MERRIMAC, Wis. — It’s a sign that spring is here in Wisconsin: the Wisconsin Department of Transportation is opening the Merrimac Ferry between Sauk County and Columbia County for the season.
The ferry takes cars, bikes and pedestrians from Highway 113 across the Wisconsin River between Merrimac in Sauk County and Okee in Columbia County 24/7, with the exception of a half-hour shift change at 7:30 a.m. and 7:30 p.m.
It takes about seven minutes for the ferry to cross the river, which runs as long as the water is free from ice. Last year, the ferry made 35,123 trips carrying 206,775 vehicles between April 20th and December 24th.
Additional guidelines for the ferry are still in place for safety due to COVID-19, including:
- Ferry passengers are encouraged to remain in vehicles.
- Motorcyclists should stay in their respective boarding lane and stay single file during the crossing.
- Pedestrians and bicyclists are allowed on the ferry.
- Passengers are asked to maintain distance of at least six feet from other ferry users throughout the trip. Use of face coverings is advised, and appreciated.
- Any sanitization of the railings as passengers continue to load and unload will be up to individual riders, and we encourage passengers to bring hand sanitizer.
- The restroom building at the Merrimac Ferry’s south landing in Columbia County is currently closed.
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