Places to See

Historic Sites

The Gridley Historical and Wildlife Museum

Nestled at the north-west corner of Hazel and Kentucky Streets in downtown Gridley is the Gridley Museum, which houses many wonderful artifacts depicting old time Gridley.

Among the hundreds of photographs, many different facets of history ar represented, from military uniforms worn by local war veterans to old school desks.

The school desks are located in the old fashioned schoolroom, which features the old time bell which was located at Wilson School.

The museum is open Wednesdays and Fridays from 10 am to 2 pm and the second and fourth Saturdays noon to 3 pm.

This World War II Memorial honors all American veterans and carries the picture and story of an area native Warren McCutcheon on the nine-foot tall black granite slab. McCutcheon, who was 17 at the time, is believe to have been the first casualty of the bombing at Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941 while he served as a machine gunner on the foremast of the U.S.S. Maryland.

The Memorial is located at the Gridley-Biggs Cemetery, 2023 Highway 99.

Historic Downtown Gridley

Turn left onto Hazel Street from Highway 99 and find yourself transported to the turn of the century as you pass along "silk stocking row" - lined with beautiful 19th century homes.

Continue on and you'll find yourself in Gridley's picturesque downtown business district. Old brick building and tree-lined streets making your shopping and history adventure even betters. You'll love the ambiance and the friendly small town atmosphere here!

Natural California Beauty

California is known for its natural beauty and Gridley is certainly no exception.

Sutter Buttes

Formed one and a half to two and half million years go, the Sutter Buttes are the world's smallest complete mountain range and can be seen for miles around.

Many Maidu Indian villages were once located near the Buttes, and the Indians called the the Spirit Mountains believing that their spirits went here after death.

The Buttes were also an important lookout point for early pioneers and military scouts, and today are enjoyed by thousands who annually come to photograph or capture their beauty on canvas. Scenic drive markers direct motorists around the exterior of the Buttes.

Gray Lodge Wildlife Area

Gray Lodge Wildlife Area offers a window to a world of diverse natural wonders. The California Department of Fish and Game invites you to enjoy the 8,400 acres of public lands where wildlife can be viewed in natural surroundings.

The wetlands of Gray Lodge are home to more than 300 kinds of animals. Glistening ponds and marches, crisscrossed by wooded sloughs, provide food, water and shelter for resident and migratory animals.

Gray Lodge is one of several protected areas in the Central Valley that serve the Pacific Flyway. Waterfowl, shore-birds, hawks and songbirds search for resting places such as Gray Lodge as they travel each spring and fall along this "highway in the sky".

More than 80 miles of roads run through the area with more than 50 miles of trails available for hikers and bicyclists. Gray Lodge provides trails, an auto loop and viewing locations so that over the course of a year, you could see more than 200 different species of birds. An exhibit room showcases many birds that can be found here.

For the more avid photographers and viewers, a blind is available. Reservations can be made at the office.

Sandhill cranes and migratory waterfowl begin returning to the area in early fall. Waterfowl viewing is best from November through January 1st.

Gray Lodge is open from sunrise to sunset. A day pass into Gray Lodge costs $2.50 per person for visitors 16-years-old. Visitors with a valid California hunting, trapping or fishing license get in for free.

Call (530) 846-7500 for more information.

Fishing & Hunting

Gridley is the location of some of the best hunting and fishing to be found anywhere in California. In fact, it's one of the things we're famous for. If you're a sportsman, Gridley is one place you won't want to miss!

Feather River

The Feather River, located three miles east of Gridley, boasts some of the best salmon fishing the state.

The most popular spot on the Feather for salmon is at the"outlet," where the water from the Thermalito Afterbay flows into the river. The "outlet" is located off Vance Avenue, which connects to Larkin Road Northeast of Biggs.

The Feather River also draws steelhead and striper fisherman each year.

Pounds of bass, pan fish, catfish and sturgeon are also taken from the river each year. Several dredger ponds are located along the west side of the river, which are popular for bass fisherman. The largest of these ponds is "One Mile," which is located in the Oroville Wildlife Area at the end of Vance Avenue.

A paved boat ramp is located ont he east side of the river, south of the bridge. A key and use permit for the ramp can be purchased at Gridley City Hall (530) 846-5695.

Butte Creek

Located approximately 15 miles from Gridley, on Colusa Highway, Butte Creek is best known for its huge catfish. Bass and panfish are also pulled in here.

Irrigation Canals

Pounds of fish are pulled from the extensive canal system, located primarily west of Gridley.

Gray Lodge Wildlife Area

Game available to hunt at Gray Lodge include waterfowl, snipe, pheasants, doves, rabbit and deer.

Fisherman can try their hand at brining in bass, crappie, catfish, bluegill and carp. There are several ponds and canals to fish in the wildlife area.

Please check regulations.

Call (530) 846-7500 for more information.