Ellis Harbor is a peaceful neighborhood featuring a well-developed bicycling infrastructure that supports convenient bike travel throughout the area. Quiet streets contribute to a calm environment with minimal traffic noise. The community offers a wide variety of housing options, including small apartment buildings, single detached homes, townhouses, and spacious lofts, catering to diverse preferences. Properties vary in size, some boasting four or more bedrooms, reflecting versatility in available dwellings. Residents benefit from ease of parking options, making car travel comfortable. This neighborhood provides a relaxed, tranquil setting with varied living arrangements suited to numerous needs within an accessible, bike-friendly environment.
The character of Ellis Harbor is exemplified by its slower-paced ambience. Ellis Harbor is very quiet overall, as the streets are generally very tranquil.
Parks, schools, dining, and what makes this neighborhood special
Ellis Harbor is home to a rare houseboat and boathouse community nestled in a harbor just off Ellis Road, where around 100 floating homes form a tight‑knit summer neighborhood, with a strong sense of camaraderie among residents. Each structure is unique, and while they present challenges like winter storage and flood risk, they define the character of the area.
This 416‑acre riverside green space includes the historic 18‑hole Ellis Golf Course (designed in 1919 by William Langford), walking trails, tennis courts, ball diamonds, sand volleyball, a swimming pool, Shakespeare Garden, boat ramps, and hosts water ski shows — offering unmatched outdoor recreation right in Ellis Harbor.
Ellis Harbor is served by Cedar Rapids Community School District and zoned to Kennedy High School (A‑minus rating on Niche, with 27 AP classes) after attending Roosevelt Creative Corridor Business Academy (6‑8) and Madison Elementary (C‑plus), providing strong local college‑prep educational options.
While largely residential and river‑focused, Ellis Harbor sits just 2 to 3 miles from major shopping and dining hubs—Hy‑Vee stores, Cedar River Landing dive bar, and downtown Cedar Rapids—making essential amenities and nightlife easily accessible by car or bus.
The Cedar Boat Club hosts annual fireworks displays at Ellis Park/Harbor, a beloved summer tradition that attracts families from across the city to gather riverside and enjoy community celebrations under the night sky.
Things to do, events, and what's happening this month
A major open-air market offering local food, crafts, and entertainment—a great Saturday morning outing for Ellis Harbor residents to support regional vendors and enjoy community atmosphere.
A fun, family-friendly event where dogs and owners in Ellis Harbor can enjoy a swim day together—a popular local fundraiser and social gathering for pet lovers.
View event details →Another Saturday opportunity to browse fresh produce and local goods—perfect for Ellis Harbor residents who missed the earlier market or want to double up on local shopping.
A casual golf challenge right in Ellis Harbor that offers locals a chance to win a free round of golf plus cart—great for active families or those wanting to try something new nearby.
An elegant outdoor orchestra concert featuring American classics—ideal for Ellis Harbor families seeking a cultural, lawn‑chair musical night out in a beautiful historic setting.
Stories, updates, and things to know in Ellis Harbor
Local characteristics and demographics for Ellis Harbor
