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Nestled in the mountains of central Pennsylvania, just along the Susquehanna River, the Millersburg Ferry Boats are the last known wooden double stern-wheel paddle boats still in operation in the United Stations. The Roaring Bull V and The Falcon III are the only ferries still in service along the whole 464-mile-long Susquehanna River.
The Roaring Bull V is painted red or maroon and was built in 1998. Its flat is 83′ long while the power boat is 50′ long. The Falcon III is painted gray and was built in the 1917. It is slightly smaller than the bull by several feet. Both hulls are made of wood (white pine) construction, consisting of 30′ long timbers 6″ wide. The bottom is crossed planked with 3″x10″x12′ planks. The bows of each boat have covered open air deck and pilot house. The basic design, character, feel and nature of these boats have remained faithful to the vessels used during the 19th century. They are powered by 57hp Deuetsch Diesel Engines with hydraulic systems.
Starting in the 1750s, the ferry service has been in continuous service since 1817 and connects Millersburg in Dauphin County, Pennsylvania, with an adjacent landing in Perry County along Routes 11&15, approximately 2 miles south of Liverpool. The landing sites are included in the PA State Historic Marker Program (indicated by the familiar blue and gold signs) and the ferry wall is listed in the National Registry of Historic Sites.
The Ferry does not run on a set schedule, but as traffic warrants and water levels allow. Also as per wind and weather conditions. Ferry service available from May through mid-October. Please call or text 717.692.2442 to see if the ferry is operating or visit the Millersburg Ferry Facebook page for daily schedule updates.
If you get to the landing and the boat is not approaching, there will be a door on either side of the river. These doors should be turned to face the river and the captain of the ferry will return for you upon seeing the open door.
Estimated travel time is 15 to 25 minutes each way and varies depending upon water levels. The ferry can accommodate up to 4 vehicles or 20 plus motorcycles. Walk-on passengers are welcome as well.
