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If you're in the Dubuque Iowa area , this is the definite stop you should make. This is a fun , very inexpensive way to get amazing view of the city and the mississippi river. It's best to start at the bottom and do the round trip excursion from there. Doesn't take more than fifteen minutes to do the whole routine with photo opportunities. It looks old in rickety , but it is definitely safe for people of all ages.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Fenelon Place Elevator -- the worlds shortest & steepest railway! A quick ride with one of the best views overlooking Dubuque and the Mississippi River. It's a short stop, but definitely one of those things you have to do at least once! It's $4 round-trip per person to ride from the top to the bottom and back up! This is such a unique and fun activity to check out while visiting Dubuque! read more
26 days ago
It was a nice experience the view was amazing, staff was very friendly and cooperative. It was only four dollars a person for a round-trip! I did have to share an elevator with other people otherwise we were gonna wait forever. since it's a historic attraction, the elevator is super slow. read more
If you're in the Dubuque Iowa area , this is the definite stop you should make. This is a fun , very inexpensive way to get amazing view of the city and the mississippi river. It's best to start at the bottom and do the round trip excursion from there. Doesn't take more than fifteen minutes to do the whole routine with photo opportunities. It looks old in rickety , but it is definitely safe for people of all ages. read more
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! read more
1 year ago
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. read more
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. read more
1 year ago
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. read more
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! read more
2 years ago
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. read more
1 year ago
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. read more
3 years ago
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. read more
2 years ago
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. read more
2 years ago
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. read more
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 read more
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. read more
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. read more
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. read more
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. read more
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! read more
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. read more
2 years ago
5 years ago
Fun experience with Lambo! Bring cash! $4 for round trip ! Better pay in front. It is so fun walking around too. read more
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. read more
7 years ago
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! read more
9 years ago
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. read more
4 years ago
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... read more
3 years ago
6 years ago
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. read more
5 years ago
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. read more
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9 years ago
