Butte County

Bidwell Mansion; Chico.

Learn about the area's rich history with a guided tour of the 26 room historic mansion. Daily tours, call for times. 525 Esplanade. Info: (530) 895-6144. Bidwell Mansion State Historic Park website: www.parks.ca.gov/default.asp?page_id=460. More info: melvil.chicousd.org/Bidwell/bidman.html

Bolt's Tool Museum; Oroville.

May be the world's most comprehensive display on the evolution of hand tools. 5,000+ examples of hand-made & production tools. Tue-Sun, 11:45-3:45, year round. 1650 Broderick St. (530)538-2528; www.boltsantiquetools.com

Chico Air Museum; Chico.

The Museum consists of an outdoor aircraft display & an indoor display of interesting & historic aviation artifacts, including five full sized aircraft , Thaddeus Kerns- Chico's first aviator, the Jimmy Doolittle Library, and the Chico Army. In the Museum’s Antonov biplane, go inside the aircraft and even sit in the pilot's seat. Small children can ride in the Museum's P-51 pedal plane. Open Saturdays 10 am - 4 pm. Located on the flightline of the Chico Municipal Airport Free. Info (530) 345-6468. www.chicoairmuseum.org

Chico Museum; Chico.

Museum consists of 3 parts: Historical Museum, includes Chico collection, re-creation of a Taoist temple altar, and a rotating exhibit currently featuring interactive forestry exhibit A Walk in the Woods through Dec. 31. Open Wed-Sun, 12-4pm. Free. (530) 891-4336. www.chicomuseum.org

National YoYo Museum; Chico.

Among this world-class museum’s exhibits is “Big Yo,” the largest yo-yo in the world. Also includes displays of vintage toys. Open Mon-Sat, 10am-6pm; Sun noon-5pm. Free. Located in the Bird in Hand store at 320 Braodway. Info: (530) 893-0545; www.chicomuseum.org

Shasta County

Turtle Bay Museum and Exploration Park; Redding.

Permanent interactive exhibits & 2 large special exhibition galleries. Underwater fish viewing, historic re-creations, experimenting with scientific equipment and viewing art, plus outdoor experiences on the rest of the campus. Exhibits feature a mix of richly layered interpretative material, multimedia exhibits, science experiments, self-guided exploration, and play features. Mon-Sun, 9am-5pm. 840 Auditorium Dr. Info: 800-turtlebay (877-8532); (530) 243-8859; www.turtlebay.org/museum/museum.shtml

Siskiyou County

Blue Goose Steam Excursion Train & Museum; Yreka.

Ride the historic "Blue Goose" steam train and experience the sights, sounds & aromas of the bygone era of steam, while traveling over a railway first established in 1889. Explore the historical city of Montague, the railroad museum and other points of interest before reboarding & returning to Yreka. Total trip is approx. 3.5 hrs. Summer trips: June 1-Sept 3, Wed-Fri, 11am; Sat & Sun, 10am & 2pm. Fall trips: Sept 9-Oct 29, Sat & Sun 10am & 2pm. Fares: $18/adults; $9/children; $12/seniors; 0-3yrs ride free. Group rates avail. Call for steam engine cab & caboose ride info/fees. 300 East Miner St. Info: (530) 842-4146; Reservations: 1-800-973-5277; www.snowcrest.net/yrekawesternrr/

Sisson Museum; Mt. Shasta.

New displays for 2006 include Reels and Creel, Mineral Display and Woman's Wear 1900-1920s. Summer hours: June-Sept. Mon-Sat, 10am-4pm; Sun 1-4pm. 1 N Old Stage Rd. Info: (530) 926-5508. www.mountshastasissonmuseum.org

Tehama County

Gaumer's; Red Bluff.

A fun museum for the entire family! Mining exhibit, fluorescent rocks, crystals & minerals, fossils, Native Amercian artifacts. Mon-Fri; 9am-5pm. Free. 78 Belle Mill Rd. Info: (530) 527-6166; www.gaumers.com