Fenelon Place Elevator Company

A fun quick ride up and down the elevator. Nice views from the top and the bottom and on the way. Round-trip up and down (or down and up) four dollars per person. Worth it if you’re going from top to bottom or if you just want a nice ride.

Very fun! Such a unique activity! Start at the top with a view and you never have to wait too long for your ride. Lovely staff too.

Our kids loved this. Just get on at the bottom and ride up and pay. There is an attendant at the top. A classic fun national treasure. Great view of the city and river. So unique. Much more fun than it looks.

A fun, historic experience - definitely recommend! Please note it's cash only, but is very affordable at $2 per adult one way or $4 per adult round trip. Cute shops to browse at the bottom of the hill too.

Fun, historic place. $2 one way, $4 round trip (cash only)-we did one way and enjoyed walking (10 mins) down through the neighborhood. Couldn’t stop smiling, giggling riding the elevator-highly recommend when in Dubuque, IA

Great historical place with awesome views of three states at the top.

Nice views. Plus, they allow pets to ride. My dogs loved it and were not afraid of the ride. Great adventure with your dog. When we arrived to the top we walked around the neighborhood before heading down. We might need to come more often.

This was FUN! Took a round trip starting from the bottom where we found street parking. Such a unique experience with an amazing view of the city and river. Friendly staff offering resources and information at the top. Went at sunset and it was beautiful to see the sun hit all of the brick buildings. Well worth the $4 a person.

This was an awesome experience !! You're looking at one of the world's shortest and steepest funicular railways! Built in 1882 by banker and former state senator J.K. Graves to shorten his commute what started as a personal transport became public in 1884 when neighbors began asking for rides! Such a cool & unique thing to do. Once you are on top you are able to see across 3 states this can be a cute background for your pictures. If you are near by you should totally check it out!

Just down the road from our hotel was the Fenelon Elevator. The Fenelon Place Elevator is a 3 ft narrow gauge funicular railway also known as the Fourth Street Elevator. It is claimed to be the shortest and steepest railroad in the world. The ride up is pretty quick, but very very steep. I sat at the bottom of the car both going up and coming back. The car itself has almost like 4 stair steps that you sit on so it will hold 8 adults. The cost can't be beat either. And the views from the top are amazing! You step out and there are two platforms to overlook Dubuque and the Mississippi River. It really was spectacular. There are things to do both at the top and bottom like shopping. A lot of people will take the elevator one way and spend a few hours there and then come back later to ride back. We chose to just ride it to the top, enjoy the view, and come back. There was a much longer ride to get back down for us. I'm not sure if it was the time of day or just that afternoon. If you find yourself in Dubuque, Iowa I highly recommend taking a ride on the Fenelon Elevator. Just make sure that you visit April 1 to November 30. They are closed in December, January, February, and March.

This is a must do if you're in the area. I learned you can either start from the bottom or the top. We started from the bottom. We got inside, rang the bell, and we were slowly brought up to the top where we paid 2 round trips for $8. When you get to the top it's a beautiful view! Theres benches where you can sit and take your time. When you're ready you go back in cart and they slowly take you back down. It's so interesting to know this elevator was from the 1800's!

If you do 1 thing in Dubuque it has to be to ride this. I could have done this all day long. What a unique experience. Read up on the history too. There's a beautiful view of downtown Dubuque and the Mississippi River from the top. And $4 for a roundtrip ride? Yes please.

Worth the time to visit this historic mode of transportation. You get a great view of downtown Dubuque from the top for only $4 round trip. Several small tourist friendly shops near the bottom of the hill.

Fun and unique. Ever seen WISCONSIN from the top of the shortest, steepest railroad IN THE WORLD?! It's just across the Mississippi in Dubuque! The original owner didn't want to make the walk from work at lunch so he installed this...is the story. The Fenelon Place Elevator (also known as the Fourth Street Elevator) is 296 feet long and angles up at 41 degrees for a vertical elevation of 189 feet. Made of wood and 6 people. At the top -- there are TWO observation decks, which offer unobstructed views of Wisconsin, Illinois, and Iowa! Great place for pictures. When the elevator first opened in 1884, rides cost 5 cents. Nowadays, they're $2 each way. The elevator runs daily from April 1 through November 30. Make sure you have cash as they don't accept credit cards. At the bottom, check out a few stores and get an ice cream at the Sweet Memories Confection. Also a great drive up to the top and through a neighborhood.

