star trek museum iowa

The Voyage Home History Center showcases Riverside's past, present, and future. It is a blend of historical city displays and Star Trek memorabilia to celebrate its official designation as the Future Birthplace of Captain James T Kirk!

2024: mon -  sat, noon - 4 pm, closed sunday & all national holidays, **note: are you planning a special trip let us know please call us at 319-648-2226 with your contact information. we are a volunteer-run organization but will try our best to accommodate you. thank you for your support.

Home » Roadside Attractions Blog » Iowa Tourist Attractions & Road Trip Stops » Voyage Home History Center in Riverside Iowa (Star Trek Museum)

Voyage Home History Center in Riverside Iowa (Star Trek Museum)

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The Voyage Home History Center in Riverside, Iowa is officially a museum showcasing the town’s history…and future history. But most people would just call it a Star Trek Museum.

So…why is there a Star Trek Museum in the middle of Iowa? Riverside, Iowa, where the center is located, is known as the “ future birthplace of Captain James T. Kirk ,” a Star Trek legend who helms the USS Enterprise in books, TV shows, and movies.

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The Iowa town celebrates their self-proclaimed status with a Captain Kirk statue , a plaque , a museum, and an annual TrekFest celebration among a plethora of banners and signs that mark buildings and light poles around town. One bar even has a plaque commemorating where Captain Kirk will be conceived !

Come inside the Voyage Home History Center to check out homemade props, photo ops, and memorabilia that tie this town into the famed sci-fi franchise. You’ll find everything from Starfleet uniforms to packaged toys to autographed photos to spaceship replicas to a command station to a transporter to beam you up (Scotty)! Be sure to check out the Star Trek themed bathroom.

Also be sure to stop outside to see the USS Riverside NCC-1818, an unofficial scale model of a Starfleet starship designed after the Starship Enterprise used in the annual Trek Fest Parade.

Learn more about everything you can see at the Future Birthplace of Captain James T. Kirk in Riverside, Iowa .

Photos of the Voyage Home History Center (Star Trek Museum)

Photos of the USS Riverside NCC-1818 (an unofficial replica of the USS Enterprise)

Voyage Home History Center (Star Trek Museum)

Address: 361 W First St, Riverside, IA  Hours: Monday – Saturday, 10am – 4pm; Sunday 12pm – 4pm Cost: Free Admission Visit the museum’s website for up to date information

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Last modified: February 5, 2022 Category: Iowa Tourist Attractions & Road Trip Stops , Roadside Attractions

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The Voyage Home Riverside History Center

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361 E 1st St

Riverside, IA 52327

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We drove over an hour out of our way west to see the museum, having checked multiple times to make sure it was open on Sundays, and it was closed. We called the number and no one answered. There was also another family waiting there hoping someone would show up. Our kids and us were so excited about this and what a let down to begin our trip. The town is cute in how they've adopted the theme with street signs and what not, and we got pictures with the statue and the insignia made from bicycles. That's the only reason it got two stars instead of one. It looks very cute through the window. Super sad that we won't be able to see it.

Street sign

Insignia made from bikes

For all fans of Star Trek, it's worth a visit if you happen to be in Iowa City. I lived here for two years and didn't come until 4 years later when I was visiting family. The museum is completely volunteer runned so beware hours may vary from what is posted. I popped in strolled through. Apparently William Shatner visited while in town for a movie shoot.

See all photos from Yuk L. for The Voyage Home Riverside History Center

I LOVED our visit here!! If you're looking for a museum with million dollar, interactive displays, lots of flashing lights, multi media, and more, this isn't it. But if you're looking for a true homage to Star Trek--especially TOS--this is the place to be. The displays are nicely done. With the exception of the mock up of the captain's chair and the bridge console (Which is set up more for kids amusement) it's all static displays...pictures, newspaper clippings, uniforms, and the like. But it's VERY well done. I'm old enough that I watched TOS in it's original run, and, honestly---this museum brought a tear to my eye. It brought back my childhood--those wonder years of space exploration, and the show that began my lifelong interest in SciFi---back to life. The museum is run by volunteers and they are just charming. If you're a Star Trek fan--even a casual one--I recommend a visit.

Just a head's up. A few weeks ago, we tried to go here on a Saturday. It was closed because the person who was supposed to be working was out sick. (It's a small town) Since then, I have seen that other people have had the same experience. SO CALL FIRST!

