Duration is unknown
Paducah, Ky (Dec. 11, 2021) — The Cave-in-Rock Ferry has halted operation due to high winds.
The ferry closed at 9 a.m., CST, and is expected to remain closed much of the day until the wind direction changes or winds drop enough to allow service to resume.
When winds are out of the west or southwest they interact with current in the Ohio River to create choppy conditions.
The Cave-in-Rock Ferry will provide timely notice when service is able to resume.
The Cave-In-Rock Ferry connects KY 91 with ILLINOIS Route 1 across the Ohio River between Crittenden County, KY, and Hardin County, IL.
The ferry normally starts service at 6:00 a.m., CT, 7 days a week. The last run from the Illinois landing is at 9:40 p.m.. The last run from the Kentucky landing is at 9:50 p.m.
The Cave-In-Rock Ferry is at Ohio River navigation mile point 881.0.
The Cave-in-Rock Ferry carries about 500 vehicles across the Ohio River in an average day providing an economic link for daily commuters who depend on it to get to and from jobs. It also serves as a tourist attraction and a tourism link between the Shawnee National Forest and the nearby Amish Community in Crittenden County. When the ferry is forced to close it turns a normal 10-mile trip between Cave-in-Rock, IL, and Marion, KY, into a 70-minute detour.
The Cave-In-Rock Ferry is operated by an independent contractor with joint funding from the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet and the Illinois Department of Transportation through a ferry authority.
For timely information on the ferry’s operating status please go to www.facebook.com/CIRFerry . You do not have to be a Facebook member to access this page.