Heading north through the scenic heart of western Kentucky, Kentucky Route 91 offers travelers a charming 12-mile drive from the small city of Marion to the rural riverbanks of the Ohio River, where a historic ferry crossing leads into Illinois. This stretch of highway is more than just a connector between two points—it’s a quiet, rolling route through the wooded hills of the Ohio River Valley, full of natural beauty and regional charm.
Our journey begins in downtown Marion at the junction with U.S. Route 60. From here, KY-91 heads west through a few blocks of Marion’s central business district, passing a handful of historic buildings, small shops, and local eateries. At the intersection with Old Salem Road, KY-91 veers northwest, leaving the town behind as it enters a more rural landscape. As we climb gently out of the city, the road curves into the Kentucky uplands, flanked by thick forests and the occasional pasture or farm field. This portion of KY-91 offers a peaceful drive through rolling hills that echo the contours of the larger Ohio River basin nearby.
As we continue northward, the road descends toward the river, threading its way through increasingly dense woodlands. A few miles before reaching the riverbank, KY-91 intersects with both KY-135 and KY-387 in a quiet junction surrounded by farmland and forest. These routes provide access to nearby communities and backroads, but we stay on KY-91 as it begins its final approach to the Ohio River. Soon, the road gently curves west one last time, signaling our approach to the Cave-In-Rock Ferry landing. Here, the pavement ends just feet from the river’s edge—there’s no bridge, no overpass—just a waiting barge that slowly traverses the Ohio River, ferrying vehicles across to Cave-In-Rock, Illinois.
This ferry, operated by the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, is one of the few remaining river ferry crossings in the region and serves as a unique and memorable part of the route. Once you board, the highway itself ends, but the adventure continues across the river into southern Illinois, where Illinois Route 1 picks up the journey right in front of the historic Cave-In-Rock State Park—famous for its natural cave carved into the bluffs along the riverbank.
If you’re planning to drive this segment, consider taking a little time to explore Marion before you head out. The town is home to a few small museums and serves as a good base for exploring Crittenden County. And at the end of the route, Cave-In-Rock State Park is absolutely worth a visit—its dramatic cave, scenic overlooks, and riverfront views provide a great spot to stretch your legs or enjoy a picnic. Whether you’re exploring Kentucky’s quiet backroads or simply taking the scenic way into Illinois, KY-91 offers a peaceful and unique slice of Americana.
🗺️ Route Map
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