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Visitors Guide
to the
River
Ferries
of the Middle Mississippi River Valley
The Belle of Calhoun
one of the Brussels Free Ferries
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Early American ferries consisted of rafts, rowboats and
horse boats that could cross rivers where demand for transportation existed but
where there weren’t any easy crossings. The advent of railroads and bridges put most
ferries out of business and motorized vessels replaced the earlier forms of
transportation of those that survived. For modern travelers, the remaining
ferries in operation can save time as well as providing scenic river views. The
Middle Mississippi River Valley offers five ferries, two of which
travelers can cross free of charge. Four of these ferries are located in
the Meeting of the Great Rivers Scenic Byway area and the other crosses
the Mississippi River between Ste. Genevieve, Missouri and rural Randolph
County, Illinois. |
Calhoun
County, Illinois
Calhoun County is a 37-mile long, 5-mile wide piece of land that is the tip
of the peninsula formed by the Mississippi and Illinois Rivers, and with the
exception of its northern border, is surrounded by water. Railroads and bridges never made much headway into the
region because of its lack of
industrial development, rugged hill country, and proximity to steamboat
landings. This has allowed Calhoun County to retain a unique historical charm as
well as four ferries to prosper. The ferries close down when the river freezes
over or floodwaters are very high. The rivers may freeze when the temperature
drops below 32 degrees for an extended period of time with the Illinois River
freezing before the Mississippi River.
Grafton,
Illinois
Located at the confluence of the Mississippi and Illinois rivers, Grafton
has been the quintessential river town since its founding in 1832. The town’s
main industry today is tourism and features many antique and specialty shops,
places to eat, biking, hiking, and annual events.
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The Grafton Ferry is
located on the Illinois side at the foot of Illinois Route 3, just
upriver of the Grafton public boat ramp. On the Missouri side, it
terminates just off of Grafton Ferry Road alongside the St. Charles
County Airport. From there it is a short ride to highway 94 and about 10
miles to the St. Charles city line.
Toll Fees: $7.50 one way, $4 for
motorcycles, $3 for bicycles, & $2 for pedestrians) with reduced
rates for round trips.
Schedule:
Monday - Thursday: 6 am - 8 pm
Friday: 6 am - 10 pm
Saturday: 8 am
- 10 pm
Sundays: 10 am - 9 pm
The Grafton Ferry runs
every day except for Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day, or when
river conditions prevent safe operation.
Rates and hours subject to change. |
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Location Map for the
Meeting of the Great Rivers Scenic Byway Area Ferries
Ste.
Genevieve, Missouri
Ste. Genevieve is in the heart of the French Colonial Country of the Middle
Mississippi River Valley. Situated about an hours drive south of St. Louis. Ste.
Genevieve offers its visitors a glimpse into the past with the largest
concentration of French Colonial architecture in the North America, many of
which are open to the public. |
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Ste.
Genevieve
-Modoc Ferry
N. Main Street
Ste. Genevieve, MO |
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Follow
N. Main Street about 1 1/2 miles from the Historic District of
Ste. Genevieve to the Little Rock Landing on the Mississippi
River. The Modoc Landing is accessible from IL-3 and IL-155 in
Randolph County on the Illinois side. The ferry runs during daylight hours
approximately every fifteen minutes and a fee is charged. |
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North
America's Inland Auto-Ferries
Extensive listing of many inland ferries throughout the United States
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