action at this official California Watchable Wildlife site. Built of stone and sitting beside the river just across from the hatchery on Old Ferry Road, the 1930’s WPA bath house has been restored and converted into a Nature Center. Beautifully constructed from…

Chinese Temple Garden 1500 Broderick St. Lott Garden in Sank Park 1067 Montgomery St. Minasian Azalea Gardens 1681 Bird St. Western Pacific’s Calif. Display Garden 2191 High at Oliver Three of Oroville’s gardens are featured in Garden Getaways-Northern California (1989, Tioga Publishing Co.), which is quite a compliment for the city.  “Closed off to the world outside its gates, the garden is a mystery from outside but a place of shelter and tranquility within,” is how the author describes the Chinese Temple Garden after listing dawn redwood, ginkgo, wisteria, bamboo, waterlilies, and other specimens to be enjoyed here. After discussing species in Sank Park, “…a rose garden…a trellised gazebo, and wide lawns with beautiful specimen trees… the garden today is ideal for strolling, sitting, and for more formal gatherings,” the author wrote. One of the historic garden spots in Oroville is the former California Display Garden at Western Pacific Brewing & Dining. The garden was originally used to “greet and introduce” rail travelers to the huge variety of California fruit trees. After traveling through the snow in the Sierras, we bet they were impressed. Avocados, palms, a fig, olive, persimmon, and pineapple guava remain from the original garden, and a…

Loafer Creek Horse CampLake Oroville Recreation Area530-538-2200 Reserve America, 800-444-7275 This new state-of-the-art facility features 15 campsites (two horses per site), a restroom with shower facility, a horse washing station and horse tethering and feeding stations. What more could you ask for? The area features 44 miles of riding and hiking trails traveling from an elevation of 200-1000 feet.  The trail meanders by many sights, including an old settler’s cabin and an 1850’s water flume. It’s a beautiful ride. A trail map, developed by the Lake Oroville Mounted Assistance Unit, is available for $1.50.

Bidwell Marina 801 Bidwell Canyon Drive Oroville, CA 95966 530-589-9175   www.bidwellcanyonmarina.com              Lake Oroville Marina 3428 Pentz Road, Paradise, CA 95969 530-877-2414 or 800-255-5561 www.lakeorovillemarina.com Some folks prefer sunrises, but we’re partial to sunsets, and we don’t think they come any better than those shining their colors across a lake. Since they’re twice as nice if you’re surrounded by water, why not enjoy one the best way. Both marinas have party boats, ski boats, fishing boats, waverunners, skis/toys available for rent at a nominal charge, and Lake Oroville Marina rents houseboats. You can get snacks to take along, as well as bait and tackle if you want to fish, in their grocery store. And then there’s the party barge — huge patio boat/dance floor/campsite/conference room — it’s all of these. Camping and picnic facilities are available near both marinas. Call ahead to be sure of a boat when you arrive.

Huntington’s Sportsman’s Store 601 Oro Dam Blvd. 530-534-8000 Hours: Mon-Fri 9-6, Sat. 8-5 Admission is free You may have seen wildlife museums that contain a nice variety of area wildlife, but Oroville is home to one with over 100 “trophies” from all over the world. Many photographs taken during the hunts are also displayed, and in the cases surrounding the museum room is an outstanding and unique collection of firearms. Huntington’s also has cases filled with memorabilia from Oroville’s past: antique bottles and many Indian artifacts, including an exceptional collection of baskets. It’s easy to see why it’s called “Northern California’s Most Unique Sportsman’s Store!”

Butte View Olive Co. 2950 Louis Ave., Oroville, CA 95966 530-534-8320 www.butteview.com Lodestar Farms Olive Oil 3719 Foothill Blvd., Oroville, CA 95966 530-534-6548 www.lodestarfarms.com Sierra Oro Farm Trail Map 530-566-9849 www.sierraoro.org If you’ve read a recent copy of “Wine Spectator” magazine, you’ll know that Oroville is rated as the best place in the nation to grow olives. And that explains why olive oil made from Oroville’s olives are taking “Best of Show” awards at the Los Angeles County Fair—the fair in the nation for olive oil judging! We spoke with three of the local growers and olive oil producers and were impressed to learn that each of them had traveled abroad to the study the process of making olive oil, Meier in France, Johansson (Lodestar) in Spain, and  Giannecchini’s in Italy. The Wagon Wheel Market on Olive Highway carries many of the local olive oils, but Lodestar Farms has a tasting room and give tours; however, a phone call to any of them can get you an appointment to sample the best extra virgin olive oil in the nation! The Sierra Oro Farm Trail Map features many of the above-mentioned farms and wineries.  The maps are available from Butte County…

