Dubuque, Iowa: 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.

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)?

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.