Hickman, Ky.–The Dorena-Hickman Ferry has temporarily halted service due to sand blocking the Missouri Landing.
During the extended high water this spring, a large amount of sand was deposited near the Dorena-Hickman Ferry landing on the Missouri side. As river levels have trended back to near normal for this time of year, the sand bar is blocking the ferry from reaching the Missouri landing.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has been contacted about getting a dredge to the site. The ferry crew and others have attempted to use a long-reach trackhoe to move enough sand to allow the ferry to operate. However, those efforts have been unsuccessful.
The Dorena-Hickman Ferry will have to remain closed until further notice. Captain Jeremy Newsom is hopeful a solution to the problem can be worked out in a few days.
The Dorena-Hickman Ferry will attempt to provide timely notice when service is able to resume.
The Dorena-Hickman Ferry connects KY 1354 at Hickman, Kentucky, with Missouri Route A and Route 77 near Dorena, Missouri.
In addition to providing a critical transportation link between Kentucky and Missouri for daily commuters and farmers, the ferry serves as a tourist attraction for the region and provides a convenient route between Southeast Missouri and the popular fishing and recreation areas around nearby Reelfoot Lake in Northwest Tennessee.
The Dorena-Hickman Ferry Operates from the Hickman Landing with regular river crossings during daylight hours. Round trip passage for passenger vehicles is $14 with additional tolls for trucks, motor homes, and vehicles pulling trailers. There are discounts for vehicles making return crossings.
Missouri and Kentucky have the geographic distinction of being the only border states that are not directly connected by a road or bridge. The only direct route between the two states is the Dorena-Hickman Ferry.
The Dorena-Hickman Ferry operates at Mississippi River navigation mile point 922.0.
Motorists can also check on the ferry’s operating status by calling (731) 693-0210 or at https://www.facebook.com/DorenaHickmanFerry/