“Old Man River” just keeps rolling along. But fewer and fewer ferries cross the Mississippi. Want to catch a ride on a piece of American history? It’s possible, as Love’s newest travel stop that offers RVers full hookups is just up the road from one of the last Mississippi river boat crossings—and you can take your rig across to Kentucky.
A Love’s near a riverboat ride
With the addition of the Charleston, Missouri, location, Love’s now has 25 travel stops in the “Show-Me” state. The travel stop off Interstate 57 at U.S. 62, Exit 12, is roughly 16 miles away from the Sikeston travel stop. The Charleston travel stop adds five full-hookup RV sites and a dog park for Fido.
This travel stop adds 50 jobs ranging from store retail operations to food service and truck maintenance. This store includes a Love’s Fresh Kitchen concept with fresh food items such as salads, sandwiches and fresh fruit prepared daily, and Arby’s, that opened April 14.
New store facts and services include:
- More than 11,500 square feet
- 76 truck parking spaces
- 50 jobs added
- Love’s Fresh Kitchen
- Arby’s
- Seven diesel bays
- Four showers
- Laundry facilities
- CAT Scale
- Five RV hookups and RV dump
- Five RV parking spaces
- Dog park
- Self-checkout options
Only ferry between Missouri and Kentucky
So what about that riverboat crossing? Step back in time by putting yourself and your RV on board the the Dorena-Hickman Toll Ferry. It’s one of the few remaining riverboat ferries in the United States, and the only operating ferry crossing the Mississippi River between Missouri and Kentucky.
Hey, “Cracklin’ Rosie, geet on board” at Dorena, Missouri, less than 30 miles south and east of Charleston, via Missouri Highway 105. If you’re headed into Kentucky, users report it will save you time compared to an “all road” route. Better still, if you’re a ferryboat fan, or have a yen for stepping back in time, there’s nothing like a boat trip.
Weather and river height can affect the ferry operations. Check their website for more information, and its link to a Facebook site that has the most current updates on sailings.
Love’s near a riverboat ferry crossing. What a combination.
MORE ON LOVE’S TRAVEL STOPS
- Love’s rolls out new overnight spots in Louisiana’s Cajun Country
- RV hungry? Are you hungry? Order ahead at Love’s and get a free sandwich
- Got AAA? Save big on fuel every time you stop at Love’s
- Love’s to add more RV hookups nationwide this year
- Road trip ready: Love’s introduces new RV hookup location in Mississippi
##RVT1205b
If the fares to cross the river are anything like the Washington state ferries beware and call ahead. My wife called the WA state Ferry system to check the cost for a ride from Edmonds to Kingston with our 26′ class A. I heard her say “I don’t want to buy the boat, just ride on it”.
Love’s RV Travel Stops are a great idea, BUT, if they are all as full of dog poop as the one in St. Joe, MO I will take a pass. We could not step out of our MH without stepping in poop. I watched truckers let their dogs go anywhere and never pick up after them, same thing happened in the dog park. This was a filthy Travel Stop.
This is about the ferry not your “sh** comment! Oh my gosh…🙄…It’s a fun story to read…turn your frown upside down!
Thank you for the information, Russ and Tina! Anotber place to get fuel is helpful, but notice of an opportunity to ride a ferry is even better! Have a great weekend and safe travels!
My wife and I came across this about 9 years ago
We found we were on a one way road leading to a ferry and not expecting anything like that.How much does it cost ? Will the Rv fit? I pulled off the road and talked to a semi driver that pulled behind me Cost, a couple of bucks is all and return trip was free
I was the last on and first off