Photo of the ferry and the path it cut in the ice in 1948.

Upcoming January 2026 Virtual deTour

Valley View Ferry
Wednesday, January 7 at 6PM

Tune in on January 7 at 6 PM for our first virtual deTour of the year as we cross the Kentucky River aboard the Valley View Ferry, Kentucky’s oldest continuously operating business, running since 1780, even before statehood.

Founded by Revolutionary War veteran John Craig, the ferry was granted a permanent franchise in 1785. Famous passengers over the years included Daniel Boone, Henry Clay, and Ulysses S. Grant. After more than 200 years of private ownership, it became a joint effort of Fayette, Madison, and Jessamine counties in 1991.

Today, the ferry operates by cables stretched between four 55-foot towers and carries up to three cars at a time. Funded by the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, it remains free to the public and transports cars daily.

See both the history and present-day operation of this enduring Kentucky landmark!