Bidwell Mansion State Historic Park - Chico

Saturday-Monday 11:00am-5:00pm
Location: 525 Esplanade
Why Go There? Classic Italianate architecture 26 room home built in 1868 by Chico founder John Bidwell filled with ornate Victorian era furniture. Tours (fee) offered on the hour from 11:00am, last tour 4:00pm; gift shop; visitor center closes at 5:00pm; special holiday (evening) tours.
More Information: Bidwell Mansion State Historical Park

Chico Art Center - Chico

Monday-Friday 12:00pm-4:00pm, Saturday-Sunday 10:00am-4:00pm
Location: 450 Orange Street
Why Go There? Changing exhibits, opening receptions; gallery displays member artists' works, variety of media; gift shop; special events: fall Artoberfest, open studios weekends, others; housed in historic restored railroad depot
More Information: Chico Art Center

Historic Patrick Ranch Museum- Chico 

Saturday-Sunday 11:00am-3:00pm
Location: 10381 Midway, Durham (2 miles from Chico)
Why Go There? Offers glimpse of Sacramento Valley agricultural history; historic ranch tours, changing exhibits; hosts "third Thursday" history talks, seasonal events, celebrations.
More Information: Patrick Ranch Museum

Museum of Northern California Art (Monca) - Chico

Thursday-Sunday 11:00am-5:00pm
Location: 900 Esplanade
Why Go There? 96+ Northern California artists' works form museum's permanent collection, wide variety of media; housed in Veterans Hall; changing exhibits; special events: educational programs, fundraiser parties, music, film evenings; opening receptions; store 
More Information: Monca

Public Art Downtown - Chico

Location: downtown
Why Go There? Explore downtown colorful mosaic and art decorated benches, pedestals; self-guided tour map
More Information: Public Art Downtown

Siskiyou Arts Museum, Gallery & Gift Shop - Dunsmuir

Thursday-Sunday 12:00pm-4:00pm; second Saturday until 6:00pm
Location: 5824 Dunsmuir Avenue
Why Go There? Local and regional artist works presented in thematic scheduled shows; smaller museum gallery offers historic themed exhibits, artist retrospectives, lectures; gallery/gift shop offers 70+ member artist works for sale, variety of media; special events: music, receptions throughout the year.
More Information: Siskiyou Arts Museum

Art Works Gallery - Grass Valley

Daily 10:00am-5:00pm, Friday-Saturday until 6:00pm
Location: 113 Mill Street
Why Go There? 33 juried quality local artist works, range of media; changing exhibits, second Saturday featured artist reception, demonstrations.
More Information: Art Works Gallery

Open Studios - Grass Valley

October second, third weekends 
Location: downtown, surrounding area 
Why Go There? Self-guided tour artist studios/fine art galleries; showcases broad range of media, styles.
More Information: Open Studios

First Friday Art Walk - Nevada City

June-September, first Friday 5:00pm-9:00pm
Location: downtown
Why Go There? Participant galleries, artisan boutiques, retail shops, wine tasting rooms in historic downtown stay open late; restaurants feature local artist receptions, trunk shows, and/or performances, live music.
More Information: Nevada City Chamber

Lake County Arts Council Main Street Gallery, Gift Shop - Lakeport

Tuesday-Saturday 11:00am-3:00pm
Location: 325 North Main Street 
Why Go There? Gallery features local artists, different media; special events; gift shop features locally made jewelry, painted gourds, hand made cards, books.
More Information: Lake Arts

Loomis Museum - Lassen Volcanic National Park

Summer months only 9:00am-5:00pm
Location: One mile from the northwest entrance of Lassen Volcanic National Park off State Highway 44
Why Go There? Homesteader, photographer Benjamin Franklin Loomis documented the 1915 eruptions of Lassen Peak, was instrumental in the 1916 establishment of the national park. He built what is now a museum and interpretive center in 1927 to hold his work and a few years later donated the museum and 40 acres of surrounding lands to the National Park Service. Exhibits include photography, memorabilia, geological displays and local Native American artifacts. 
More Information: Visitors Center

Lava Beds National Monument Visitor Center, Pictographs - Lava Beds National Monument

See Hikes & Walks listings

Middletown Art Center - Middletown

Friday-Sunday 11:00am-5:00pm
Location: 21456 State Highway 175
Why Go There? Rotating exhibits, opening receptions; special events include First Fridays; participates in annual immersive EcoArts Sculpture Walk at Trailside Park Nature Reserve
More Information: Middletown Art Center + ECOARTS

Chinese Temple Liet Sheng Kong - Oroville

Daily 12:00pm-4:00pm; closed holidays, December 15-31
Location: 1500 Broderick Street
Why Go There? One of three remaining California Gold rush era temples (Weaverville, Marysville are the others), still in use as a temple for several eastern religions. In 1968, Tapestry Hall was built to display extensive collection of embroidered tapestries, parade parasols, other objects, including priceless collection of Chinese and American costumes representing decades 1850-1930; small entrance fee (discount AAA members, larger groups).
More Information: Chinese Temple

