Along the Wisconsin River, just 35 miles north of the capitol city of Madison, Wisconsin, you’ll find the small towns of Merrimac and Lodi. These two towns provide access to the historic Merrimac Ferry , connecting Wisconsin’s Sauk and Columbia Counties. The ferry operates from April – November each year (weather permitting). It is free and open to the public 365 days a year, 24 hours a day. Remarkably, the Merrimac Ferry is the only remaining free ferry in the state of Wisconsin (and older than the state itself!)
History of the Merrimac Ferry
The Merrimac Ferry is a unique part of Wisconsin’s history, having been in operation for over 175 years! In the late 1840s, the ferry began its operation, pulled by horses. Horses were harnessed to cables positioned beneath a flat-bottomed scow, using their strength to move the ferry against the resistance of the Wisconsin River. In 1900, horses were replaced by a gasoline engine; ever since, the ferry has been operated using motorized cable systems.
When the ferry was motorized, it was given the name Colsac I. The original Colsac ferry carried 8 cars. In 1963, the Colsac I was replaced by the Colsac II, with the capacity to carry 12 cars. In 2003, the Colsac III began operation, with the capacity to ferry 15 cars. As a fun fact, the name Col-sac combines the names of the two Wisconsin counties bridged by the ferry (Sauk County to the north, and Columbia County to the south). Today, the Merrimac Ferry remains the only free ferry in the state of Wisconsin.
Topography of the Merrimac/Lodi Area
The topographic map below from Topozone.com shows the Wisconsin River and route of the Merrimac Ferry across Lake Wisconsin (image credit Topozone.com). Lake Wisconsin is part of the larger Wisconsin River. The area where the ferry crosses the Wisconsin River was dammed by the Prairie du Sac dam which was constructed between 1911-1914. Over time the flow of the river slowed, expanding the banks to form a lake over 7,000 acres in size.
Today, Lake Wisconsin is a popular location for recreational boating and fishing. The Prairie du Sac dam is located about 9 miles southwest of the ferry along Highways 113 and 78. In the map below, note the location of Merrimac in Sauk County, Wisconsin, and Lodi in Columbia County.
Elevation of the Merrimac/Lodi Area
The map below from Topographic-map.com highlights the elevation of the towns of Merrimac, Lodi, and the surrounding area. Note lower elevations along the Wisconsin River indicated by blue and green shades, and higher elevations indicated by oranges and reds towards the Driftless Region to the west. Devil’s Lake State Park is indicated by the red elevations in the far northwest corner of this map; as you move away from the Wisconsin River and enter the Driftless Region, the topography becomes much more rugged and hilly.
Merrimac Ferry Photos
The ferry ride is just over 7 minutes long; if you move quickly, this gives you a bit of time to get out of your car and explore the ferry. Don’t linger, however, as the ride goes by quickly! Once you reach the landing, the landing ramp is extended onto shore and cars begin to depart quickly thereafter. All in all it is a streamlined process, and very efficient! Below I’ve included some photos from my last visit in mid-October of 2025.
Ice Cream for the Merrimac Ferry Ride!
If your wait for the ferry is more than a few minutes, consider an ice cream cone or treat while you wait! Conveniently located on both sides of the ferry crossing are small ice cream shops serving dipped cones, slushies, popcorn, pizza, and other snacks. Pictured below is the Merrimac Ferry Landing Concessions on the north side of the river (Merrimac side). You can’t miss these shops if you’re in line for the ferry, but if you’re just passing through, I’ve included the addresses for both shops below.
- Merrimac Ferry Landing Concessions (north side) – 217 Wisconsin Street, Merrimac, WI
- The Merrimac Scoop (south side) – N2499 WI-188, Lodi, WI
Wisconsin State & National Register of Historic Places
The Colsac III has the distinction of being listed on the Wisconsin State Register of Historic Places. Designated by the Wisconsin Historical Society Historic Preservation Office, the chosen sites include buildings, sites, and historic districts. Additionally, the ferry is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, which is managed by the National Park Service.
Devil’s Lake State Park
As you’re driving through this beautiful area of Wisconsin, consider a visit to Devil’s Lake State Park in nearby Baraboo, or a scenic hike at Parfrey’s Glen, Wisconsin’s 1st State Natural Area. Both are worthy of a visit, or a day spent hiking, exploring, and picnicking. Read more in my recent articles linked here: Experience Baraboo, Wisconsin’s Beautiful Scenery | Devil’s Lake State Park and Visit Parfrey’s Glen State Natural Area | Baraboo, Wisconsin.
Enjoy your ride on the Merrimac Ferry, and enjoy this little piece of Wisconsin history! As you’re inclined, join me for more Great Lakes adventures sent to your inbox. In the meantime, learn more about my recent adventures in the articles linked in the carousel below. -Erin
April 1, 2025 by Erin
Marquette Michigan, located on the southern shore of Lake Superior, is the largest city in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Home to 20,000+ residents and known for outdoor recreation opportunities, this historic city on Lake Superior’s southern shore is a must visit!
Marquette Michigan, located on the southern shore of Lake Superior, is the largest city in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Home to 20,000+ residents and known for outdoor recreation opportunities, this historic city on Lake Superior’s southern shore is a must visit!
