Mississippi River Bridge at Lansing Car Ferry

The Iowa and Wisconsin Departments of Transportation are partnering to offer a free car ferry across the Mississippi River during the closure of the IA 9 / WIS 82 bridge. This service connects Lansing, Iowa, with Wisconsin near De Soto and Ferryville while the new bridge is under construction.

Ferry Hours & Schedule

The ferry is expected to begin service in early November (exact start date to be announced here and on 511ia.org).

• Hours of operation: Seven days a week
• First trip: 5:30 AM from Wisconsin, 5:45 AM from Iowa
• Last trip: 9:00 PM from Wisconsin, 9:15 PM from Iowa
• Frequency: Continuous, not on a fixed schedule—first-come, first-served

Possible Delays or Closures

Service may be paused temporarily for weather, river conditions, commercial traffic, crew changes, refueling, ferry maintenance, or site maintenance. Extraordinary events (weather, river conditions, site closures, etc.) are expected, and Iowa DOT, in conjunction with the Ferry Captain, will take said events into consideration in determining whether to increase or decrease the hours of operation. 

• Message signs at both landings will share updates on closures.  You can find closure updates on the ferry website, the bridge project’s Facebook page, and the 511 website and app.
• A live web camera feed will show activity at the Iowa and Wisconsin sites. Please check these cameras and 511ia.org before your trip or while your vehicle is stopped; do not use your mobile device while driving.
• Planned closures include 2–3 days in December 2025 for bridge demolition. Iowa DOT and WisDOT will announce the closure dates.  The departments will also announce any future closures due to construction as needed.
• The ferry will operate in winter as long as the river remains navigable. Severe ice or extreme weather may still force temporary shutdowns.

How Long Does the Ferry Take and Where to Go Instead

A typical crossing takes about 15 minutes, including loading and unloading.
Trips may run longer if there are delays from railroad traffic, high traffic, commercial barges, or operational needs.

Access to the ferry is first-come, first-serve, with an anticipated capacity of 12 vehicles plus possible additional space for motorcycles, bicycles, and pedestrians. The posted detour route takes about 60-70 minutes.  Under normal circumstances, two round-trip ferry cycles could be completed in the same time it takes to use the detour.

Ferry Locations

Iowa Landing - Lansing Marina

• Enter from the north driveway off Front Street.
• Vehicles should line up southbound in two lanes; do not block marina users.
• Exit via the south driveway.
• Watch for trains - rail crossings are active. Obey railroad flagger directions.

Wisconsin Landing - WIS 82 west of Big Slough Boat Landing

• Boarding is at the western end of WIS 82, near the bridge construction site.
• Lighting and a portable restroom are available.
• Do not block the Big Slough Boat Landing entrance. Parking there is for refuge visitors only.
• Please be cautious of the active construction site to the north and the sand reclamation site to the south. Watch for trucks and construction equipment.
   

Who Can Use the Ferry

• Cost: Free of charge
• Vehicles: Cars, motorcycles, bicycles, and pedestrians are allowed. Two-axle trucks under 10,000 pounds will be allowed.  Crew will direct the loading order to maximize capacity. Vehicles may not always be loaded or unloaded in the same order or configuration, and the first vehicle on may not always be the first off.  Please be patient and courteous and follow the crew’s instructions.
• Capacity: Approximately 12 vehicles per trip (with extra space possible for bikes and pedestrians). Vehicle size may reduce capacity.
• Restrictions:
  • No trailers, ATV/UTVs, or large vehicles with more than two axles (e.g., RVs, buses, farm equipment)
  • No hazardous materials
  • Max height: 11 ft.
  • Max length: 25 ft.
  • Max width: 8 ft. 6 in.
  • Max weight: 10 tons

Motorcycles and bicycles may be directed to designated areas by the ferry crew. Please wait for the crew’s signal before boarding, and use caution around vehicles. Motorcyclists and bicyclists traveling in large groups may be asked to use regular vehicle lanes, as directed by the crew.

While on the Ferry 

• Follow crew directions for loading and unloading.
• Stay in your vehicle until all vehicles are loaded.
• No smoking or alcohol use.

Frequently Asked Questions