We really enjoyed this ride! This funicular is in Dubuque and is short and steep. Fun way to get down the hill.

Nice scenic ride for a couple bucks. Definitely worth doing once. Six of us took a round trip. Tip? Stay seated or they'll stop the train.

Stepping into the Fourth Street Elevator in Dubuque, I felt a thrill of anticipation. This historic cable car, affectionately known as the "world's steepest, shortest scenic railway," promised an unforgettable journey. As we began our 296-foot ascent, the quaint charm of the funicular was immediately apparent. Rising 189 feet from Fourth Street to Fenelon Place, the elevator offered increasingly spectacular views with each passing moment. The Mississippi River valley stretched out before us, a breathtaking panorama that seemed to expand endlessly. For just $2, this magnificent piece of history was transporting us not just in space, but in time. As we neared the top, I couldn't help but wonder: what incredible vista awaited us at Fenelon Place? And would this brief journey leave me yearning to ride again?​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ of course. This is the 5th time! I love to bring people here! This is a must!

Quite an interesting place. The views from the top are amazing. The ride up and down was interesting. Not very comfortable but went by fast. It was kind of concerning how the door wasn't very secure.

What a fun and unique little attraction to this area! This incline railway system was built up the hillside so a former mayor of Dubuque could easily get to and from his house without taking a protracted trip in his horse and buggy. Despite it burning down several times it its history, it has been restored and is a great way to see the view of downtown Dubuque and to get up to the area where some historic buildings are. An affordable attraction and worth checking out for its unusual nature, though the windows of the cars could use a wipe down and if you have any fear of heights, it might be alarming to you.

I was originally planning on going on a Saturday afternoon, but the line was very long. I came on a Sunday morning instead and was able to get right on. It is a very inexpensive thing to do for some entertainment. When you get to the top there are great views.

Eight years after my first visit here, I found myself back in Dubuque and this time spending the night. My wife wanted to stay at the hotel but I ventured over for a night-time trip up the "steepest, shortest railroad in the world". The experience was better than the rainy and cloudy visit in 2016. The city lights of downtown Dubuque, the bridges, the search lom the barges and the whistles and sounds of the freight trains make it a perfect night time visit. I was also lucky enough that a lunar eclipse was occuring at this time, although only partial, it was wonderful to witness. I was also fortunate to have a lengthy conversation with a local that had come there specifically for the eclipse. He filled me in on the local history, crime, poverty and drug issues of the area as long as food and attractions I should see. The conversation soon turned to a wide array of topics including Hmong culture, concerts and festivals, the pharmaceutical industry... The type of random meeting and experience that you can only attain while traveling. I brought my wife back the next morning and had another perfect vista of green foliage and architecture. The price is now $4 per person roundtrip. Don't miss this wonderful little trip up the side of the hill when visiting the area.

Adorable old wooden car transports you up the incline to get breathtaking views of the city. A must see in Dubuque .

The Fourth St Elevator is such a fun and unique experience. I realized I hadn't been on the elevator since I was a child and decided to meet up with some friends driving through the area. It's a nice little piece of history with a great view of the city upon reaching the top. It's only $4 for round trip, and you can continue your day by visiting some cute shops in the area.

Well, this activity was too interesting to pass up! The approach left me curious and ready to unveil the mystery. The Fare was listed on the building. Adults Round Trip was $4.00. Cable Car Instructions were listed on a sign below that. After I read them, my significant other and I got inside the Cable Car that was on the left side of the track. We rang the Bell Cord and we were sent upwards. The speed was slow, so it felt safe. The concept was interesting and I was definitely zoned in. When we got to the top, we paid and went through the turnstile. I soaked in the beautiful view for a moment. That was worth the price alone. They had a sign stating that it was an Iowa Historic Site. We went through the turnstile to go back to the Cable Car. We loaded in the Cable Car on the left side of the track and began to plummet downwards. This was a different experience than going upwards. It felt heavier, but still safe. The service was fast and smooth. Everything flowed nicely. Overall, this activity was a change of pace. I enjoyed it! I recommend it. Date of visit: Aug 23, 2024

It's worth the $4 round trip ride per person. If your ever in Dubuque, I recommended you stop and take a ride. FYI Cash Only Even though it's a short 3 minute ride up and down. It's still worth the experience. The cart goes down nice and slow for you to enjoy the view. You can get off and explore the shopping stores in the area. You can view the beautiful city at the top.

