Welcome to The Village of Ferryville
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Boat ramp upgrade complete
The long-awaited boat ramp upgrade is now complete. Over the past year, the Department of Public Works observed that silt, rocks, and weeds had accumulated in the landing area, creating challenges for launching and recovering boats. The crew also identified large holes at the bottom of the ramp caused by power loading; those holes were approximately five feet deep at normal pool, while the rest of the ramp area averaged about two feet deep.
The Village worked with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources to develop a process that would improve ramp performance while protecting the environment. After submitting the upgrade plans, the area underwent a mussel study and an endangered species review as part of the permitting process. Once all requirements were met, the Village received a permit allowing work to begin after the local fish spawning period ended on August 1, 2026.
The upgrade included two major improvements: dredging the channel and extending the concrete ramp. Over the past 12 months, several boaters backed in too far and moved their trailers beyond the end of the ramp, creating unexpected problems during launch and recovery. Additional signage helped alert users, but it did not fully resolve the issue. As part of this project, the ramp was extended by eight feet to provide a stronger buffer against trailers backing in too far.
Boaters should also be aware that water levels can affect safe launching and recovery, especially when power loading. The ramp has now been extended, and the holes previously caused by power loading have been eliminated. Because the ramp surface now extends farther into the water, power loading may cause the boat transom to sink in the water due to the propeller wash. Captains should use caution when launching or recovering vessels and avoid potential power loading issues whenever possible. Safe, controlled loading will help protect both boats and the upgraded launch.
The Village of Ferryville can be proud of this improved boat launch. The launch is continually managed to protect the ramp and support long-term service for residents and visitors. User fees fund maintenance and upgrades, and public support for the maintenance program remains strong. The Village also appreciates the support of local businesses and recognizes the efforts of the DPW team, CCC Concrete and Knutson Farms for donating the equipment and material used in this most recent upgrade.
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Ferryville is a little village with a population of 191 in Southwestern Wisconsin. In 1912 the citizens received from the state a charter incorporating the community as a village. It is located on National Scenic State Highway 35 between Prairie du Chien and LaCrosse Wisconsin. We are located on the Mississippi river at mile marker 658.1 which is the river mileage distance measured from Cairo, IL. where the Ohio River joins the Mississippi. The village is at the foot of beautiful bluffs that rise some 600 feet above the mighty Mississippi. Ferryville is at rivers edge and is an excellent area for hunting, fishing and water sports. The village is proud of the slogan ‘A Sportsman’s Paradise’. Ferryville is also associated with the term ‘A Place for All Seasons’.
The entire area along with being a sportsman’s paradise is a motorcycle riders dream due to the hills, valleys, curves and just pretty scenery. Within the village is Sugar Creek Park, which has camping facilities, electric hookup, lavatories, and playground equipment. Also located within the village are boat launching facilities, which were rebuilt in the summer of 2003 and includes two Handicapped accessible ramps and docks.
We may be a small village, but we have plenty of friendly people and lots of beautiful scenery.
See Information Tab for links to Ferryville Tourism Council and Vision & Promotion Committee.
View Minutes from
Jul 15, 2026