California State Parks Celebrates 100th Birthday of Two Historic Boatsat Ed Z’berg Sugar Pine Point State Park

Mercury. Photo by Mystic Seaport Museum. 

This is a News Release from our partner, California State Parks.

For Immediate Release: Friday, June 5, 2026

Contact: 
Newsroom@parks.ca.gov

TAHOMA— California State Parks invites the public to celebrate the 100th birthday of the historic boats Mercury and Cherokee on Sunday, June 14, 2026,at Ed Z’berg Sugar Pine Point State Park. This special California State Parks Week event will honor the maritime history and unique craftsmanship of two of Lake Tahoe’s historic vessels.  

Built in 1926, the innovative 35-foot all-metal Mercury won the first national speedboat regatta on the Potomac River and was awarded the President’s Cup by President Calvin Coolidge that same year. Later acquired by Stanley Dollar Jr. in 1937, the vessel was brought to Lake Tahoe where it competed in and won multiple races. At the time, Mercury was reputed to be the fastest speedboat in the world. Visitors will have the opportunity to view Mercury outside the boathouse for the first time in years.

Commissioned by Esther Ehrman in 1926, Cherokee is a rare 25'10" Bearcat runabout built by the Belle Isle Boat Company. A strong competitor on Lake Tahoe, Cherokee was entered into every Lake Tahoe Power Boat Club regatta for more than 15 consecutive years, earning her an impressive collection of trophies. Believed to be the only surviving Bearcat of the four that once raced on Tahoe, Cherokee remained with the Ehrman family until the sale of the Sugar Pine estate in 1965. After passing through several owners, the historic vessel ultimately returned home to Sugar Pine, where it remains on display as a tribute to Lake Tahoe’s maritime history.

During the June 14 celebration, park interpreters will deliver historical presentations, lead hands-on activities for kids (of all ages), and unveil a newly designed interpretive panel outside the South Boathouse. The event is free and open to the public, with a $10 parking fee. Community members, boating enthusiasts, and visitors of all ages are invited to attend and celebrate this unique part of Lake Tahoe’s history.

Event Details

What: 100th Anniversary Celebration of the Historic Mercury Speedboat

When: Sunday, June 14, 2026, 10 a.m.–2 p.m

Where: Ed Z’berg Sugar Pine Point State Park Day Use Area, South and North Boathouses

Admission: Free, $10 day use parking fee

For more information, visit CaliforniaState Parks Week - Mercury/Cherokee 100th Birthday Event or contact Kaytlen Jackson at Kaytlen.jackson@parks.ca.gov or (530) 489-8909.

Cherokee. Photo by California State Parks. 

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