What a neat little find in Dubuque. Our server at dinner, suggested we check out the elevator in downtown Dubuque. We didn't really know what it was so we decided to check it out. Our directions sent us up a steep incline into a residential area. We thought we had taken a wrong turn and then there it was at the end of a small street. This cute little vintage building looked like a tiny train station. There is not much there except a pop machine and a pretty view. We bought our ticket and hopped in the little cart. Down we went to walk around the neighborhood of shops and pretty architecture. When we were ready to head back up, we wondered how the guy up top would know. But once we got in the cart, I saw a wooden handle on a rope. I pulled it to see if it would alert the man. It did and away we went back to the top. I love the history behind this novelty of Dubuque. Apparently a long time ago, a man had this built to get down to town for work more easily. And it's still here for everyone to enjoy.

Cute little funicular or as they call it here elevator that takes you up the big ridge just west of downtown Dubuque. I think it was three dollars one-way or five dollars round-trip and we went one way and walked down. There are two cars that go up and down the track. You sit inside them by yourself and then pay at the top so you can decide whether you want to take it down or walk once you get up there. I think it holds about eight people maybe 10 per car and there's a little section of the track about halfway maybe a little further up the hill where the trains can pull over and make room for the other one going up or down. Good views of the Mississippi towards Illinois as you go up. There's a little bit of history up at the top and a nice breeze with some shade if it's hot out. Easy to get to from the Hotel Julien.

Unique historic must-see site. You can first learn about the physics at the National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium, then the history of funicular cable cars at the Dubuque Public Library which itself quite an historic marvel well worth a visit. It's walking distance: https://www.cityofdubuque.org/694/Carnegie-Stout-Public-Library The four dollar Fenelon Elevator cable car (aka funicular) round trip admission cost will not break the bank. At the top is an incomparable view of the town and environs. On a clear day one can see into three states. That's about 36 electoral votes. This venerable Alpine style transport can't be ridden anywhere else in the Midwest that I know of. At the bottom there's a little candy and ice cream shop with a handful of outdoor seats. This was my favorite part of Dubuque.

We were so excited to ride the elevators but the attitude of the employees put a damper on it. The person just sat and stared at us in the window. I stepped into the line with the in arrow but apparently you have to be in the other one to pay. They didn't tell us anything just took the money for our round trip. We got in the next car and rode it down. Then we got to the bottom and there's a sign that says ring bell when ready. No one got on so we did. Immediately yelled at from the speaker not to do that. So we sat there and eventually we rode back up. If they actually told you what was going to happen or give you instructions they wouldn't have to be crabby about people not doing what they want. It's a cool thing to do just wasn't the best experience. It is cash only too fyi.

I missed this attraction the last couple times in town because it was closed in winter and C19 was happening so as close as you sit to people the 6 ft rule couldn't fly and I just forgot about it on my last visit. It's over a hundred years old and the only economic way to transport people from the bluff to down town Dubuque when it was built and it's still operating. It's a cable car that seats about 8 people and cost $4 round trip on my visit. They have a patio like area on top and you can stay as long as you like looking at the great view of the Mississippi River. I love new experiences and I live for them so this was a great experience of past transportation and I'm so glad it wasn't removed with modern transportation.

I can't believe how many times we have driven through Dubuque over the years and we finally stopped to ride the funicular at Fenelon Place. We arrived around 5pm on a Sunday and parked right at the base with no problem. Boarded the cable car, pulled the cord and started the short and steep ascent. You pay at the top ($4 round trip pp; $2 one way - but I don't know how you would get down. Cash only). Pamphlets at the top for local attractions and the woman working at the top was very informative about the area. Great views of Dubuque and the Mississippi River. Easily you could stop, ride, and enjoy the views in well under an hour!

