Melissa D.

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.

Craig W.

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.

Barry L.

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.

Cathy S.

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

Donna K.

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.

Mark D.

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.

Kirk M.

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!

Christine M.

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.

Brena E.

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.

Maronda H.

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.

Ralphie S.

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.

Patti C.

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

Stephanie F.

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.