Dubuque, Iowa: Fenelon Place Elevator

It's actually an incline railway that runs 189 feet up and down a hill.

Fenelon Place Elevator

Cheap ride with a great history brochure. Take the kids! You can park and ride from either the top or bottom of the elevator.

[Dana, 07/29/2012]

Fenelon Place Elevator

The Fourth Street Elevator is a funicular railway located in Dubuque, Iowa. Also known as the Fenelon Place Elevator, it is claimed to be the shortest and steepest railroad in the world (although several other funiculars also make this claim). It is listed in the National Register of Historic Places

[Richard Stockman, 02/26/2012]

Fenelon Place Elevator

My lovely wife "insisted" we ride this to the top of a really steep hill. I figured if the Amish folks weren't afraid to take the trip, I better not wimp out! Ignoring the greasy-looking steel cable, the ancient wooden ties and the slightly squeaky, rattling ride to the top, it was worth every penny of the $2/each round trip ticket price. Great view from the top, nice lady running the cars will answer all your tourist questions and make sure you take your camera.

[Dale Divers, 09/08/2010]

Fenelon Place Elevator

Quite popular on weekend days in the summer, the Fenelon Place Elevator is now operated by a quiet, non-talkative operator who is quick to stop the elevator when a passenger leaves their seat during the 1-minute ride (oops, sorry madam).

The view of Dubuque and the Mississippi River from the top is impressive. And how many of today's tourist attractions can be enjoyed for $2 (for one round trip)?

[Jeff Hoskinson, 07/03/2008]

Fenelon Place Elevator

In Dubuque is the well known Fenelon Place Elevator, which is really a funicular inclined railway. It was first built in 1882, and rebuilt many times, but it is still the world's steepest, shortest scenic railway. Even the operators of the Hong Kong peak tram (which is the steepest, longest one) came to visit. All this is told by a kind, old chatterbox operator whose "canned" tourist response is irresistable.

[Steve Williams, 01/03/2000]