Worth every penny of the $4 per person, round trip fare. Easy street parking (around 7pm) at the bottom. Simply step into the waiting car at the bottom and pull the cord to alert the operator that you're ready to go. Great views of Dubuque and the river from the top.

TOURIST REVIEW: love everything about this attraction and highly recommend anyone & everyone to experience it. Plus it's only $3 (round trip). We actually parked and started from the bottom of the hill. They have a sweets/dessert place right next door. We waited in line and it was actually pretty quick. Each cart fits about 8 people. You just go in, and ring the bell to indicate you're ready to go up. It doesn't instantly start because as you're going up, there's a cart going down. It goes like 2 mph and it's pretty cool to reach the top. You see the city as a whole and it's a really nice view. The best thing tho? The sheep! They have sheep on the side of the hill eating the grass. It's actually pretty cool. We probably spent about 15 minutes and the top and came back down. The staff are really nice. The ride was cool. The view was amazing and everything about this added to a great experience. Highly recommend!

Fun experience with Lambo! Bring cash! $4 for round trip ! Better pay in front. It is so fun walking around too.

You can't beat the $3 round-trip ride. A few minutes of fun for all ages. A throwback to 1893. Amazing views of the tri-state area. Open April-November. A must-see when you're in Dubuque. Check out all of the shops on Bluff St. when you get off the elevator. Free street parking.

Apple Maps will take you to the top so make sure to set gps to the candy place! Fun little experience! Very in expensive.

This was a fun little addition to our adventures in Dubuque. It's so unique and has great views. Heads up--they only accept cash.

This was just a cool little experience. Start at top or bottom. If starting from the top you pay for your trip. 1.50 one way for adults. $3.00 round trip. The view from the top is worth the trip up. This is a cute little elevator that seats eight tightly. You ride down, go do a little shopping, have an ice cream and then ride back up. The ride is smooth and just a bit of history behind the whole thing. Kids will love it. I thought it was cool and cheap for the beautiful view. Conductors were all friendly.

I read an article talking about this place. Pretty cool it from the mid 1800. $3 a person for round trip. Some rally beautiful home up the on the cliff. The town is worth seeing. Nice little piece of history. I told by fellow passenger that the field were movie "Field of Dreams " is only 25 min away...

Love this thing!!! If you are in Dubuque, you HAVE to stop for this. Seriously. Where else can you find a funicular that is in operation? It's also super cheap to ride. The top has great views of the city. 10/10 for me.

Great view of the city from the top! Great value for a very unique ride. $4 round trip. Cash only!! Dubuque should be very proud! Open air car. Genuine cable and oil. Slow moving appropriate for kids and those scared of tight spaces. The original intent is interesting. Read the plague at the top.

I stopped by here a couple of Saturdays ago with my wife while we were exploring Dubuque. Since we come from Pittsburgh and Johnstown, we are pretty familiar with inclines, ferniculars, elevators or whatever you want to call them and thought that this would be fun. Parking near the bottom was easy to find and was free. We then proceeded to the bottom shelter and read the rules before entering the car. The cars themselves are fairly small and can hold maybe 10 people max. The side facing the bluff is always open to the air while the side facing Dubuque has a door that opens and closes at the appropriate times. A ride in the car lasts maybe two minutes max and you pay at the top, cash only. So that means once you get out you are greeted by a turnstile. The views from the top out into Dubuque and the Mississippi are pretty cool though. The bottom line for me is that I would recommend this to any visitor to Dubuque. While I can't say that anything about the ride was particularly exciting, it is a novelty that has a great view at the top and you can't beat the $3 RT price for adults.

It was a nice day. We went down, then we went back up. It had a nice oily machine smell. I wish there was something more to do at the bottom, maybe a place for coffee would be nice. But that's not the elevator's fault. I like the elevator.

