Many folks in Southwest Illinois have either used a river ferry or are very well aware of them. They are an excellent mode of transportation for people who aren’t close to a bridge, not to mention – they’re just neat to ride on! The Sainte Genevieve – Modoc Ferry connects Randolph County, Illinois to Sainte Genevieve, Missouri, and is used by thousands of travelers each year. From Illinois is provides direct access to shops, restaurants, and different historic sites in Ste. Genevieve. From Missouri, it offers a quick route to Fort de Chartres, the Pierre Menard Home, Fort Kaskaskia, and other interesting attractions in Downstate Illinois. The ferry is also used by many area truckers, farmers, and industries – and it’s the official crossing point for bicyclists enjoying the Great River Road or the Mississippi River Bicycle Trail.

In March of 2022 the ferry closed due to inspections which occur every five years. For weeks, the Ste. Genevieve-Modoc Ferry waited its turn at dry dock – once the inspection occurred, it was determined that it needed repairs. The process of fixing the ferry, combined with low water levels on the Mississippi River took it out of commission for the rest of 2022. Over the last several months, we have fielded questions about the possible reopening of the Sainte Genevieve-Modoc River Ferry – so we called in February of 2023 for an update. Our friends at the Ste. Genevieve Welcome Center were happy to report that the ferry IS FIXED! That is fantastic news, obviously. They did clarify though, that due to low water levels on the Mississippi, the ferry is not yet operational. The hope is that as water levels (hopefully) rise this spring, the Sainte Genevieve-Modoc Ferry will then again resume its normal route. As a note, summer hours for the ferry begin on April 1st and stretch until October 31st – which has the ferry running from 6am to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and 9am to 5:30 p.m. on Sundays.

Keep an eye on our social channels, because we will certainly keep you updated when we receive word that the ferry service has officially returned!