Oroville Aviation Corp. North Wilbur Road at the Afterbay Canal 530-532-7530 The sign on Wilbur Road reads “Oroville Air Corp.–Spectators Welcome.” And you can watch model airplanes being flown most Sunday mornings—every description of plane and some with wingspans of 120 inches—even helicoptors. The group encourages spectators and urges young and old to put their own craft in the air, pointing out that you can be piloting your own radio-controlled airplane for less than $300. The group meets monthly. DWR built a 350 x 300 foot runway, but the Wilbur site is best known because it affords both land and water takeoffs and landings. Oroville is one of only two places in Northern California where both land and water facilities are available.

Oroville’s downtown has turned int o a mural mecca with over 15 murals, and you can also find one at the Lake Oroville Visitor’s Center. The murals high-light Oroville’s heritage going from the Gold Rush era through World War II. These murals have been created thanks to the Downtown Business Association.  If you have ideas or donations for future murals, please contact Mike Isch at Northwestern Trading, 1910 Bird St., Oroville, CA.

The Depot at Western Pacific Brewing and DiningOliver & High Streets (530) 534-9101 Where better to watch the trains go by than in Oroville’s original Western Pacific Railway Station? This beautiful structure has been lovingly restored, and a wonderful, new, steam engine mural has just been painted on a wall in the entryway. If you’re there when things aren’t terribly busy, one of the staff members will enjoy telling you a little of the building’s history, and we love the regular passing of the trains. Whenever you go, we suggest that you stay for one of their beers. They’re winning ribbons at competitions and at fairs.  Our publisher LOVES their Oatmeal Stout!

Colusa Casino 3 miles north of Colusa, Hwy.45 530-458-8844 www.colusacasino.com Feather Falls Casino Hwy. 70 to Ophir Rd. then east 530-533-3885 www.featherfallscasino.com Gold Country Casino & Hotel 4020 Olive Hwy. 530-538-4560 www.gold-country-casino.com Rolling Hills Casino Liberal Avenue exit in Corning 530-528-3504 www.rollinghillscasino.com These casinos have slot machines, blackjack, bingo, and just about anything you’d want if you’re feeling lucky! All four casinos also feature live entertainment, and have restaurants on-site, and Gold Country has a 24-lane bowling alley.

Butte College3536 Butte Campus Drive (Off Durham-Pentz Rd) Oroville, CA 95965-8399 530-895-2511 www.butte.edu Butte College offers a quality education where students can earn Associate of Arts and Sciences degrees, transfer, certificate, career and technical programs, English as a second language, workforce training and adult non-credit classes. Resting on 928 acres, the college has the largest campus in the state, and it is the only campus designated as a wildlife refuge. If you’re starting your college career or thinking about a better job, Butte College offers an affordable, quality education with flexible day and night classes.  With over 100 degree, transfer and certificate programs-—there’s something for everyone.  Students save thousands when they take their general education classes at Butte College and transfer the units to a university.  Alumni have successfully transferred to prestigious campuses such as UC Davis, UC Berkeley, USC, UCLA, and Stanford, among others. Financial aid is available for those who qualify, and two out of three students receive financial aid, grants, or scholarships.  Personalized tours can be arranged by phoning them or visiting their website.

California Historic Landmark “The Last Yahi Indian” Oro-Quincy Hwy. & Oak Street   Ishi Mural Downtown on Robinson St., between Lincoln & Huntoon Film & additional information available at The Lake Oroville Visitor’s Center • 530-538-2219 In 1911, an Indian about 50 years of age wandered into the outskirts of Oroville. An anthropologist from the University of California at Berkeley came here and took the man, whom he named Ishi, back to the university and was amazed to learn that Ishi spoke a language thought to have been extinct.  Ishi worked at the school both as a janitor and as a teacher of his culture until his death in 1916. The monument was designed and built by the McInturf family of Oroville and is constructed of fieldstone rocks gathered from the Deer Creek Canyon area where Ishi lived before his family died, and he found his way to Oroville. The Rotary Club has recently added picnic tables and landscaping to the area surrounding the monument, making it a pleasant spot to contemplate our land of many cultures. Books about Ishi include Ishi, The Story of an American Indian by Kathleen Allan Meyer and Ishi in Two Worlds by Theodora Kroeber. In…