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The Voyage Home Museum

361 E. 1st Street, Suite 2, Riverside , Iowa 52327 USA

• Independent

“A star trek fan's mecca”

The museum chronicles the town's history and has an entire room devoted to Star Trek where you can learn about the town's ties with the Star Trek franchise. In the town square you will find the USS Riverside NCC-1818, a scale model of a starship designed after the Starship Enterprise. It is not an exact replica of Kirk's ship, due to licensing issues, but it's hard to ignore the similarities.

Reviewed by Megan Bannister

• Road Warrior
• 135 Reviews
• 113 Helpful

The Voyage Home Museum is home to historical items about the town of Riverside, Iowa, but more importantly, collects any and all Star Trek paraphernalia (they also have a gift shop). Be sure to pose for a photo with the U.S.S. Riverside out front!

Reviewed by Jeff Irvine

My wife and I loved this place. There are relics and fun photo ops for Star Trek fans. We especially liked the transporter with sound effects. The admission was free and the souvenirs were reasonably priced. I highly recommend you take the half hour to see for yourself.

Reviewed by Anna Hider

• 1,414 Reviews
• 637 Helpful

I won’t lie, I came here for souvenirs. The souvenirs are awesome. But there’s some fun photo ops and a weird blend of Star Trek memorabilia and local history here that makes me happy. Check out the bathroom too!

Reviewed by gustavsouza

The staff were very friendly, if not exactly experts on the series. It's exactly as campy as you would expect it to be.

Reviewed by breid7718

Gene Roddenberry, the creator of Star Trek, asserts in his book The Making of Star Trek that the character of James Tiberius Kirk had been born in the state of Iowa. In March 1985, when the city of Riverside was looking for a theme for its annual town festival, the Riverside City Council decided their town was going to be the birthplace. So they put up a monument, started a festival and just claimed it. It's non-canon, but several references have since been made to it.

The marker is a nice marble affair that's situated in a little park behind a hair salon. You have to hike down an alley to find it. It's almost hidden. There's also a little museum that's heavy on the cheesy/homemade vibe, but with a lot of memorabilia. Heavy on the toys and books.

They also have their town history museum in the same place and are quick to herd you in there after seeing the Trek stuff. The town was also the unwitting stars of a Spike reality TV show in 2004 where Shatner came to town under the guise of filming a scifi movie. They took the joke in good spirits and made THAT memoribilia a part of their collection as well. I don't know if this town is just the most relaxed group of people in the world or if they'll pimp anything to bring a little commerce to town. Everyone in the town seems to send you on to the next business. The museum suggested the other museum, then the restaurant, who suggested the marker, etc.

Reviewed by Nicolas Jolochin

Although I was late, I could see through the windows that they had lots of interesting things!

Reviewed by rschwartz

I'm not a Star Trek fan but still thought it would be a fun stop. I felt very welcome there and there was tons of Star Trek stuff as well as Riverside historical things. The coolest thing about this place is the bathroom for sure. It's like your in a spaceship and makes for an out of this world bathroom experience. One of the coolest bathrooms I've been in. So if you need to go, I suggest here for a different bathroom break.

Reviewed by ChristinBell

We came out of our determined route to visit this place and we were not disappointed. We arived when the museum was scheduled to be open but was closed for some reason but they left phone numbers on the window for after hours tours. We were able to call and were quickly responded too and were let in. The museum is quaint and filled with very neat exibits, though it is quite small. The gift shop had very reasonable prices for the items that are sold there. Overall we were very happy with the service and hospitality of the Voyage Home Museum.

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• Tue, Thu - Sat: 10:00 am - 4:00 pm

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The Star Trek Voyage Home Museum and Future Birthplace of Captain James T. Kirk

All you science fiction fans out there, this one’s for you: a special look at the Official Future Birthplace of the one and only Captain James Tiberius Kirk of Star Trek’s USS Enterprise fame! 

Yes, as a family of Star Trek fans (admittedly, some of us more so than others), we really did visit the small town of Riverside, Iowa, just for the opportunity to gaze upon the carved granite that marks this special spot. But first, we admired the bronze life-sized statue of the Captain in Railroad Park. 

Then we headed across the street, past the trailer-mounted USS Riverside (which looks remarkably but not quite legal-liability-enough like the USS Enterprise ) in the parking lot and into the modest Star Trek Voyage Home Museum on the main drag in town. Admission is free. Decidedly low-tech and low-budget but nonetheless entertaining, this place offers for your viewing pleasure a variety of cardboard cutouts of your favorite Star Trek characters as well as a “transporter” space for unique photo opps, plus a range of Star Trek models, props and memorabilia displays. Tip: be sure to visit the bathroom while you’re here for more Star Trek decor!

