Club History

About the Cedar Boat Club

Founded in 1948, the Cedar Boat Club has been active in our community, promoting family fun on the Cedar River. During this time, we’ve been committed to using the resources around us to provide a place for people to gather and enjoy just some of our city’s offerings. For over 40 years, we have provided a free July 3rd fireworks display at the Ellis Park/Harbor, recently on hiatus for the pandemic but back in 2023! The Ellis fireworks have become an annual tradition for Cedar Rapids families, with an estimated attendance of 40,000 residents and visitors. During this time, many who were once children gazing up at the Ellis fireworks now accompany their parents and children to the annual event. We see the opportunities that the Ellis Harbor and Park area offers and continue to strive to bring people here to enjoy, not only what it offers today, but tomorrow as well.

Other family-friendly community events the Cedar Boat Club offers include the Vessel Safety Checks in coordination with the Sherriff’s Department and DNR each Memorial weekend, as well as the Fire on the River Drag Boat Races at the end of the season. New this year, in coordination with the Ellis Harbor Neighborhood Association and the Five Seasons Ski Team, we plan to unveil our Ellis Harbor Family Fun Fest, providing two days of family-friendly entertainment in the Ellis area parks. The Club also offers various Club Membership events such as the Spring Breakfast, Spring Auction, Vinton Cruise, On the Water Scavenger Hunt, and Fall Steak Fry.

The Cedar Boat Club has member involvement in the Parks & Waterways Recreation Commission, among other committees. We have historically played a significant part in discussions involving Ellis Harbor utilization with the City, County, and DNR officials. The Club has also funded and managed significant projects for the F Avenue district and the Linn County Sherriff, such as the public boat dock across the river from Quaker Oats and the Sherriff’s boat well in the Ellis Harbor.

The Cedar Boat Club is a non-profit organization 501(c)(3) and relies solely on the community’s support. Donations are 100% tax deductible; our tax ID # is 20-1357898. Cash donations are greatly appreciated at any time. The Club usually hosts two annual fundraisers in the spring and fall that are open to the public - find out more on our events page.