Born on the River

Our story starts with a steamboat.

In June 1856, the first steamboat chugged up the Missouri and into Sioux City. A year later, seventy boats made the trip, more than were traveling the Mississippi. Sioux City was a river town, and the world knew it.

For the next hundred years, the Missouri carried industry and trade. It was also where Siouxland came to play, with picnics, boat rides, and tourists.

Then came 1964.

The Missouri was re-channeled for navigation up to Sioux City, reconnecting the farms and factories of Iowa, Nebraska, and South Dakota. Barges meant business, and a group of local business people wanted a party to match.

They threw a festival and needed a name. They took “river,” added “cade” (as in cavalcade, a procession or parade), and River-Cade was born.

Sixty years of showing up.

There has been a River-Cade every single year since 1964. It’s now a tradition for generations of families and a destination for visitors from well beyond Siouxland.

Still on mission.

The Port of Sioux City River-Cade Association keeps the original goal: put the spotlight on Sioux City as a vital, growing river port in the heart of America’s farm country. The festival celebrates our history and culture, shows off our potential, and reminds everyone why we love living here.

Powered by the Fleet.

Our volunteer “fleet” works all year, led by the commodore and board president, to make each River-Cade one to rival any festival in the country. It’s for everyone, and there’s nothing else like it in Siouxland.