Obviously, after this free experience, we felt compelled to purchase some souvenirs from the gift counter in support of this endeavor: t-shirts, magnets, a pint glass, a koozie, and so on. It’s just gotta be done! Then, we followed the helpful signs down the street which point the way to the future birthplace monument that stands just about a third of a mile away, approximately a four-minute stroll. You can’t miss it!

And we made our way there very safely. Kudos to Riverside for embracing this bit of fame and notoriety and creatively incorporating Star Trek even into their pedestrian crosswalks!  

Then, behold, there it was: down a small alley, past a salon in a cute little yellow house, the monument to the future birthplace we’d so boldly been searching for:

But that’s not all! Between the museum and the monument, you have the opportunity to stop in at Murphy’s Bar & Grill, also on First Street, to admire the plaque that commemorates the future site of James T. Kirk’s  conception . Yes, you read that right. Back during our first visit in 2009 (OK, I admit it, we’ve been here a couple of times), this plaque – which reads: Captain James T.  Kirk Conceived At This Point June 22, 2227 – was mounted on the floor underneath a pool table (hence the really bad photo).

The pool table, sadly, was removed in 2014 and now the plaque is instead mounted on a wall in the back room. If you time your visit to Murphy’s just right, you might even get to drink some delectable Romulan ale while you gaze upon the plaque. 

Of all places, why Riverside, you may ask? Gene Roddenberry’s 1968 book mentioned only that Kirk would be born in a small town in Iowa. It just so happened that Riverside, with a current population of about 1027, was fortunate to have a Trekkie as a councilman back in 1985, and he proposed that Riverside declare itself the Future Birthplace of James T. Kirk. The motion passed unanimously and in 2009, Riverside was specifically mentioned as Kirk’s birthplace in the Star Trek reboot. Hence it became part of Star Trek canon. And so here we are. 

Since some of us ( ahem ) have paid good money to meet and snap a quick pic with William Shatner (and Nichelle Nichols, and Brent Spiner, and Michael Dorn, and Marina Sirtis) in real life at a variety of ComiCons, this visit to the future birthplace of the great Captain Kirk is just icing on the Trekkie cake. Oh, and that March 22 future birth date? That’s William Shatner’s birthday (except, of course, his birth year is 1931). 

So if you ever find yourself in Iowa, take that detour into Riverside and enjoy a journey into the future. And as always…. Live long and prosper!  

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Iowa Weird: How Riverside Became The Home Of Captain Kirk

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By Ty Rushing

Riverside’s designation as the future birthplace of James T. Kirk is pretty well known to Iowans and Trekkies/Trekkers, but how did the southeast Iowa community gain the designation of being the origin point to arguably the most famous “Star Trek” captain?  

In an incredibly ordinary fashion, it began with a city council meeting.

But first, a little background.

Gene Roddenberry’s original “Star Trek” series ran from 1966-69. The central protagonist of the space ensemble is future Iowan James T. Kirk, most famously played by the legendary William Shatner.

Kirk’s future birthday is March 22, 2233, and he shares the day with his original actor; Shatner’s birthday is March 22, 1931. Also, the reason the Riverside monument lists March 22, 2228, rather than March 22, 2233, was because it was erected before 2233 became the canon year of Kirk’s birth.

So to summarize, a fictional future spaceman—played by a Canadian actor—will be born in Iowa and an Iowa town capitalized on that connection.

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Anyway, back to that Riverside City Council meeting that changed the future of the town.

Former Riverside Councilmember—and Trek fan—Steve Miller made a motion during a March 1985 meeting: What if they changed the theme for the city’s annual River Festival, held the last weekend of June, to Trekfest and they also claimed to be the birthplace of Captain Kirk? 

Starlog magazine

Miller has retold the story of what inspired him to make the motion dozens of times over the years, including in a June 2021 interview with metro Des Moines radio station Nash FM 97.3 .  

“I had read the book ‘The Making of Star Trek,’ which had a biography of Captain Kirk in it,” he said. “It was written by Gene Rodenberry, who produced the show and had directed the show.”

The book noted Kirk was born in a “small town in the state of Iowa” so Miller thought Riverside should claim the designation.

