Dubuque, Iowa: Fenelon Place Elevator

An incline railway that runs 296 feet up and down a hill. Built in 1882 by rich banker J.K. Graves: his house was at the top of the hill, his bank was at the bottom, and he wanted a short-cut so he'd have time to go home for lunch and take a nap.

Address:: 512 Fenelon Place, Dubuque, IA
Directions:: South side of downtown. Runs up and down the hillside between Fenelon Place and W. 4th St. Better to park at the top (residential street parking) and go down to visit shops at bottom in Cable Car Square, then ride elevator back up to top; at bottom there are parking meters.
Hours:: Daily April-Nov. 8 AM - 10 PM (Call to verify) Local health policies may affect hours and access.
Phone:: 563-582-6496
Admission:: Round-trip $3.
RA Rates:: Worth a Detour

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Visitor Tips and News About Fenelon Place Elevator

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Elevator.

Fenelon Place Elevator

The Fenelon Place Elevator is exactly as described by your previous tipsters. Price is now $3.00. Definitely worth a detour!

[Alan Mitchell, 05/07/2013]

The posted instruction for travelers: "Cable car is operated from above," gives this particular elevator a reassuring touch of divinity.

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.

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]

elevator.

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]

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