When visiting Virginia’s Northern Neck or Middle Peninsula, one thing is for certain; you are never too far from the Rivah! Virginia’s distinct peninsula structure makes our area a uniquely beautiful place to live, visit, play, and explore. It also makes it an interesting place to navigate. It’s easy enough to hop in a car and cross the Norris or Downing bridge as a means to reach your destination, but in some locations, there is a more enjoyable mode of transportation available. Ferries are a fun way to reach your destination while also making the most of our coastal waterways. Whether you are cruising for pleasure or convenience, these nearby ferry services are certainly worth experiencing!
There are only three functioning, no-cost ferries remaining in Virginia. The Northern Neck is home to two.
For over a century, the Sunnybank Ferry in Ophelia has provided transportation across the Little Wicomico River in Northumberland County. The first ferry began service in 1903 and was operated by a hand-pulled cable. The human-powered vessel was replaced by a motorized one in 1912. This vessel was named the A.L.E after the operator’s children and was utilized by some of the area’s first automobiles. The ferry was destroyed by Hurricane Hazel in 1954. In 1955 a new ferryboat was commissioned and given the name ‘the Hazel.’ The current ferryboat ‘the Northumberland’ began operation in 1985 and still serves locals, bicyclists, and tourists in the area.
If you are looking to explore the Burgess, Reedville, or Ophelia areas, be sure to include a ferry trip in your travel plans! The Ferry is free and generally operates from dawn until dusk. For more details click here.
Directions: From points west: Follow US 360 East to the crossroads of Burgess. Turn left of Secondary Route 644. Follow SR 644 to Ophelia at the ‘T’ intersection turn right to remain on SR 644 and to the ferry. Once crossing the ferry, you can continue on SR 644 to Reedville where you will reach the beginning of US 360 West.
The Merry Point Ferry in Lancaster resumed operation this past November after a 2-month vacation for standard painting and maintenance. The Merry Point Ferry service began operation in 1847 and serves to connect Merry Point and Ottoman by crossing over the western branch of the Corrotoman River. Local historians believe that ferries may have been in use in this area dating back as far as the 1660s. Nearly 24,000 cars ride annually as a means to shave time from their commute or simply to enjoy the scenery. The Ferry is a one-man operation open Tuesday through Saturday.
Merry Point Ferry is situated nearby to Western Branch Corrotoman River, and close to John Creek.
For more details click here.
The Jamestown-Scotland Ferry is the third remaining Ferry service in the state and is by far the largest operation. This Ferry has been in service for over 95 years and serves nearly one million people every year. The 4 boat ferry fleet is open 24/7 and is an important means of transportation connecting Jamestown in James City County with Scotland Wharf in Surry County.
The Jamestown Ferry service was privately established in 1925 and acquired by the Commonwealth of Virginia in 1945.
The ferryboat ‘Captain John Smith’ made the first automobile-ferry crossing of the James River on February 26, 1925. After the ‘Captain John Smith‘ was retired in the early 1950s, the deckhouse was used as a private waterside cottage, perched on pilings in the Elizabeth River near Portsmouth. In 2003, the deckhouse was removed and donated to a preservation group in Surry County.
The Ferry is a fun way for visitors to traverse and explore the historic areas of Jamestown and Williamsburg.
Click here for directions and for more information.
So park your car and get ready to cruise in style with a leisurely ferry ride. Enjoy the sights and sounds of the Rivah as you make your way across our fabulous region.
Information sourced from Northern Neck Historical society, VDOT, and Wikipedia.
