The Bidwell House is named in honor of General John Bidwell, a renowned pioneer, farmer, soldier, statesman, politician, and philanthropist. In 1841, Bidwell became one of the first emigrants to travel the California Trail. Upon his arrival in California, he was soon employed by John Sutter as a business manager. Following James W. Marshall's gold discovery at Sutter’s Mill, Bidwell struck gold on the Feather River, establishing a successful claim at Bidwell Bar before the California Gold Rush fully took hold. He later acquired a Spanish land grant in the Sacramento Valley but eventually sold it to establish his own ranch and farm, "Rancho del Arroyo Chico," which later became the foundation for the town of Chico.

While visiting Washington, D.C., the lifelong bachelor John Bidwell met and fell in love with Annie Ellicot Kennedy of Massachusetts, the daughter of a distinguished and socially prominent Washington official. Annie was deeply religious and actively involved in both the suffrage and prohibition movements.

To escape the sweltering summer heat of the valley, she and John spent their summers in the mountains east of Chico. Enchanted by the beauty of the Feather River region, they built a summer home in 1901 in the expansive meadow near the river

The house was later acquired by Earl McKenzie and relocated to its current site in the town of Chester. For many years, it served as the ranch headquarters for the Stover-McKenzie Cattle Company, one of the largest cattle operations in Northern California. The home became a lively gathering place, hosting extravagant summer parties and community rodeos. It later transitioned into a private family residence before undergoing extensive renovations. In 1991, it reopened as The Bidwell House Bed & Breakfast, welcoming guests to experience its rich history and charm. Current Innkeepers, Eva & Filip Laboda, own and operate the Inn since 2006.