Welcome to the City of Riverside “Where the Trek begins”
Riverside is a small community of 928 people situated “in the Heartland” near the intersection of Highway 218, “Avenue of the Saints”, and 22 in the English River Valley. Riverside is the self-proclaimed birthplace of the fictional character, Captain James T. Kirk of the USS Enterprise and Star Trek fame. Two years ago we were the site of the “Invasion Iowa’ movie staring William Shatner and many Riverside and Washington county citizens. Each year the Riverside Area Community Club hosts an annual “Trek Fest” held the last weekend in June. The celebration is for all ages and features many activities including a parade held on Saturday morning.
Riverside is approximately 12 miles south of Iowa City, the home of the University of Iowa, 35 miles south of Cedar Rapids, and 15 miles south of Interstate 80 with easy access to all via 4 lane Highway 218. Washington, the county seat is located 13 miles south of this growing community.
Washington County voters approved a referendum in 2005 for gaming to be located in rural Riverside. The Riverside Casino and Golf Resort broke ground in the fall of 2005 and annexed into the City of Riverside 
opening their doors on August 31, 2006. The destination resort features a hotel with indoor/outdoor swimming pool, spa, event center with 950 seats, four restaurants, and a casino that was approved by the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission. The golf course, designed by Rees Jones is expected to open in May of 2007. We are very excited about the economic development growth and look forward to future development in the Riverside area, including housing and new businesses.
The town still possesses a friendly, small town atmosphere with a elementary school located in town and the Highland Middle and High School located 8 miles south of Riverside. Highland Community School District has an enrollment of approximately 665 students, including those from Ainsworth Elementary.
Riverside is served by a Volunteer Fire Department and volunteer First Responders. St. Mary’s Catholic Church, registered with the National Historical Registry and Trinity United Methodist Church are within two blocks of each other. Riverside also has a very nice Senior Village located within walking distance of our three city parks.
Take a drive and come see our beautiful town and see what it has to offer for living, entertainment, dining or whatever else you may be looking for.
