Open the gifts the Gold Country has to offer: Six reasons to visit Oroville

A Special Six-Pack of Oroville GiFts

If the city of Oroville had a Christmas tree, surely wrapped the brightest and placed ever so carefully beneath the lower branches would be these six distinct and distinguished gifts. The places featured span the years from 1968 to 2020. The oldest feature is the “elephant in the room,” due to its sheer size and magnitude, while the newest has rekindled excitement and revitalized an intricate area of Oroville proper. So, let us put on our seater and muffler and take the written tour of these celebrated places from the oldest to the most recent.

Oroville Dam

Construction on the dam began in 1961 and finished in 1968. Not only is it the largest of features in the Oroville area, it has had the biggest impact in terms of economics and tourism. Initially, dam construction brought in hundreds of workers to the Oroville area. These numbers increased local business profits and increased population. Many families new to Oroville decided to stay put after the completion of the project, and descendents of the original workers still populate the area. Oroville Dam is the tallest dam in the U.S at 770 feet high, and also its largest earth-filled dam. It serves mainly as a water supply, hydroelectric generator, and flood control; it is capable of storing more than 1.1 trillion U.S gallons.

Oroville Wildlife Area

Established after the completion of the dam leading the way for Lake Oroville, the Oroville Wildlife Area has over 11,000 acres of riparian woodland habitat. It is located next to Highway 70 and incorporates the Feather River. You can enjoy hunting, its shooting range, and fishing for a variety of fish in the river and Thermalito Afterbay. Wildlife includes coyote, deer, dove, quail, foxes, bobcats, and porcupines among others. It is also a wonderful location to bird watch osprey, egrets, and woodpeckers.

Bolt’s Antique Tool Museum

“Remove the dust but leave the rust” is the steadfast motto of Bolt’s Antique Tool Museum. Officially founded in 2006, Bolt’s is home to over 12,000 of the most important tools ever invented. Bolt’s is indeed unique as it is a one-ofa-kind museum. The museum has tools

thought to be made by the Egyptians and the Roman Empire. They have tools representing 51 different railroads and one heckuva barbed wire collection. It is located at 1650 Broderick Street and open from 10:00am to 3:45pm Mon-Sat.

River Bend Park

This beautiful 210-acre park is located next to the Feather River at 60 Montgomery Street. Riverbend is a beautiful and scenic park with river access and numerous activity areas. It includes four pavilions: Eagle Point, Big Bear, Little Bear, and Salmon. Each contains a barbeque pit and seating. There are two restroom facilities and plenty of parking. Riverbend also has play structures, disc golf, and multi-use fields. And, certainly do not forget the dog park!

Harrison Stadium

A longtime locale for local sports contests, Harrison Stadium took on a new look starting in 2009, when it underwent a complete facelift. The grass field was replaced by sports turf with football and soccer lines sewed in place. An all weather track replaced the dirt oval, and brand new bleachers were installed with a seating capacity of approximately 4,800 people. Also included were a new snack bar and public restrooms. The total cost of the renovation was nine million dollars. It is truly the envy of high schools throughout Northern California.

Downtown Oroville

You just can't say enough about the revitalization of the downtown area. It is a soon to be uncovered hidden gem in the North Valley. With its newly designed restaurants and businesses, it is a major attraction. Holding court over the area is the magnificent State Theater and the impressive Oroville Inn. Downtown is a perfect place to eat a tasty lunch or lavish dinner, have a nice cold drink, or browse the many stores. Everything is within easy walking distance in Downtown Oroville and parking is free.

Who wouldn’t want to wake up on Christmas morning and unwrap each of these magnificent and magical gifts?