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Here’s how he described the outcome of that meeting in a February 1989 issue of Starlog magazine :

“Although they were taken by surprise, the resolution passed unanimously. Shortly after the meeting, I was talking to a friend who’s a reporter in Cedar Rapids, and he decided to run a front-page story on the idea,” Miller said.

“It was picked up by the wire services and The New York Times and was even broadcast over the BBC in England. The mayor had to take a week’s vacation from his regular job to be at city hall to answer all the calls about it. At that point, we knew we had made the right decision.”

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That famous front-page article ran in the March 27, 1985, issue of the Cedar Rapids Gazette.

Screenshot of March 27, 1985, Cedar Rapids Gazette

Miller told the paper the motion almost died due to lack of a second.

“Finally another council member said ‘Why not?’ so we discussed it for about five minutes and voted,” Miller told the paper. “I don’t think Roddenberry will get mad and I told the council if there’s any litigation, I’ll pay the expenses.”

So how did Roddenberry react to the town’s declaration?

According to Miller, Roddenberry was cool with it and called it a “very enterprising idea.” The creator also provided a quote to the Gazette in a 1985 follow-up story where he told the paper, “As far as I’m concerned, the first volunteer has it.” 

Although Miller said his community was initially shocked by the global attention it received, the town grew to welcome it. Riverside’s slogan was changed from “Where the Best Begins” to “Where the Trek Begins.” The city’s logo even features a model of the USS Enterp—excuse me—the USS Riverside flying.

Homepage for the city of Riverside’s official website.

The volunteer-run Voyage Home-Riverside History Museum is dedicated to telling the city’s history and that of its future local legend and it opened in 2008. And perhaps the coup de grace, a bronze Captain Kirk statue was unveiled in July 2018. Fundraising for that statue dates back to 1985 when members of the Riverside Area Community Club began selling $3 vials of “Kirk dirt.”

Riverside also has a parade as part of its annual Trekfest—year 37 kicks off on Friday, June 24 —and Miller says that parade helped the town clear legal hassles with Paramount over its use of the “Star Trek” brand.

“They were sending me certified letters offering to sue me into poverty,” Miller told Nash FM.

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According to Miller, the issue was finally settled thanks to another newspaper. A photo of a man dressed as Spock—arguably the second-most famous “Star Trek” character—with his dog who was also rocking a pair of Spock ears—ran on page two of an issue of the Los Angeles Times.

Miller said he was speaking to a Paramount attorney, who was in California where the studio is based, and asked her if she had seen that day’s issue of the Times?

“She said, ‘No, it’s on my desk.’ I said, ‘Well, open it up to page two.’ She opens it up and immediately starts laughing,” Miller told Nash FM. “And I said, ‘We’re giving you guys millions of dollars of free publicity every year and we have no intention of doing anything that would harm the image of ‘Star Trek’ and she said ‘OK, I’m done.’”

While the town escaped legal ramifications, the studio still wouldn’t acknowledge Riverside as being the home of Kirk until decades later. The town’s magic moment—well, depending on who you ask— came during the 2009 reboot of “Star Trek” featuring Chris Pine as Captain Kirk.

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The 2009 movie features Riverside as the site of a spaceship yard and shows Kirk there, but the captain is shown to be born in space and raised in Iowa. This drew the ire of some Riverside residents, according to Radio Iowa .

“There’s a lot of nerdy physics phenomena that operate in this movie that were a little disconcerting anyway, but then when they stripped the birth of Captain Kirk away from our future, at least in one parallel universe, it muddies the waters,” then Riverside Area Community Club Vice President Tim Geerlings told Radio Iowa.

But, if it’s any solace, the reboot franchise takes place in an alternative timeline and the real Captain Kirk (Shatner) has been to Riverside. Shatner was there under the guise of making a movie—in actuality, it was a reality TV show—but Miller told Nash FM it was still great.

“He was accessible to everybody,” Miller said. “Every night at Murphy’s Restaurant and Bar, he would be in the backroom and anybody who wanted to could come in and talk to him and say, ‘Hi.’ 

“Celebrity status just went out the window, they just acted like normal folks when they were in Riverside.”

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Other folks connected to the franchise have visited the community and even participated in Trekfest, which draws thousands of visitors to the town of a little more than 1,000 residents.

Miller also told Nash FM it is endearing how the community has embraced its Trek connection and the uniqueness it gives Riverside.

