Welcome to the official website for the City of Riverside, Iowa, “Where the Trek begins.”
Riverside is a growing community of 928 people situated near the intersection of Highway 218, “Avenue of the Saints,” and Highway 22; in the English River Valley.
Our town is the self-proclaimed future birthplace of fictional character Captain James T. Kirk of USS Enterprise and Star Trek fame. The captain was portrayed by William Shatner in the original Star Trek television series and several Star Trek movies.
In 2005, Riverside was the site of Invasion Iowa, a reality television series produced by Spike TV. It also starred Mr. Shatner, other professional actors, Riverside and Washington County residents.
Each year the Riverside Area Community Club (RACC) hosts an annual “TrekFest,” held the last full weekend in June. The celebration is for all ages and features many activities including a parade held on Saturday morning.
The Voyage Home - Riverside History Center is a museum and gift shop dedicated to exhibiting items related to the Riverside, Iowa area. It opened its doors June, 2008, and is operated by volunteers. With Riverside being the future birthplace of Capt. Kirk, one room has been dedicated to a Star Trek-related science fiction theme. Another area is devoted to the history of Riverside, including exhibits of area century farms and houses. The Center's exhibits are ever-evolving, so why not drop in when you get a chance and learn something new.
Also in 2005, Washington County residents passed a referendum to allow a gaming operation to be annexed east of Riverside. Consequently, the Riverside Casino and Golf Resort broke ground in the fall of 2005 and opened its doors August 31, 2006. The destination resort features a luxury hotel with an indoor/outdoor swimming pool, a spa, an event center, restaurants, two boutiques, and a casino that was approved by the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission. The Blue Top Ridge golf course, designed by world-renowned Rees Jones, opened June 2007.
With all of its progress, our town still possesses a friendly, small town atmosphere. The elementary school is located in town and Highland Middle and High School is located eight miles south of Riverside. Highland Community School District has an enrollment of approximately 665 students.
Riverside is served by the volunteer Riverside Community Fire Department and a volunteer First Responders emergency unit.
St. Mary’s Catholic Church, registered with the National Historical Registry, and Trinity United Methodist Church are located within two blocks of each other.
Riverside also has a very nice Senior Village located within walking distance of our downtown and three city parks.
Our VFW 6414, located along the southern bank of the English River just south of downtown, is the local chapter of the national organization. Its members and auxiliaries enthusiastically donate time, money, and effort to causes that aid veterans in Iowa and the rest of the country. The walls of the meeting room are lined with pictures of the members when they were in the military. Local artist, Lefty Wilson, painted a wonderful mural which represents the major conflicts of the 20th century and the various branches of the service. The VFW is open to all; you’re welcome to visit when you get a chance.
We’re excited about our economic development and look forward to future development in the area including new businesses and housing. For a current listing of Riverside’s businesses, please refer to the link at the left: Businesses.
Riverside is easily accessible and located approximately 12 miles south of Iowa City, home of the University of Iowa; 35 miles south of Cedar Rapids; and 15 miles south of Interstate 80 with easy access via four lane Highway 218. The city of Washington, the county seat, is 13 miles south of our growing community.
Take a drive – come see what our beautiful town has to offer you in shopping, dining, entertainment, attractions, services, or whatever else you may be looking for.