What a cute little attraction! When we found out Fenelon Place was the shortest and steepest elevator we had to check it out. Our GPS took us to the address of a residential home. The home is actually located NEXT to the elevator and not the actual location of Fenelon Place. The address is on the top of a hill but there are actually two ways to board the elevator, entry at top of the hill and entry at bottom of the hill. At the top of the hill is where you will pay for your trip. You can pay for a one way trip ($1.50) or a round trip ($3.00). CASH ONLY. If you decide to board at the bottom of the hill, then when you get to the top you'll have to pay the conductor. The man in the pay booth is also the man who controls the elevator from going up and down. There are two elevator cars and both are connected so when one car goes down the other car goes up. You can exit the car when you get to the bottom (elevator doors will open automatically) and walk around to check out the shops located at the bottom. Unfortunately when we went all the shops were closed so we ended up ringing the bell at the bottom of the hill to notify the conductor that we were ready to come back up. Views at the top of the hill are beautiful. There is a little bench you can sit at to enjoy the views. This is definitely a really cool experience that everyone should try in their lifetime! Its a historical elevator in working condition. Super cool! PS. No public restrooms here.

Not too many tourist attractions that only cost $3 anymore! It was an amazing night to sit on the South Porch and overlook the city and the river. I had ridden the Elevator many years ago, this was the first time I have been here at night. Night is the best...

Must stop tourist attraction. It costs $1.50 one way or $3 round trip. Old elevator system and is still in service. Great view from the south deck and it is free. Bring cash because they don't accept credit cards.

This was so beautiful and an absolute must do if visiting Dubuque. The lady in the ticket booth was so sweet and made some awesome recommendations while visiting the city

An incredible spot to get an unexpectedly awesome view of the Mississippi river as well as a couple other states nearby! This elevator that started in 1893 sits at the bottom of Fenelon place around 5th Street. There's a number of fun little places at the bottom of the elevator including a handmade gift shop and an ice cream & Chocolate Shop. The ice cream shop was particularly nice on the hot day that we visited. One car goes up while another comes down to the weight is never super long. The cars are wooden and feel a little bit on the janky side, but certainly get the job done. $3 to ride if you're over the age of 5 or $1.50 if you're a kiddo. As others have noted, you pay at the top and you're not required to ride back down if you'd rather just hang out there or walk back. Reviews of here are spectacular and give a great perspective of Dubuque, the Mississippi River and most of the surrounding communities. It's not the sort of place that you expect to see in the middle of Iowa! Any time that we are up here, we try to stop in and do this as it's a great reminder of some of the beauty that exists in the state. It's well worth your time and definitely worth the $3!

Really excellent views of Dubuque. Amazing it was built in 1882. A predecessor to the Fourth Street Elevator was built in 1882 for the private use of local banker and former state senator J.K. Graves. The funicular was opened to the public in 1884, charging 5 cents per ride. After several fires, the current funicular was built in 1893 on the footprint of the 1882 incline. Cost 3$ for a round trip ride or 1.50 one way. At the bottom of the hill are some cute shops. We really like the Fair Trade shop.

Cheap fun in Dubuque! Is it a railroad car or cable car? The cable runs underneath the mostly wooden car, which sits on train rails. At the top, there are postcards sent by customers who have visited other trams as shown on the postcards. I saw a postcard of the one I was on in Alyeska, Ak. But I digress. Fun short ride, very picturesque at the top. The story behind why it was built is interesting, google it for the story...

Fun and interesting place to visit. The elevator ride is a neat little adventure for those who enjoy some old-timey nostalgia. And once you are at the top, the view... well, you've just got to see it! I highly recommend this stop on your tour of Dubuque. For an inexpensive unique experience, it's worth a quick visit.

Just wonderful! Fun! Fun! Fun! Terrific adventure in Dubuque and incredible views of 3 states at once, Iowa, Wisconsin, and Minnesota. Only $3.00 round trip and kids 5 and under ride for free. Pay at the top. Just get in, sit down, and pull the rope that rings a bell to signal the conductor. Pay as you exit. If you're ever in Dubuque it's an absolute must! Read the history before you go ...