“It’s just a very, very fun thing,” he said. “How many places have the future birthplace of a person who’ll never exist? Riverside is the only one that comes to mind.”

by Ty Rushing 06/22/22

Iowa Starting Line is part of an independent news network and focuses on how state and national decisions impact Iowans’ daily lives. We rely on your financial support to keep our stories free for all to read. You can contribute to us here . Also follow us on Facebook and Twitter .

Ty Rushing is the Chief Political Correspondent for Iowa Starting Line. He is a trail-blazing veteran Iowa journalist, an Emmy-nominated filmmaker, and co-founder and president of the Iowa Association of Black Journalists. Send tips or story ideas to [email protected] and find him on social media @Rushthewriter.

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Attractions

Local parks.

Riverside is very proud of its parks, which feature playground equipment, ballparks, lakes, shelters, and more. The  Parks and Recreation  page outlines the city's four parks.

Riverside, Iowa, is the future birthplace of Star Trek's Captain James T. Kirk, and each summer, the city celebrates Trek Fest, held the last weekend in June. It's an annual celebration of all things Star Trek including costume contests, a fireworks show, a large parade and more.

• Trekfest Website

Voyage Home Museum

The Voyage Home History Center has collections on both the history of Riverside, Iowa, and the city's designation as the future birthplace of Star Trek's Captain James T. Kirk. The gift shop includes t-shirts and Star Trek gifts. Call (319) 648-2226 to verify hours.

• Voyage Home Museum website

Riverside Casino and Golf Resort

The Riverside Casino and Golf Resort broke ground in the fall of 2005 and opened its doors in August 2006. The property contains a luxury hotel with an indoor/outdoor swimming pool, a span, an events center, restaurant, casino, sportsbook, and golf course.

3184 Highway 22 Riverside, IA 52327 ( Directions ) (319) 648-1234 Website

Area Communities

• Kalona, Iowa in the heart of Amish Country
• Washington, Iowa historic downtown district
• Coralville and Iowa City shopping and the University of Iowa
• Old Threshers Reunion annual gathering in Mt. Pleasant, south of Riverside
• Amana Colonies historic villages, shopping, artists

Star Trek Voyage Home Museum

Top ways to experience nearby attractions

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Star Trek Voyage Home Museum - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

• Sun - Sat 12:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
• (11.37 km) Dutch Country Inn
• (4.43 km) Riverside Casino & Golf Resort
• (11.83 km) Kalona Bed and Breakfast
• (11.55 km) Ethel's Gourmet Kitchen B&B
• (13.01 km) Carriage House Bed and Breakfast
• (0.35 km) Murphy's Bar & Grill
• (0.49 km) Chiva
• (0.49 km) Casa Tequila
• (0.18 km) Casey's
• (2.00 km) Subway

Star Trek Voyage Home Museum

Top ways to experience nearby attractions

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

STAR TREK VOYAGE HOME MUSEUM: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

• Sun - Sat 12:00 - 16:00
• (7.11 mi) Dutch Country Inn
• (2.77 mi) Riverside Casino & Golf Resort
• (7.39 mi) Kalona Bed and Breakfast
• (7.22 mi) Ethel's Gourmet Kitchen B&B
• (8.13 mi) Carriage House Bed and Breakfast
• (0.22 mi) Murphy's Bar & Grill
• (0.30 mi) Chiva
• (0.30 mi) Casa Tequila
• (0.11 mi) Casey's
• (1.25 mi) Subway

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Star Trek museum to be unveiled at Riverside

RIVERSIDE - May Day in Riverside will see the opening of a long-sought museum for a city where history has yet to happen. The Riverside History Center celebrates Riverside's status as the future birthplace of Captain James T. Kirk and the whole Star Trek universe as well as its more earthly roots. As a result, there are displays about the 24-year-old Trek Fest and the more recent Invasion Iowa, the Spike TV reality

Sep. 30, 2018 7:15 pm

RIVERSIDE - May Day in Riverside will see the opening of a long-sought museum for a city where history has yet to happen.

The Riverside History Center celebrates Riverside's status as the future birthplace of Captain James T. Kirk and the whole Star Trek universe as well as its more earthly roots.

As a result, there are displays about the 24-year-old Trek Fest and the more recent Invasion Iowa, the Spike TV reality show that finally brought Captain Kirk (William Shatner) "home" and the real Riverside history that started with the railroad in 1872.

The museum is the result of years of efforts by the Riverside Area Community Club (RACC), support from the city, itself, and a lot of individuals. It is housed in the former convenience store on Highway 22, directly across from Railroad Park.

