Ohio River Ferry

Ferry boats are still a very cost effective means of transporting people and vehicles across wide rivers in locations where a highway bridge would be cost prohibitive. This small town of Cave In Rock Illinois operates a free ferry to the Kentucky shore on a daily basis. When they drop the ramp and open the gates you simply drive aboard and shut off your vehicle. You are allowed to get out and look around while in transport as long as the water is not too choppy. Ferries were always one of the first profitable enterprises in the early days of settlement because of the great difficulty of getting wagons, people and livestock over rivers. The location of ferries had a lot to do with the fortunes of a newly settled region much like Interstate highways do today. The Ohio River is extremely wide and the number of bridges spanning its course are few making this old method of transport still highly desirable. Going across is very pleasant and enjoyable. I go out of my way on photo trips to find and use them. Thank you Cave In Rock Illinois for your kind hospitality.

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