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Gold Nugget Museum

The Gold Nugget Museum preserves the history of the Paradise Ridge through its collection and education programs. Its main museum at 502 Pearson Road was destroyed in the 2018 Camp Fire and the museum is working to rebuild. Until further notice the Depot Museum in Paradise Community Park serves as its main office and museum, open Thursday to Monday afternoons. Checked October 29, 2026 on the operator’s own pages.

From Chico: about 30 min (typical, without traffic)

1973Incorporated
April 23, 1981Grand opening
July 2007Depot Museum opened
Thu-Mon, 12-4 p.m.Depot hours
Gold Nugget Museum
Photo: Just an image guy, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Key Facts

  • The Gold Nugget Museum was incorporated as Gold Nugget Days Inc. in 1973.[1]
  • Its mission is to preserve and protect Ridge heritage through its collection and community education programs.[1]
  • Groundbreaking for the museum began in 1978, and its grand opening was April 23, 1981.[1]
  • The museum at 502 Pearson Road was destroyed by the Camp Fire on November 8, 2018.[1]
  • The Depot Museum in Paradise Community Park was untouched by the fire and serves as the main office and museum while the museum rebuilds.[1]
  • The Depot Museum is open Thursday through Monday from 12:00 to 4:00 p.m. and during special events.[1]
  • The Paradise Depot Museum was dedicated and opened to the public in July 2007.[2]
  • The museum is raising funds which, with insurance money, will go toward rebuilding its physical presence on the Ridge.[3]
  • The museum is run mostly by volunteers, including docents who greet visitors.[1]
  • Gold Nugget Days, in late April, celebrates the 54-pound gold nugget found in 1859, with a parade and other events.[4]

Areas Inside Gold Nugget Museum

  • Depot Museum

    At 5570 Black Olive Dr in Paradise Community Park; open Thursday-Monday, 12:00-4:00 p.m.[2]

  • Gold Nugget Museum site

    At 502 Pearson Rd; destroyed in the 2018 Camp Fire and listed with no open hours at this time.[2]

Plan Your Visit

WhatAs the operator states it
Run byGold Nugget Days Inc. (Gold Nugget Museum)
AddressDepot Museum (current museum and office): 5570 Black Olive Dr, Paradise, CA 95969
Drive from ChicoAbout 30 min, typical, without traffic (Google Maps, plus 10 minutes, rounded)
HoursDepot Museum: Thursday-Monday, 12:00-4:00 p.m. and during special events; the Pearson Road museum lists no hours at this time.[1]
Phone530-413-9129[2]
Official pageGold Nugget Days Inc. (Gold Nugget Museum)

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

Map of Gold Nugget Museum

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 confirmedAdmission fee
  • Not confirmedParking at the Depot Museum
  • Not confirmedAccessibility at the Depot Museum
  • Not confirmedRebuild timeline for the Pearson Road museum
  • Not confirmedDate the museum website was last updated (site footer says 2016)

More in Paradise & The Ridge

All of Paradise & The RidgeParadise Parks, Trailway and MuseumsButte Creek CanyonParadise LakeAll Places

Coming Up in Paradise & The Ridge

Nothing on our calendar for Paradise & The Ridge from today on yet. We only list a date once we have read it on the organizer’s own page, so here is what comes next. See every upcoming event.

  • Treat Street

    2:00 PM to 6:00 PM

    Downtown Chico

    Price: See event page

    Families trick-or-treat at downtown businesses, with live music, a 4:00 PM costume contest and street closures. Free downtown parking 2:00 to 6:00 PM.

    Checked Oct 29, 2026 · Source for Treat Street (opens in a new tab)

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Gold Nugget Museum open?

The main museum was destroyed in 2018 and is being rebuilt. The Depot Museum at 5570 Black Olive Dr serves as the museum and is open Thursday-Monday, 12:00-4:00 p.m.[1]

When did the Gold Nugget Museum first open?

Its grand opening was April 23, 1981; the organization was incorporated in 1973.[1]

How can I contact the museum?

The museum lists the phone number 530-413-9129 for both locations.[2]

Sources

  1. About | Gold Nugget Museum, Gold Nugget Museum. Read October 29, 2026.
  2. Venues | Gold Nugget Museum, Gold Nugget Museum. Read October 29, 2026.
  3. Be a part of the recovery and rebuilding of our beloved Gold Nugget Museum | Gold Nugget Museum, Gold Nugget Museum. Read October 29, 2026.
  4. Gold Nugget Days | Paradise, CA, Town of Paradise. Read October 29, 2026.

Cite this page: “Gold Nugget Museum.” It’s Chico, checked October 29, 2026. https://itschico.com/paradise-ridge/gold-nugget-museum/