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Valley View Ferry is located on the Kentucky River at Tates Creek Road-SR #169
Lexington-Fayette, Jessamine and Madison Counties
Operating Status:
The Valley View Ferry is in service. (Oct 9-09)
Weekday hours run from 6 AM until 8PM. Rides on the ferry are free.
You can check the Ferry's status by calling the Traffic Management Center Hotline in Lexington at (859) 258-3611; push #1 during the first message.
For Madison County Residents – Call (859) 624-4748
Since 1785, the Valley View Ferry has serviced the residents of Fayette, Jessamine and Madison counties. Located on the Kentucky River at Tates Creek Road (State Route 169), the ferry transports passengers between the three counties. It is the oldest year-round ferry service in the United States and the last ferry remaining on the Kentucky River.
Founded seven years before Kentucky became a state, the Valley View Ferry's charter was signed by Virginia Governor Patrick Henry.
The Valley View Ferry is a free ferry service. It operates with funding from the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, the fiscal courts of Madison and Jessamine counties and the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government.
About the Ferry
The Valley View Ferry is operated jointly by the governments of Lexington-Fayette, Jessamine and Madison Counties. It shuttles vehicles and passengers across the Kentucky River, which separates SR #169, an extension of Tates Creek Road. The chief advantage of using the ferry boat is to substantially reduce commuting time beween these areas. It is also a novel side-trip or weekend excursion, enjoyed by all, especially young children.
The Ferry, run by various operators over 210 years, was damaged by the weight of heavy snow in January, 1996. It was then put in dry dock for rehabilitation, which eventually led to the construction of a new boat, with only the old engine and paddlewheel remaining.
The new boat, the "John Craig," cost $40,000 and was dedicated June 7,1996, on the Fayette-Jessamine counties' side of the Kentucky River. In March, 1998, the ferry's guide wires and connecting towers were replaced, using a $200,000 Federal grant. The ferry captains include Will Horn, Dennis Mullinix and Erick Underhill. The Ferry is managed by the Valley View Ferry Authority, composed of citizens and government officials from the three counties served.
Directions to reach the Valley View Ferry:
- From Lexington, go south on Tates Creek Road until you reach the Kentucky River.
- From Main Street, Nicholasville(Jessamine County), travel east on SR #169 to the Kentucky River.
- From Richmond(Madison County), go north on SR #169 to the River.
Hours of Operation:
- Monday through Friday - 6 AM to 8 PM
- Saturdays - 8 AM to 8 PM
- Sundays - 8 AM to 8 PM
- Note: Ferry closes during periods of high water.
The Ferry is subject to shutdowns during high water and for inspection and repair purposes. It is a good idea to check this web page, or the T-I-N Hotline at the phone numbers cited above in the section headed, "Operating Status". When the boat is not operating, an alternate route between Nicholasville and Richmond is south on US 27, then east on KY #52 from Lancaster in Garrard County. The alternate link between Lexington and Richmond is Interstate 75.
Fees to use the Valley View Ferry:
There is now NO CHARGE to use the ferry, thanks to additional state funding.