Cedar Rapids Closes Gardner, Ellis Golf Courses
Gardner and Ellis courses close for winter in mid-November while Twin Pines stays open.
Updated on Nov. 12, 2026 in Golf
Cedar Rapids Parks and Recreation announced seasonal closing dates for its Gardner and Ellis golf courses. Gardner closes after play on Sunday, November 15, and Ellis closes after play on Sunday, November 22.
Why it matters
The closures give maintenance crews time to prepare the courses for winter, a window that depends on several consecutive days of favorable weather. Golfers in Cedar Rapids will need to plan around the shorter season at these two courses.
The announcement is an official Cedar Rapids Parks and Recreation schedule listing November 15 as Gardner's last day of play and November 22 as Ellis's. The timing of Twin Pines's closure remains undetermined and will depend on conditions.
The players
Cedar Rapids Parks and Recreation
The municipal department that operates Cedar Rapids' public parks and golf courses, including Gardner, Ellis and Twin Pines.
The details
Crews treat greens to protect against snow mold and topdress turf to prepare the courses for winter. Golfers can book available tee times through the city's booking page while the courses remain open.
Timeline
Thursday, November 12, 2026: Parks and Recreation announces the seasonal closing dates.
Sunday, November 15, 2026: Gardner Golf Course closes for the season after play.
Sunday, November 22, 2026: Ellis Golf Course closes for the season after play.
Season Trajectory
Staggered closing dates across Cedar Rapids' courses follow the standard late-fall pattern for Iowa municipal golf, in which turf treatment has to be completed before a hard freeze. Twin Pines's continued operation shows the city adjusting closures to local weather rather than a single fixed date.
Golfers who play Gardner or Ellis should book their final rounds before November 15 and November 22, respectively. Players planning winter rounds should check whether Twin Pines remains open, since its closing date is not yet set.
The takeaway
Booking early is the simplest way to get a final round at Gardner or Ellis before the seasonal closures. Checking the city's booking page before heading out will also show whether Twin Pines is still open.
What happens next
Twin Pines Golf Course's closing date will be announced once weather and maintenance needs are assessed.
Further reading
For more on the city's course schedules, browse the Golf section for Cedar Rapids.
More information
Book available tee times on the City tee-time booking page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by KGAN.
