The World’s Shortest, Steepest Railway Is Part of Iowa’s Oldest Town

If you’re looking for a fun, unique stop while visiting Dubuque, the historic Fenel Place Elevator is always worth checking out. My wife, our son Bennett, and I recently took a ride on this unusual little railway, and it was a fun experience with some pretty impressive views of the city.

Credit: Tom Drake | The view from the top of Fenlon Place Elkevator.

The Fenelon Place Elevator is often called the world’s shortest and steepest scenic railway. At just 296 feet long, it carries passengers 189 feet up the bluff from Fourth Street to Fenelon Place. We got a good look at the tracks and just how steep the ride would be before boarding. The wooden cable cars have an old-fashioned feel, and watching the cars travel up and down the hillside makes you appreciate just how different this attraction is from your typical elevator.

So we hopped inside, pulled that classic wooden call bell, and settled in for the ride. The car makes its way up the bluff with a few bumps and plenty of mechanical sounds along the way. Bennett thought it was pretty cool, although he did wish it moved a little faster! The ride takes about three minutes, so it's not something that'll take up much of your day, and the view is phenomenal.

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As stated, the real reward comes when you reach the top. We stepped out to take in the view, and you can see much of Dubuque, the Mississippi River and the Julian Dubuque and Wisconsin bridges. It's a beautiful spot to stop for pictures and appreciate the city from high above those historic river bluffs. You can also walk around the separate viewing areas and watch the community, from a birds eye, go about their day.

Credit: Tom Drake | Fenlon Place Elevator

The elevator was first operated on July 25th, 1882, after local businessman J.K. Graves wanted a quicker way to get home from work. I mean, why take the long trip up the steep bluff, when you could ride up it. Now, its history hasn't been without setbacks, fires destroyed earlier versions of the elevator, forcing it to be rebuilt and brought back to life. The current system was reconstructed in 1977. It then recieved another motor upgrade in 2015 to keep it running safely. More than 140 years after its first ride, the Fenelon Place Elevator continues to give visitors a unique way to experience Dubuque's history and take in one of the city's most amazing views.

For our family, it was another simple but memorable stop. The ride doesn't take long, it's something different for kids and adults, and the views alone make it worthwhile. If you're passing through Dubuque, which is Iowa's oldest city, add the Fenelon Place Elevator to your list of historical stops. It's a fun way to experience the city without needing to plan an entire afternoon around it.

The elevator operates daily from April 1st through November 30th, from 8 AM to 10 PM, and is closed on Thanksgiving. Adults pay $4 for a round trip, children ages 5 to 12 pay $2, and children under 5 ride for free. And remember to bring cash because debit and credit cards are not accepted.