No timetable: WisDOT says the ferry runs 24 hours a day during the season, making trips on demand, and is closed Wednesdays from 9 am to 10 am for refueling. · Departures shown by frequency — exact times from the operator. · Representative sailings only — check the operator for today's full schedule
Departures 1–10 / 10
Departures 1–10 / 10
Crossing time
~7 min
Operator
Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT)
Map – Merrimac Ferry (Colsac III)
| Fare type | Price |
|---|---|
| Vehicle, motorcycle, bicycle or pedestrian, each crossing | Free |
The crossing is free for vehicles, motorcycles, bicycles and pedestrians; WisDOT says so on its FAQ page. The state has operated it without a toll since taking it over in 1933.
The Merrimac Ferry is a piece of state highway that happens to float. WisDOT treats it as an extension of WIS 113, and the cable ferry Colsac III carries traffic across Lake Wisconsin (the Wisconsin River) between Merrimac, in Sauk County, and Okee, in Columbia County. It is the only free ferry in Wisconsin. Nobody collects a fare from drivers, cyclists or walkers, and there is no booth, ticket or reservation.
There is also no timetable. WisDOT's own reliability study says that while in service the boat runs 24 hours a day and simply crosses whenever vehicles or people are waiting at a landing. The published crossing time is about seven minutes, and the boat carries 15 vehicles, in three lanes of five. Two limits matter to drivers: one vehicle may weigh no more than 16 tons and must have a single rear axle, and motor coaches are not allowed. A school bus may cross, one per trip, in the center lane. Tow-behind campers are allowed if small enough to maneuver. Agricultural nitrogen, more than 100 pounds of propane and more than 100 gallons of fuel are barred, and drinking alcohol on board is prohibited.
The one predictable gap is Wednesday morning, when the ferry closes from 9 am to 10 am for refueling. Otherwise, WisDOT says planned or emergency closures are posted on the 511 Wisconsin site, and you can register on My 511WI for email or text alerts. Warning signs with flashing lights at WIS 60 and I-90/94, WIS 19 and WIS 113, WIS 78 and WIS 113, WIS 78 and I-90/94, and US 12 and County K tell drivers to detour before they reach the water.
The bigger question is the end of the season. WisDOT's page says the ferry generally runs April to November, while its 2024 study says most years run April to December and stop when the lake freezes and the vessel cannot cross. No 2026 closing date has been published. For reference, WisDOT's 2012 season ran March 14 to December 23, and a local report said the 2025 season ended after service stopped on November 29. The page currently says the ferry is open for 2026, and it notes that the ferry cameras are offline, which is not a closure.
August is the crowded month, with lines of 50 or more vehicles on the busiest days.
- Arrive at the terminal several minutes before departure; vehicle lanes close earlier than the foot-passenger gate.
- Check the operator's service alerts before you set out — weather, tides and vessel maintenance change sailings.
- Confirm accepted payment methods: some crossings are card-only and some take cash only.
Frequently asked questions
Yes. WisDOT calls it Wisconsin's only free ferry, and there is no charge for cars, motorcycles, bicycles or pedestrians. The state has run it as a free crossing since 1933.
When it is in service it runs 24 hours a day, crossing on demand rather than on a timetable. The known interruption is Wednesday from 9 am to 10 am, when the boat is refueled, plus any emergency or maintenance closures posted on 511 Wisconsin.
There is no announced 2026 date. WisDOT says the ferry generally operates April to November, and its own study says most years run to December, ending when ice stops the vessel. Watch 511wi.gov, My 511WI alerts and the flashing warning lights for the closing notice.
Look for signs with flashing lights at WIS 60 and I-90/94, WIS 19 and WIS 113, WIS 78 and WIS 113, WIS 78 and I-90/94, and US 12 and County K. Closures are also posted on 511 Wisconsin, and My 511WI can email or text you alerts.
The boat takes 15 vehicles in three lanes of five and needs about seven minutes for a crossing. WisDOT's history page says the August peak can produce a line of 50 or more vehicles, so expect several crossings of waiting on summer weekends.
One vehicle up to 16 tons, and only vehicles with a single rear axle. School buses are allowed one at a time in the center lane, motor coaches are not, and small tow-behind campers are permitted. Loads of propane over 100 pounds or fuel over 100 gallons are barred.
Yes, pedestrians and bicyclists are allowed. Motorcyclists should stay in their boarding lane and ride single file during the crossing.
On WIS 113 across Lake Wisconsin: the west landing is in the village of Merrimac in Sauk County, and the east landing is at Okee in Columbia County. WisDOT's alert instructions use 236 Merrimac Street as the Merrimac address.