Skip to Content
It’s ChicoSearch

Chico State Campus

Chico State has served students since 1887 and is the second-oldest campus in the California State University system. Big Chico Creek flows through its 132-acre main campus, which is a designated arboretum, next to downtown Chico. In-person campus tours run every weekday, and visitor parking is available in garages and lots. Checked October 29, 2026 on the operator’s own pages.

In Chico

1887Founded
132 acresMain campus
800 acresUniversity Farm
About 15,000Students
Chico State Campus
Photo: Frank Schulenburg, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Key Facts

  • Chico State has served students since 1887.[2]
  • It is the second-oldest campus in the California State University system.[2]
  • Big Chico Creek flows through the 132-acre main campus, which is a designated arboretum.[2]
  • The University also operates the 800-acre University Farm and manages over 7,800 acres at the Big Chico Creek Ecological Reserve.[2]
  • The university enrolls around 15,000 students.[2]
  • In-person campus tours are offered every weekday, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m., in English or Spanish.[1]
  • Academic department tours led by faculty and students are offered separately and do not include a general campus tour.[1]
  • The University has two parking garages and eight lots; general (G) parking is open to all drivers at any time.[1]
  • Hourly parking costs $1 an hour plus a 15-cent convenience fee, paid through the Passport Parking website or app.[1]
  • The Wildcat Den, on the south end of Estom Jamani Hall, is open to the public for breakfast and lunch and has an espresso bar.[1]
  • Chico State is 90 miles north of Sacramento and 174 miles northeast of San Francisco.[1]
  • Campus parking permits are required Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.[5]

Areas Inside Chico State Campus

  • Laxson Auditorium

    Laxson Auditorium, with 1,200 seats, has hosted Chico Performances events since opening in 1931.[3]

  • Gateway Science Museum

    The Chico State science museum at 625 Esplanade is open Thursday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.[4]

  • Bell Memorial Union

    Driving directions lead to the intersection in front of the Bell Memorial Union at West Second and Chestnut Streets.[1]

Plan Your Visit

WhatAs the operator states it
Run byCalifornia State University, Chico
Address400 West First Street, Chico, CA 95929
Drive from ChicoIn Chico
HoursWeekday campus tours run 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.[1]
ParkingTwo parking garages and eight lots; general (G) parking is open to all drivers at any time; $1 an hour plus a 15-cent fee via Passport Parking. Permits are required Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.[1]
ReservationsSchedule a campus tour or academic department tour online, or an admissions appointment by phone or email.[1]
PhoneAdmissions 530-898-6322[1]
Official pageCalifornia State University, Chico

Not confirmedThe official pages we read do not publish fees, dogs, restrooms, accessibility for this place.

Map of Chico State Campus

The pin is approximate, placed from the address or place name. © OpenStreetMap contributors. Directions

What We Could Not Verify

These items were not on an official page we could open on October 29, 2026, or two official pages disagree. Check with the operator before you rely on them.

  • Not confirmedCampus building opening hours
  • Not confirmedWeekend tour availability

More in Chico

All of ChicoBidwell ParkDowntown ChicoGateway Science MuseumBidwell-Sacramento River State ParkChico History MuseumLaxson AuditoriumSilver Dollar FairgroundsAll Places

Coming Up in Chico

32 events are on our calendar for Chico from today on. 2 are listed as free by the organizer. This list rebuilds itself every day at midnight, Pacific time.

October 2026

November 2026

December 2026

January 2027

Frequently Asked Questions

When are campus tours?

In-person campus tours are offered every weekday from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., in English or Spanish.[1]

Where can visitors park?

General (G) parking is available to all drivers at any time; hourly parking is $1 an hour plus a 15-cent fee through Passport Parking.[1]

Is there food on campus open to the public?

Yes. The Wildcat Den on the south end of Estom Jamani Hall is open to the public for breakfast and lunch.[1]

Sources

  1. Visit Chico State, California State University, Chico. Read October 29, 2026.
  2. About Chico State, California State University, Chico. Read October 29, 2026.
  3. About – Chico Performances, Chico Performances, Chico State. Read October 29, 2026.
  4. Gateway Science Museum – Hours & Admission, California State University, Chico. Read October 29, 2026.
  5. Your Visit – Chico Performances, Chico Performances, Chico State. Read October 29, 2026.

Cite this page: “Chico State Campus.” It’s Chico, checked October 29, 2026. https://itschico.com/chico/chico-state-campus/