Frequently Asked Questions

What is River Brook Grove venue?

River Brook Grove is a premier event space with historical charm and modern amenities, set on an 11-acre property.

What amenities do you offer?

We offer a beautiful event space, catering options, and scenic views of the Snake River side-channel.

Who owns the venue?

The venue is owned by the great-granddaughter of the original homesteader, ensuring a legacy of family commitment.

Is the venue family-owned?

Yes, the grove remains in the same family since its establishment under the Homestead Act in the 1800s.

What is the venue's history?

Lot Adams, the current grove owner's great-grandfather, was among the first three homesteaders in Riverside, Idaho. In 1884, he filed a claim under the Homestead Act of 1862, which required timber planting under the Timber Culture provision. At that time, the region was still wild—home to Native Americans and open range cattle.

Together with his wife, Sarah Ann, Lot transformed the arid, sagebrush land into a flourishing grove. They nurtured it by hand, using a side-channel of the Snake River to water the trees. Their efforts turned barren ground into a verdant sanctuary.

Lot’s father, Samuel Adams, who had emigrated from England, had long dreamed of such an opportunity. In England, his family worked as laborers on land owned by others, with no rights to claim it. When that land was taken away, the family was forced into shoemaking—a difficult and unforgiving trade. For Samuel, the Homestead Act represented not only land ownership but the fulfillment of a generational dream: “Boys, this is a goodly land. You and your families shall find good homes nearby. I feel this is the land of my dreams.”

The Adams family brought seeds, cuttings, and young plants, along with knowledge of cultivation. They raised bees and planted trees and bushes to sustain and beautify their new home. Over the decades, the “Adams Grove” became more than a family resource—it became a cornerstone of Riverside.

For generations, the grove has served as a natural gathering place. Families have hosted reunions, weddings and outdoor church meetings under its shade. Children played among its trees and swam in the river side-channel (slough). In many ways, Adams Grove became Riverside’s original “community center,” rooted not in brick and mortar but in the living legacy of trees planted with vision and sacrifice.

The Adams Grove is not only a testament to the pioneering spirit of Idaho’s first settlers but also a living landmark that continues to enrich the cultural and social fabric of Riverside.

Lot Adams

Sarah Ann Adams

Lot and Sarah Ann

Samuel Adams

River Brook Grove provided an unforgettable experience for our event, blending historical charm with modern amenities in a stunning natural setting.

Emily R.

★★★★★