PADUCAH, Ky. (January 2, 2024) — After an extended closure due to low water on the Mississippi River, The Dorena-Hickman Ferry has resumed service. The ferry has been closed since August 23, after drought conditions in the mid-west created a series of new low water records along the river between Cairo and New Madrid.
Water levels on the Mississippi River dropped below the bottom of the landing ramp in Hickman Harbor and at Dorena, forcing the ferry to halt operation.
This morning, the Cairo Gauge was at 16.27 at 6 a.m., allowing the ferry to resume service. The forecast indicates the ferry will be able to operate until sometime Friday or Saturday when the river will again drop below the threshold where the ferry can access the river landings.
The Dorena-Hickman Ferry is open and running on the winter schedule. The last run from the Kentucky landing is at 4:15 p.m., CST, and the last run from the Missouri landing is at 4:30 p.m., CST.
Motorists may check on the ferry’s operating status by calling (731) 693-0210 or by going to https://www.facebook.com/DorenaHickmanFerry/.
