Midwest still home to a handful of unique ferry crossings

It costs $5 per boat to be carried 47 feet on a boat hoist over the Burnt Rollaways Dam and Eagle River. (Mary Bergin / Chicago Tribune)

Chicago Tribune

July 27, 2015 12:27 PM PT

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You can still cross rivers the old-fashioned way: by ferry. Here are the ones remaining in the Midwest and across the Mississippi.

Brussels Ferry is one of two that are free and cross the Illinois River. (Mary Bergin / Chicago Tribune)

It takes 17 minutes for The Pride of Cassville Car Ferry to transport people and vehicles between Iowa and Wisconsin on the Mississippi River. (Mary Bergin / Chicago Tribune)

The Merrimac Ferry connects up to 15 vehicles at a time with Wisconsin Highway 113 over the Wisconsin River between Merrimac and Okee. (Mary Bergin / Chicago Tribune)

Ice cream is an option for those who wait on the Merrimac side of the Wisconsin River for a free ferry ride. (Mary Bergin / Chicago Tribune)

It costs $1 to ride the nation’s only chain-driven ferry across the Kalamazoo River in Michigan. (Mary Bergin / Chicago Tribune)

The Saugatuck Chain Ferry, used since 1838, takes five minutes and 200 hand cranks to go 100 yards across the Kalamazoo River. (Mary Bergin / Chicago Tribune)

Travel & Experiences

Midwest still home to a handful of unique ferry crossings

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