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A trek to Riverside, Iowa is a must for all true Star Trek fans

By chad porto | jan 8, 2021.

A canceled wedding led me to Iowa at the end of November and to make sure the trip wasn’t a waste, I beamed down to Riverside to see Star Trek history.

I took a solo (Star) trek to Riverside, IA over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend to see a friend who was set to have a wedding. This was scheduled before the pandemic took shape. Obviously, the wedding was canceled, but as I already paid for the travel and lodging, I figured since I was taking the trip by myself, that to waste the large chunk of money would be ill-advised. So I started looking for touristy things to do outside, and wouldn’t you know that Iowa is home to not one, but two unique pieces of media?

The first is the actual field from the film Field of Dreams, which still stands to this day and even has a neat little souvenir shop. Even though it’s about two hours away, it was still a neat little experience, as it remains one of, if not my favorite, baseball movies of all time. It’s after all given me the line I repeat all the time, “What are you grinning at, you ghost?”

South of the Field of Dreams is the birthplace of James. T Kirk in Riverside, IA. This isn’t just a single monument like you may have seen, it’s actually a collection of several key points of interest around the small town. This was a place I just had to

explore for myself and what better time to do it than on my first trip to Iowa, at a time when no one would be around. So after doing my dutiful obligation to get myself tested, and purchasing an extra surplus of masks, just in case I lost a few, I drove nearly nine hours to Davenport, IA to begin my own personal trek.

I spent the first day at my hotel, ordering food for delivery, and settling up for the night. With little to do, I charged my camera, got directions, and did some work before nodding off, hoping to get an early enough jump on my day to hit both the Birthplace of Kirk, as well as the Field of Dreams. The total drive time would be about five-six hours depending on stops and such.

To get to Riverside, you’re going to be going through mostly rural freeways, which are actually less freeways and more just streets in the middle of nowhere with speed limits of around 60 miles an hour. After dodging and weaving through the long streets, with the occasional run-in with a small, several-block-long town, you’ll eventually hit Riverside. Most of the attractions come from the downtown part of the area. If you’re from a major city, the idea of “downtown” is a vastly different thing for you.

You’d be used to big bustling streets, with high buildings, and lots of traffic. In Riverside, the entirety of downtown is two blocks wide and less than a quarter-mile long. That’s not to say there isn’t something to do in the area, because there actually is and it’s all Star Trek themed.

The first stop for me was the Star Trek museum, which was open free to anyone, as long as you had a mask on. There was no one else in there but a kindly older lady who ran the museum. She gave me a brief history of the museum and encouraged me to look around at my leisure, while also pointing out that an adjoining second museum, about the town itself, was just next door and also free to explore.

The Star Trek museum isn’t huge, only one large room contains everything, but the things it contains are pieces of the show’s history, as well as signed autographs, celebrity photos with cast members, a makeshift captains’ chair for photo opts, numerous pieces of Star Trek memorabilia and even some real-life stuff from Star Trek donated to the museum. In less stressful and plague-filled times, it’s also home to a fanfest.

While the museum is free to enter, there are plenty of unique goodies there for purchase as well. From shirts that say “Live Fast Die Red” to numerous Starfleet and Star Trek patches, to things like collectible stamps that are out of circulation. Most of the merchandise found at this museum is also only sold at that museum, as some of the people of the town are the ones who make it. The stamps for instance came from the Riverside, IA post office, and a lot of the shirts and patches were created by one man in the town. So if you’re a collector this is a must-see stop for anyone looking to get interesting and unique pieces of Star Trek memorabilia. I myself spent more money here than in any other one location during my trip. If you’re afraid that this is all the town has to offer, you’d be

wrong. You get a complimentary guide-sheet to help you tour the area.

There are eight key locations on the sheet, including the Delta shield built entirely out of bikes and other metals, numerous banners of the original cast, and characters down the main street (Highway 22) of the city. Street signs featuring the classic Enterprise-A silhouette. Not to mention not one, but two monuments that feature a tribute to James Kirk.

The first is a statue of Kirk, which is just about the same height as the real William Shatner. Having worked many years in private security, handling meet and greets and such, I’ve stood next to Shatner, and he is by no means a tall man. The statue may not be exactly his height, but it isn’t that far off. Besides the statue, there is an actual monument, though you’ll have to take a little hike down the street (or drive) to get to it. Along the way, you’ll pass a crosswalk that has the Delta symbol inside of it, while also noticing the formerly mentioned banners that adorn the street poles. Down the way some, you’ll see Murphy’s Pub and Grille. While I stopped at all the unique attractions this town had to offer, this was one I purposely avoided. With COVID-19 still raging at the time, the fewer stops I made inside the better. The bar and grille have your typical options according to their digital menu , which claims cheesesteaks, Reubens, patty melts, and even lasagna.

