The year was 1890. Congress created Yosemite National Park, the population of Fresno grew to 10,000, and local nurseryman William Macca Williams built a home at Riverview Ranch. 



For 100 years the Victorian style building was home to many people - from single families with fine furnishings to multiple families of farm workers. Through the years, the surrounding land was used as a dairy farm, nursery, orchard, and vineyard. Livestock, alfalfa, and row crops were raised here. 

Perhaps festive parties were held in the house to celebrate the holidays. 

In 2002 the River Parkway Trust completed restoration of Riverview Ranch and opened the River Center to the public. 

The River Center is the hub of operations for the River Parkway Trust. The facility includes hands-on exhibits about the river and serves as a venue for field trips, River Camp, and recreation programs. Our restoration staff and volunteers utilize the River Center as a place to prepare for workdays to restore wildlife habitat.  

And the wildlife enjoy it too! Just this evening, a young buck ventured up to the back door of the Headquarters Building, before bounding off into the underbrush. 

The River Center continues to make an impact on our community by introducing people to the wonders of the San Joaquin River.