Riverview Farmstead Opening


Riverview Farmstead Preview Event

The acquisition of Riverview Farmstead, one of the District's most unique preserves, began in 1994. The 15-acre purchase forms the core of a preserve which protects a historic farmstead on 111th and Book Road overlooking the DuPage River in Naperville. An additional 67 acres was acquired in 2006 and 2007 including the 10-acre Kropp-Schulenberg Prairie.

The Farmstead was settled and built by the Clow family, and includes a mid-1800s limestone house, an early frame residence that had been converted to a barn, and a large timber frame barn. To stabilize the timber frame barn, a “barn raising” was held in 2001.

Public access facilities were completed in 2010, and include a 1-mile asphalt trail, a canoe launch and landing, a picnic shelter with electricity, and other amenities. Future site improvements include restoration of the Clow Farmstead structures and extension of the trail both north and south with the cooperation of the City of Naperville and the City of Plainfield.

Be the first to tour and visit the Farmstead at a special preview night event, hosted by the Forest Preserve District, Naperville Mayor George Pradel, and the Riverview Farmstead preview planning committee. Guests will get an up-close view of the historic Clow Farmstead structures. Attendees will also learn how the site will eventually be used to reconnect people to Will County's agricultural past and where their food comes from.

The preview of the Farmstead will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Friday, August 13, 2010. Tickets are $55 each, and may be purchased at the door with cash, check, or credit card. Ticket price includes food, drinks, and entertainment. A portion of the ticket price will benefit restoration of the site. The Farmstead is located at 111th Street and Book Road in Naperville.

Members of the Riverview Farmstead preview planning committee include: George Pradel, Mayor of the City of Naperville; Christine Jeffries, President of the Naperville Development Partnership; Ray McGury, Executive Director of the Naperville Park District; Ann Dralle, Commissioner of the Forest Preserve District of Will County; Charles "Chuck" Maher, Commissioner of the Forest Preserve District of Will County; Laurie McPhillips, Commissioner of the Forest Preserve District of Will County; Todd Morse, Supervisor of Wheatland Township Government; John Schmitt, President and CEO of the Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce; Mark Mitrovich, Superintendent of Schools for Naperville Community Unit School District 203; Kathryn Birkett, Superintendent of Schools for Indian Prairie School District 204; Peggy Frank, Executive Director of the Naperville Settlement; Brook McDonald, Executive Director of The Conservation Foundation; and Audrey Clair, SHOW Co-chair.

The Riverview Farmstead Preview Event is being generously sponsored by JFNew, Harrah's Joliet Hotel and Casino, and The Care of Trees.

Savor the Summer Farmer's Market

Celebrate the farming history of Riverview Farmstead at a special farmer's market on Saturday, August 14 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. This free, all-ages event will feature vendors, crafts, and entertainment all tied to our area's farming past. Purchase and savor fresh fruits and vegetables from local farmers and spend the day reconnecting to our rural heritage. It's fantastic farm fun for the whole family!

This special event kicks off the weekly farmer's market planned for every Thursday from August 19 until October 7 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Vendors from the region will be selling freshly picked local produce and goods weekly. Attend to reconnect with where your food comes from, and meet with local farmers.

Visit our Upcoming Special Events page to see the other great events we have in 2010!