I’ll just have to return to Riverside sometime in the next few years to really get a taste of the town. You’ll also notice as you walk by Murphy’s that their sign has the USS Enterprise-A on it.

Just beyond that, behind a small yellow building, is the James T. Kirk monument. It’s a moderately sized plaque, that has a bench facing it. It’s a modest experience but still one worth checking out.

All in all, if you’re taking a trip out to Riverside anytime soon to see the sights that it has to offer, best to wait until there’s a fanfest going on. Otherwise, that’s a long trip for not a lot. That said, if you planned a trip like me, that took advantage of other locations in the area as well, it’s an absolute must-add to anyone’s itinerary who’s going to see eastern Iowa. There are several casinos in the area, of course, the Field of Dreams field is only a couple of hours north, and the famed Bridges of Madison County are just a few hours west. That’s just a few more places you could hit, not to mention just 20 minutes north is the home of Iowa football with the Iowa Hawkeyes. If the season’s going on, you might try your luck getting tickets. Assuming when you go the whole Covid-19 situation has been mostly resolved.

All in all, I loved my time in Riverside. If you’re an Iowa native or are relatively close to southern-Iowa, it’s a must-see for any Trek fan. Otherwise, be sure to plan a more encompassing and expansive trip to Iowa, and make it a must-see during your travels. It really is a beautiful place for such an iconic piece of Star Trek history to reside. Be sure to travel safe, spend some money to help the local economy, and be respectful and you’ll find yourself having one heck of a trip.

Whether you’re coming or going, remember to live long and prosper.

Next. Star Trek has passed 800 stories told over films and episodes. dark

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It’s time to plan your vist!

The date may be months away but we’re starting to make preparations. Don’t miss out on TF-39 coming June 2024!

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If you did not get to see everything or if you unfortunately missed TF-38 'JMRImages' has kindly provided photos.

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Make sure to be in downtown Riverside when the parade goes through!

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TrekFest for the kids!  

Come check out all the kids activities we have!

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entertainment on the main stage in Hall Park!

TrekFest has great food.  From our Pancake breakfast, Youth organizations selling local products, and local beers at our beverage tent, come check out our great selection of food and drinks.

Come see the fantastic work or compete.

Download the registration form on the Additional Information page.

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TREKFEST SHOPPING      

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RoadsideAmerica.com Your Online Guide to Offbeat Tourist Attractions

Attraction:

Future Birthplace of James T. Kirk

Riverside, Iowa

James T. Kirk, captain of the Starship Enterprise, will be born in Riverside, Iowa, on March 22, 2228.

Steve Miller, a Riverside councilman, knew this before anyone else. Steve was a Trekkie, and he read in Gene Roddenberry's book, Making of Star Trek (1968) that Kirk would be born in a small town in Iowa. The book didn't name the town. Miller thought, "Why not Riverside?" At the next council meeting (March 25, 1985) Miller proposed that Riverside declare itself the Future Birthplace of James T. Kirk. The motion passed unanimously.

Riverside quickly altered its town slogan from "Where the best begins" to "Where the Trek begins," and changed its annual summer festival from River Fest to Trek Fest. Miller jabbed a stick into the ground behind the town barber shop (he owned the property) and declared that it was the future birth spot. An engraved monument was eventually placed on the spot for present (and future) fans. Later, a bench was added for contemplation along with a Shuttlecraft-shaped donation box for upkeep.

Miller's inspiration became official Star Trek canon in May 2009, when Riverside was identified as Kirk's hometown in the Star Trek reboot movie. The entire town was invited to a special secret preview screening of the film, a day before its official release. It wasn't screened in Riverside, but in Iowa City, which was the nearest town with a movie theater.

In June 2021 the monument was moved a block east, next to city hall, but apparently still close enough to qualify as the birth spot in a small town. And who knows? Depending how much plate tectonics shift in 200+ years, it may be the correct spot after all.

Star Trek fans, as finicky stewards of series factoids, sometimes wonder why the March 22, 2228 date on the Riverside monument differs from the March 22, 2233 date usually accepted as Kirk's birthday. The answer is that the 2233 date wasn't promoted until eight years later -- 1993 -- with the publication of the book, The Star Trek Chronology: The History of the Future . Take your pick which to believe, but both agree that March 22 is the day, which also happens to be William Shatner's real birthday.

