Oh my goodness! What a beautiful day for a walk! We visited Riverview Farmstead on Saturday for Woods Walk #4 and loved it! I had to work in the morning and we still had chores to do but we couldn’t resist a quick getaway, especially when the weather was so incredibly cooperative. If you’re not familiar with it, or maybe you’ve simply driven past it a million times without realizing it was there, Riverview Farmstead is a hidden gem located at the corner of Hassert (a.k.a. 111th) and Book Road in Naperville.
The farmstead sits on a parcel of land alongside the DuPage River at the end of the winding drive leading away from the main roads. You can tour the property, read all about the Clows as well as some of the other families that settled in the area, and meander along the paths that lead to the river. In the open area you’ll find the original limestone house, a wooden structure that used to be a residence, and of course the big red barn. And with the fall colors blazing in the afternoon sun it was like a picture perfect step back in time.
The path itself wanders through the property with a spur heading north-ish and the official Woods Walk section that heads south. Unfortunately we didn’t have time to explore the northern path, but we plan to head back someday to see it. The Woods Walk path allows you to choose either the paved or the crushed stone. We first took the paved portion south, enjoying the sunshine and crisp, clean air. Once we reached the check-in point, we ventured a bit further west but turned around at the small parking lot near the residential area. We continued our return trip by veering off the paved path, walking along the gravel path that stretched along the river. The trees that lined the way shimmered in the sun, we could hear birds chirping and squirrels rustling through the brush while the river quietly flowed beside us. At the finish, we paused for a few moments to take it all in, a bit sad to leave. It was an extremely peaceful walk and, at only about 1.5 miles, it was a fairly quick and easy escape.
Riverview Farmstead is a precious little piece of history and a wonderful place to visit. I imagine it’s a photographer’s playground all year long! (I wish I’d brought my camera!) I hope we go back during the winter just to see it under a blanket of snow . . .
#RiverviewFarmstead
#HappyHiking
#WoodsWalk2025
Wholeness Health and YOU! 