When the Chico State Wildcat was first chosen as the official CSU mascot, university officials chose it because it reflected the “sassiness” and “spitfire attitude” of its students. Of course, that was in 1924, so the language is a little dated… but come on, don’t you want to be a part of the same pioneering spirit that made your university so special? If you’re nodding your head and answering yes, then make Chico your proverbial stomping ground by dominating the local bar and restaurant scene. We love all of the following places, and we hope you do, too!

Restaurants

Crush
Two Twenty Restaurant
Mom’s
Burgers & Brew
Nash’s Restaurant

Bars

The Banshee
The Pour House
Panama Bar Cafe
The Handle Bar
Parkside Tap House

Speaking of the Wildcat (yeah, we’re still thinking about the mascot), did you know that the first CSU mascot was an actual wildcat that was caught and delivered to Chico State in the 1920s? Reports say that during its first basketball game, the mascot bit a referee’s leg and answered the call of nature right on the court in front of everyone. We’re not sure how to feel about this information, but it was one of the many things we learned while researching all the great things to do around your campus.

For example, if you’re a nature fanatic, you could head on down to the Chico Creek Nature Center and check out what it’s got to offer. If you need friends to go with, check out the campus organization Adventure Outings — they plan roughly 40 adventures involving different locations and activities each semester!

You could also join one of the many other organizations, as well as the sororities and fraternities on campus. There’s a group for everyone at CSU Chico, whether that’s the Accounting Society or the National Association for Music Education (or something wildly different from both of those!).

When you’re bored of being on campus, check out some of the other local attractions, such as the Chico Air Museum, the Chico History Museum, the Bidwell Mansion State Historic Park and the Gateway Science Museum. After all, learning doesn’t have to be restricted to just the classroom! (Was that the least cool thing we’ve ever written? Probably.)

Seize the day, Wildcats!