Birdcage Theatre & Hocks Unlimited 1740 Bird Street 530-533-BIRD www.birdcagetheatre.net It’s hard for us to believe that so much talent landed in one spot, but time and time again, we’re overwhelmed by the professional quality of productions that are staged here. The Birdcage season begins in September, and nearly every month sees a new production. Hocks Unlimited presents their annual melodrama every July and features popcorn, beverages, and unlimited laughs.

Hewitt Park Steam EnginesBetween Baldwin & Park Ave., access on Daryl Porter Locomotive buffs will enjoy these two old steam engines.  Railroads were an important part of Oroville’s history since the lumber industry played a dominant role in the local economy and depended heavily on the railroads. The Shay engine located on the Park Avenue side originally belonged to the Hutchinson Lumber Co., purchased to operate on its private 20-mile logging railroad in the foothills east of here. Both engines represent an important part of Oroville history.

Oroville State Wildlife Area Headquarters: 945 Oro Dam Blvd. W. Entrances off of Oro Dam Blvd. W., Hwy 70, Pacific Heights Rd, Larkin Rd., Vance Ave. & Palm Ave. Maps available at Entry Points 530-538-2236 Just outside the Oroville city limits are 11,000 acres of preserved natural beauty with ample opportunities for fishing enthusiasts and birdwatchers. Egrets, beaver and river otters are among the many animals found here. Administered by the California Department of Fish and Game, the area is divided into two units: the 4,300-acre Thermalito Afterbay with its 26 miles of shoreline and the 5,700-acre Borrow Area Preserve. Bass, catfish, and crappie are found in both the ponds and the afterbay area, and salmon, steelhead, and shad can be caught in the river, twelve miles of which wanders through the Borrow Area section. Canoes or car-top boats can be launched in several spots along the river. Some fishing restrictions are men-tioned on maps available at the entry points. There are campsites (no fees) in the southern half of Borrow Area. The area is also popular with birdwatchers since it provides a year-round or seasonal home to 171 species of birds.

Military Museum, Campground & PaintBall at Surplus City 4514 Pacific Heights Road 530-534-9956 Dedicated to the appreciation and preservation of last century’s military history and memorabilia, the owners have been collecting for over 30 years. This collection includes everything from a Browning M1917 Machine Gun (first introduced in 1917), an Antitank Gun (manufactured by Laudi during WWII), a rocket launcher (“Bazooka” of WWII), an English Civil Defense Air Raid Siren used to help Londoners reach the safety of bomb shelters, a Dutch Army Motorcycle (1955), to a Sidewinder Missile AIM-9E and an M60 Machine Gun developed for use in Viet Nam. There are a number of military wagons plus an outstanding collection of WWII posters which were used to boost morale, sell war bonds, and fuel nationalism in the 1940’s. Since you’ll need time to explore the many items on display, you may want to consider staying in the tree-shaded Campground here that is nestled on the banks of the Feather River.  Fishing, tubing & kayaking trips originate here. PaintBall is one of the nation’s fastest growing sports, and here you’ll find a series of fields within a master field for scenario games, as well as for “Speedball” and “Capture…

When the valley heat becomes too much to bear, lots of folks like to dive into the water to cool off.  Four area facilities offer that opportunity. Bedrock Park, a 3.75-acre area along the Feather River, offers swimming in the river as well as river views. Nelson Pool is open to the public from June to September and offers recreational swim time daily from 1-4 p.m. with evening hours on Tuesday and Thursday from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Serious lap swimmers’ hours at the pool are Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 4-6 p.m. Palermo Pool is also open from June to September with recreational swimming hours on Monday through Saturday from 1-4 p.m., and evening hours from 6:30-8:30. The heated Y.M.C.A. Pool has both classes and open swims.  The pool serves a number of populations, from infants through therapy groups.