Main Street Artists Gallery - Quincy

Wednesday-Saturday 12:00pm-4:00pm; Wed, Friday 11:00am-5:00pm, Thursday until 6:00pm; First Fridays 5:00pm-7:00pm
Location: 436 Main Street
Why Go There? Artist cooperative gallery showcases quality art; changing exhibits with featured local, visiting artists; first Friday receptions; other events include art films, book readings, workshops
More Information: Main Street Artists

Main Event Gallery - Red Bluff

Thursday-Saturday 11:00am-5:00pm
Location: 710 Main Street
Why Go There? Tehama Arts Council artist exhibits, special events; gift shop; organizes annual November Art Walk in conjunction with downtown businesses
More Information: Upcoming Visits & Events + Artwalk

Artists On Market - Redding

April-October (weather permitting) Friday 10:00am-2:00pm
Location: In front of 1313 Market Street (Shasta County Arts Council Old City Hall)
Why Go There? Weekly artworks for sale, and artist demonstrations
More Information: ARTsMART

North Valley Art League & Carter House Gallery - Redding

Tuesday-Saturday 11:00am-4:00pm (2020: temporarily closed due to pandemic)
Location: 48 Quartz Hill Road (Caldwell Park)
Why Go There? Volunteer run artist community organization hosts monthly member shows, featured artists shows, four annual juried shows, lectures/demonstrations; gift shop
More Information: North Valley Art League & Carter House Gallery

Sculpture Park at City Hall, Indoor Art Exhibits - Redding

Location: 777 Cypress Avenue (City Hall)
Why Go There? Outdoor park features permanent and touring works of stone, metal, and Mosaiculture art pieces. Quarterly rotating local artist exhibits inside City Hall (open regular business hours Monday-Friday).
More Information: Art Exhibit and Sculpture Park at City Hall

Shasta County Arts Council Gallery - Redding

Tuesday-Friday 12:00pm-5:00pm (Friday until 6:00pm); Fourth Saturday 11:00am-3:00pm
Location: 1313 Market Street (Old City Hall)
Why Go There? Rotating exhibits of local artist works, different media; special events
More Information: Shasta Arts Council

Lake Tahoe Community College Halden Gallery - South Lake Tahoe

Tuesday-Friday 11:00am-5:30pm (Friday closes 2:30pm)
Location: One College Drive
Why Go There? Changing exhibits feature faculty, staff, students, local artists works; opening receptions
More Information: Haldan Art Gallery

Tahoe Art League Gallery - South Lake Tahoe

Wednesday-Sunday 11:00am-4:00pm (10:00am-5:00pm, April-October)
Location: 3062 Lake Tahoe Boulevard
Why Go There? Gallery showcases members locally made fine art, ceramics, jewelry, fabric items, notecards, more; hosts/participates in annual events, including artist studio self-guided tours (last weekend July, first weekend August)
More Information: Tahoe Art League

Valhalla Tahoe, Tallac Historic Site - South Lake Tahoe

June-August
Location: One Valhalla Road, Highway 89 (Emerald Bay Road)
Why Go There? Comprised of three restored estates: Baldwin-McGonagle Estate is a free working museum open daily (summer); Pope Estate features 1920’s vintage furniture, guided (fee) tours six days/week (summer); Valhalla's massive timber vaulted central living area is surrounded by horseshoe balcony, forty foot stone fireplace, and open to the public daily pending volunteer docent availability (summer). Boathouse Theatre, with stellar Lake Tahoe view hosts the Valhalla Art, Music, and Theatre Festival summer productions (see listing under Entertainment & Performing Arts, special events (also held in the Grand Hall).
More Information: Facebook

Vikingsholm - Emerald Bay State Park, South Lake Tahoe

Tours: Memorial Weekend-September 30, every 30 minutes 10:30am - 4:00 pm
May 26 - June 15, September 4 - September 30: hourly beginning on the 1/2 hour 10:30am to 3:30 pm
Location: From (self-pay) parking lot located off of Highway 89, walk down steep one mile trail (or less steep 1.5 mile trail from the Eagle Point Campground campfire center)
Why Go There? Considered one of the finest examples of Scandinavian architecture in the US, private summer home "castle" was completed in 1929. Now part of Harvey West Unit Emerald Bay State Park, grounds, magnificent scenery enjoyed free year-round; many trail options. Tour tickets ($10, discount students) at visitor center just past Vikingsholm. Special fundraiser summer events include music, lectures, food/beverage.
More Information: Vikingsholm + Sierra State Parks

Lassen County Arts Council Cottage Street Gallery - Susanville

Tuesday-Friday 4:00pm-7:00pm, Saturday 10:00am-2:00pm
Location: 807 Cottage Street
Why Go There? Active council schedules changing exhibits, opening receptions, workshops; gift shop
More Information: Artists

