A Place
of Our Own

For ten years, Riverside was blessed to utilize beautiful spaces like St. James at Sag Bridge in Lemont and the Mayslake Peabody Estate in Oak Brook.

But, from the beginning, the ultimate goal was to have our own property where, over time, we could create the ideal - the pinnacle - for imaginative and adventurous learning.

In 2025, this dream finally became reality. Thanks to the generosity of our community, we were able to purchase a gorgeous property in Big Rock, Ill., to be Riverside's forever home.

Inspired Space

Learning institutions should be filled with rooms that encourage action and imagination, that call forth the passion, calling, or gift of the young.

-Peter Searby, Riverside Founder and Director

Each room in the Riverside house is being styled and themed to inspire creative writing and artistic design.

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Green Dragon Pub

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Space inspires the musician to play, but it also says loud and clear to the audience what the event is meant to be.

Songwriters' Circle

Among the Leaves

Imagine if boys could climb up a winding staircase or a ladder into a grand maple tree to learn, and then tap that same maple in the early spring to sweeten the pancakes they will eat before delving into imaginative story projects rooted in nature.

In the process of building this treehouse with my peers, it allowed me to take a real sense of ownership in the land and by extension in Riverside itself.

For the kids in the future to be able to do that on an even grander scale, building their own imaginative landscapes, would be a dream come true. -Conor Hernon, '20

Creating Art

Making Space

Makers spaces have a tinkering vibe and the spirit of curiosity. The idea that one place could have a multiplicity of projects happening simultaneously, with tools of all sorts available, and mentors guiding the young, or not so young, is brilliant.

-Peter Searby, founder and director