Mitchell Park- Pomona & Fifth AvenueNelson Park - Sixth Street & Nelson Riverbend Park - West end of Montgomery Street Twenty-four acre Mitchell Park features several youth baseball fields, a baseball stadium, picnic facilities, and Playtown USA, a theme playground—something for almost everyone. At Nelson Park, three lighted fields serve the Feather River Park & Rec. District’s softball program, and four youth fields are used by the Thermalito Little League. Playground equipment and picnic tables are also provided. Located at the West end of Montgomery Street, the first phase of Riverbend Park opened in May, 2006.  Several open-air pavilions are found throughout the park and are available for picnicking or nature viewing.  The water play area is very popular with kids. Later additions to the park will include an Aquatic Park with an Olympic-sized swimming pool, waterslides, an exercise pool and a diving pool.

Palermo Park 2350 Ludlum Avenue in Palermo Five-acre Palermo Park is the home of the Feather River Horseshoe Club and has 12 regulation horseshoe pits for trying your skill. The park also offers an old-fashioned gazebo, covered group picnic areas, a hardtop slab, and a tot lot with playground equipment. Whether you want to pitch some horseshoes or hold a family reunion, this park can accommodate you.  The park is also the site of the popular Palermo Field Days each September.

Oroville Municipal Airport Oro Dam Blvd. West Two-Three Miles Past the Bridge Rates/Reservations: 530-533-1313Table Mountain Aviation Glider Rates/Reservations: 530-519-1400 www.TMAGlider.com If you think you’ve seen all there is to see in the Oroville area, don’t be too sure unless you’ve seen it all from the sky. Lake Oroville is great on the ground, but WOW, what a perspective you get when you’re airborne.  You’ll also spot the Feather River as it winds its way  around the area. Scenic tours by plane are available at reasonable rates, and it’s a great way to spend an hour or two. Gorgeous! Table Mountain Aviation operates a glider program offering rides piloted by veteran pilots most Saturdays. The flights take off from Oroville Airport where the glider is pulled aloft by a tow plane to as high as 5,200 feet, released typically over Oroville Dam.  From there the glider will seek updrafts known as thermals, staying aloft for approximately 35 minutes or more, providing spectacular views of the lake, surrounding mountains and the valley.

Bolt Tool MuseumEnd of Safford Street between Oak & Pine Streets 530-538-2528,  530-533-3096 Opened in spring of 2006, this museum is the fulfillment of one man’s dream.  Bud Bolt started collecting in 1957 as a way to get shop students to be more attentive.  His idea was to show the students the difference between the unweildly old tools their grandfathers might have used and the modern ones.  The boys did start paying more attention, and it also sparked, in Bud, a fascination for old tools that continues today. All of the tools on display were manufactured during or prior to WWII.  They include adjustable wrenches that measure from a small pair about four inches long to a giant 12-foot industrial wrench, and a hand-forged set of sockets made by a blacksmith and discovered by Bud in a junk store in Kalispell, Montana. The museum is open 7 days a week, Mon-Sat 10:00 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. Sun. 11:45 – 3:45 p.m., and you’ll find it fascinating to listen to the stories that make the tools almost come alive!

Table Mountain Aviation Oroville Municipal Airport (530) 519-1400 or 533-1313  *WHAT IS SOARING… FLYING LIKE A BIRD ( IN QUIET SOLITUDE)… *AN EXCITING & EYE-OPENING VIEW OF OROVILLE DAM and more.

  Artists of Rivertown Cultural Center, Arlin Rhine Dr. Next to Municipal Auditorium 530-534-7690 www.artistsofrivertown.org Broken Color Art Gallery 1360 Montgomery St. 530-534-5474 The mission of the Artists of Rivertown is to share art with the people of all ages in the area, offer a space to local artists to share their work   with the public and educate those who wish to know more about art.  The organization sponsors a “Kids Art Day” every March, gives kids the  opportunity to make “Mom’s Day” cards for their mothers during parade day of Feather Fiesta Days, classes of various sorts and workshops at the gallery. The gallery is open from noon-4 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays, is open First Friday of the month until 7 p.m., and participates in other special events such as the Wildflower Festival, Salmon Festival and has a juried”Mystery Show” during Perry Mason Days in October. To view Jon Shult’s award-winning art, visit Broken Color Art Gallery in downtown Oroville.  Shult works in a variety of media including drawing, printmaking and painting.  He explores the landscape and figures (clothed and nude) using a style influenced by Impressionism. Prints of paintings are also available, as well as cards and illustrated…