Posted in Iowa Small Towns, Trips July 29, 2018 by

Travel To The Future In This Quirky Iowa Town

There are plenty of odd things hiding in Iowa, but one town might be the strangest in the Midwest. Riverside, Iowa is a small town that’s propelled itself in the future to commemorate the birth of a hero – 210 years from now.

Riverside is a small town in Washington County, Iowa that is home to just about a thousand Iowans.
Riverside, Iowa
In March 1985, the town council was looking for a theme for their annual festival when they came up with a brilliant idea.
Star Trek fans have always known that Captain Kirk was born in Iowa, but no town was ever mentioned. Why not Riverside? It didn't take much to get approval from series creator Gene Roddenberry.
Flickr / sksamuel
Shortly after the idea was proposed, it was approved, and Riverside, Iowa became the future birthplace of Captain James T. Kirk.
The town fully embraced their new futuristic theme, and the Riverside Festival became TrekFest from then on.
Flickr / Angela Mercado
The town celebrates with a parade, entertainment, and all sorts of trekkie and Iowan activity.
There's even a permanent museum in town - the "Voyage Home" Riverside History Center!
Google Local / Walter Roth
You can visit this musuem 7 days a week, though hours vary. Be sure to doubl e check the hours before making a trek out here.
Inside the musuem, you'll find a futuristic tribute to one of the greatest franchises of all time.
Google Local / bekasue P
Whether you love the series or you're just a causal fan, you'll find Riverside, Iowa worth a visit for a glimpse into the future.

If you’re just looking to see the “birthsite” of Kirk, you can easily add Riverside to an Iowa Roadside Attraction road trip. There are so many bizarre things hiding in Iowa that it’s worth taking a few days to explore! Gather friends and head out on the Quirky Road Trip To Visit Iowa’s Most Unique Roadside Attractions.

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