The Fenelon Place Elevator claims to be the shortest, and steepest, scenic railroad in the world. The funicular railroad is 296' long and rises 189' from the lower level to the higher level. It is one of less than a handful of funiculars left in the United States. "Funicular" is from Latin "funiculus," meaning "rope." The term has come to mean two cars that counterbalance each other. There are three rails on the right of way, a center rail is common for both cars. A spot in the center of the right of way, at the midpoint, has four rails so the counterbalanced cars can pass each other. There has been an elevator here since 1882, when a local banker, J.K, Graves, wanted to shorten his commute time from his home, on top of the bluff, to his bank in downtown Dubuque. His home and the bank were only a couple of blocks apart, but it took Mr. Graves half an hour to navigate his horse and buggy up or down the bluff. He built the elevator so he could go home for lunch, take a nap, and return to the bank in a timely fashion. He found that neighbors were asking for rides, as well! The railroad has been damaged, or totally destroyed, by fire three different times. In 1884, a fire in the boiler that provided power for the cable car, burned the entire operation. Mr. Graves rebuilt it, opening the new cable car to the public and charging for rides. In 1893, the operation burned again, but in a recession, Mr. Graves was unable to rebuild the railroad himself. Neighbors, now dependent on the elevator, banded together to form a company that rebuilt the railroad as today's familiar funicular. After visiting the Worlds Fair in Chicago, the group returned with an electric streetcar motor, the turnstile and they replaced the old hemp rope with a steel cable. (The old hemp rope burned in the fire, causing the car to crash into the bottom of the railroad.) The 1978 Sylvester Stallone film, "F.I.S.T." was shot with Dubuque as a stand-in for Cleveland, with a scene shot on the Fenelon Place Elevator. In 1984, the funicular underwent a major restoration, including rebuilding the cars and switching out the ancient tug with a modern DC motor and gearbox. Still privately owned and operated today, the Fenelon Place Elevator is open April 1 through November 30 from 8:00 AM to 10:00PM. The fare is $1.50 per ride (75¢ for children) with an extra 50¢ for a bicycle. The neighborhood at the top of the elevator is still residential, but there is an observation deck with impressive views of Dubuque, the Mississippi RIver, and you can see Iowa, Wisconsin and Illinois from the deck.

The Fourth Street Elevator, historically known as the Fenelon Place Elevator as found in the National Historic Registrar, is truly the best way to see downtown, riverside Dubuque. With this in mind, it's probably the first thing to do when you arrive to Dubuque since it can give you an idea of how the town is laid out. They have several maps up at the top too and a pleasant neighborhood to explore. Also it's a bit west of most of the historical and popular sites. I have to admit that Dubuque doesn't have too much to offer but the Elevator is not to be missed. The elevator is open April 1st thru November 30th from 8:00 A.M. until 10:00 P.M. A round trip is $2 for adults and $1 for children 5 to 12 (for one way it's half that price). Cash only! Check out the photos I've added.

A wonderful little throwback to the times when the hill was too steep for buggies or cars and people needed a quick way to get from home to downtown and back again. It's old, old, old, and that's the biggest part of its charm, and it's fun! Beautiful view at the top and such a bargain! A word of warning; these old-timey things don't last forever. I see that the ancient tram up to Pikes Peak (the Pikes Peak in the Rockies, not the one above the Mighty Miss) has closed indefinitely because it is in need of major and expensive maintenance and repair. So don't put off your trip to the top of Dubuque on the Fenelon Place Elevator for too long.

While visiting Dubuque, my husband and I, along with another couple, decided to check out the Fenelon Place Elevator (also known as the Fourth Street Elevator). This place came highly recommended by the front desk clerk at our hotel. I must say, it is a very neat historical landmark. A brief history: Mr J.K. Graves, a prominent politician and businessman, built the elevator to help him get from work to home and back during the lunch hour. It ended up becoming a hit with his neighbors. He then opened it to the public, charging 5 cents per ride. Today, the price is only $3 for a round trip ride. Which is still a great deal. Don't let the steepness of the hill scare you. The ride itself moves at a slow pace and goes very smoothly. From start to finish, the ride takes approximately 10 min, round trip. This is a fun activity that people of all ages can enjoy.

I blundered into this place the first time I visited Dubuque while staying at the nearby Redstone Inn. I saw a small building at the end of the street and we went over to investigate. What the heck? It's a train that goes up the bluff. It's like. A train I rode at Royal Gorge Colorado only on a smaller scale. You just hop on and ring the bell. You pay at the top. The upper level gives a panoramic view of the river valley. The price is now $3 round trip. It's a must ride when visiting Dubuque.