Also see: Captain Kirk Conceived Here

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10 great sites for a 'Star Trek' pilgrimage

Forget the beach. Star Trek fans can venture to the 23rd century for vacation this year. Cities and filming sites are playing up their ties to the science fiction series with tours, displays and festivals, says Dayton Ward, author of Hidden Universe Travel Guides: Star Trek: The Klingon Empire (Insight Editions, $19.99), an intergalactic handbook. And with a new series, Star Trek: Discovery , now running on CBS All Access, interest continues to grow. He shares some real-world spots for a “Trekcation” with Larry Bleiberg for USA TODAY.

Riverside, Iowa You’ve got to hand it to the folks of Riverside. Although Star Trek creator Gene Roddenberry said that leading character Capt. James T. Kirk was from Iowa, he never named a city. In 1985, the Riverside city council claimed the honor, passing a resolution declaring it to be the cocky commander’s hometown. And Star Trek writers eventually confirmed it, placing scenes in a Riverside of the future. Now the city has an historic marker and museum, and hosts an annual festival. trekfest.com

Star Trek: Original Series Set Tour Ticonderoga, N.Y. No need to beam yourself up to the USS Enterprise. Trekkie extraordinaire James Cawley used original blueprints to painstakingly recreate the original 1966 television studio set in upstate New York, complete with bridge, engine room and sick bay. “It’s jaw-dropping how accurate it is, with the same doors, panels and knobs,” Ward says. startrektour.com

Titan Missile Museum Tucson Even non-Trekkies will be fascinated by this site, which preserves an actual nuclear missile silo. The National Historic Landmark is the sole remaining intercontinental complex in the country. And it also happens to appear in scenes from the 1996 film Star Trek: First Contact . titanmissilemuseum.org

Vasquez Rocks Natural Area Park Agua Dulce, Calif. There’s a reason this tilted rock formation in Los Angeles County looks familiar. “It shows up multiple times in the original show,” Ward says, most famously when Capt. Kirk fights an armor-clad reptile named the Gorn. “You can visit every day — unless it’s closed for filming.” parks.lacounty.gov

Learn more: Best travel insurance

Vulcan, Canada This tiny Canadian prairie town didn’t take its name from the logic-prone alien species. But it profits from the connection with an Enterprise monument and Vulcon, a Trek festival scheduled for July 22-23. “It’s the Star Trek version of Woodstock or Burning Man,” Ward says. The town also plays a starring role in a song and music video by indie band The Rural Alberta Advantage. vulcantourism.com

Valley of Fire State Park Nevada This stunning sandstone park near Las Vegas attracts mountain bikers, hikers and devotees of the 1994 Star Trek: Generations film, who recognize it as the alien planet Veridian III. Ward notes that another film, Galaxy Quest , a parody of Star Trek , was also filmed here. parks.nv.gov

Broken Bow, Okla. The pilot episode of the Star Trek: Enterprise television series takes its name from this southeast Oklahoma town best known for mountain parks and bass fishing. In an example of future history, this is where an alien ship is destined to crash in 2151. “That gets us involved with the Klingon empire for the first time,” Ward says. visitmccurtaincounty.com

Roswell, N.M. Seventy years ago, a tiny New Mexico town made global headlines when the U.S. military reported the crash of a flying saucer. Decades later, the television show Star Trek: Deep Space Nine claimed responsibility, showing how several of its time-traveling characters caused the scare. The city, now home to a UFO festival, museum and research center, doesn’t discount any theories. seeroswell.com

Naval Air Station Alameda, Calif. This Bay Area military base saw some serious action in the film Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home . It’s where characters Uhura and Chekov raided a U.S. Navy aircraft carrier to steal radioactive isotopes to fix their starship. The decommissioned post, now undergoing redevelopment, has a small history museum outlining its World War II history. alamedanavalairmuseum.org

Bozeman, Mont. Mark your calendar for 2063, because this scenic college town will play a monumental role in global history. That’s when a Vulcan ship will arrive and humans and aliens will finally meet. At least that’s how the story plays out in Star Trek: First Contact , actually filmed in California and Arizona. But Ward’s undeterred. “Fifty years from now, maybe fans will gather and see what happens. If I’m still around, I’ll head up there.” bozemanchamber.com