Marion Steinbach Indian Basket Museum/Gatekeepers Museum - Tahoe City

Wednesday-Sunday 11:00am-4:00pm
Location: 130 West Lake Boulevard (co-housed with Gatekeepers Museum)
Why Go There? Reproduction cabin (original Gatekeeper's cabin burned in 1980's arson caused fire) showcases Lake Tahoe area history: Washoe people, logging/mining eras, establishment of area tourism. Exhibits include Native American baskets (world-class collection 800+ Native American baskets from 85 California, Western North American tribes), resort memorabilia, historical photographs, clothing, oral histories, maps, archival documents, newspapers, artifacts (highlights: 1960's Olympics, skiing exhibits, 1916 Lake Tahoe Photographic Shore Line Survey exhibit). Native clothing, jewelry, tools, pottery, well known Washoe weavers Dat-so-la-lee, Maria Martinez, Maggie Mayo James, others work also featured.
More Information: Marion Steinbach + Gatekeepers

North Tahoe Arts Gift Shop & Gallery - Tahoe City

Daily 11:00am-4:00pm, closed Christmas/New Years Days
Location: 380 North Lake Boulevard
Why Go There? Community arts focused non-profit organization maintains a gallery, changing exhibits; gift shop; hosts special events
More Information: North Tahoe Arts

Indian Valley Museum - Taylorsville

Memorial Day-October 1:00pm-4:00pm Saturday-Sunday
Location: Main Street/Cemetery Road
Why Go There? Showcases Maidu cultural artifacts, baskets; sizable collection of geological specimens
More Information: Indian Valley Chamber

Mountain Arts Collective - Truckee

Wednesday-Monday 10:00am-6:00pm
Location: 10065 Donner Pass Road
Why Go There? Housed in train depot, collection of local artist works on display, available for purchase
More Information: Mountain Arts Collective

Highland Art Center - Weaverville

Wednesday-Monday 11:00am-5:00pm
Location: 691 Main Street
Why Go There? Culture arts center housed in 1893 Victorian farmhouse; monthly changing exhibits, opening receptions first monthly Saturday; juried art shows; artist studios; gardens; art library; special events (and rental space)
More Information: Highland Art Center

Weaverville Joss House State Historic Park - Weaverville

Thursday-Sunday, 10:00am-5:00pm (tours on the hour until 4:00pm)
Location: Southwest corner Highway 299/Oregon Street
Why Go There? Historic Taoist temple, built in 1874 (replacing one that burned down earlier) is California's oldest continually used Chinese temple. Contains ornate art objects, pictures, mining tools and weapons from the 1854 Tong War.
More Information: Weaverville Joss House SHP

Black Butte Center for Railroad Culture (BBCRC) - Weed

See events calendar for open times (by appointment other times, if volunteer available)
Location: Milepost 345 along Black Butte Subdivision of Union Pacific, just south of junction with Central Oregon/Pacific Siskiyou line. If driving: from I-5 Highway South Weed Exit #745, east one block to Black Butte Drive (by the Taco Bell); turn right (south) on Black Butte Drive .25 mile; turn left (east) onto well-travelled dirt road.75 mile to road end, by the railroad tracks. Turn left (north) on dirt frontage road running alongside the tracks a few hundred feet to gate on your left.
Why Go There? Non-profit volunteer run center hosts art, music, and other shows as well as other rail-oriented gatherings to preserve, promote railroad culture. Contains library/resource center, creative arts gallery/work space in two historic 1920's-era boxcars. Three cabooses are also on the site; donations gladly accepted.
More Information: Black Butte Center for Railroad Culture

Sacramento Valley Museum - Williams

Thursday-Saturday 10:00am-4:00pm
Location: 1491 E Street
Why Go There? Showcases memorabilia, area history exhibits; free admission
More Information: Sacramento Valley Museum

The Theater Art Gallery - Yuba City

Thursday-Saturday 12:00pm-5:00pm, First Thursday 5:00pm-7:00pm
Location: 756 Plumas Street (Sutter Theater)
Why Go There? Monthly changing art works, ceramics, glass, jewelry, photography from local and resident artists; opening receptions first Thursday; portion of sales supports renovation of the Sutter Theater
More Information: The Theater Art Gallery

Additional Resources

Plumas Arts - Chester
Annual Almador Art Show; Collins Pine Lawn (first weekend August)

Chico Arts & Culture Foundation - Chico
Public art tours

Quilt Show - Lake County
Lake County Quilt Guild annual Falling Leaves quilt show (September)

Lake County Quilt Trail - Lake County
Self-guided tour 100+ painted quilt designs on barns, buildings throughout the county

Student Art Show - Marysville
Yuba College student art shows

North Tahoe Museums - North Lake Tahoe
Annual summer historic/unique homes tour fundraiser for North Tahoe Museums (August)

Butte College Art Gallery - Oroville
Contemporary art exhibits

Explore Butte County - Oroville
Public art

Wildflower & Nature Festival - Oroville
April

Tule Lake National Monument Museum - Tule Lake
Grounds are a painful reminder of poor treatment of US citizens of Japanese ancestry during World War Two; 800 Main Street

College of the Siskiyous - Weed
Annual holiday craft fair (December), other events