Fenelon Place Elevator
Dubuque, IA
A tiny funicular railway that climbs a steep bluff in Dubuque, billed as one of the shortest and steepest in the world. The short ride ends at an overlook with a view of the Mississippi and three states; it runs seasonally.
The Fenelon Place Elevator in Dubuque is a funicular. Banker J. K. Graves had it built in 1882 as a private railway, and it has been open to the public since 1884. After fires it was rebuilt in 1893. The railway is 296 feet (90 m) long, climbs about 189 feet (58 m) at a 41-degree grade, and runs on 3-foot narrow gauge. Two cars balance each other. The operators advertise it as the world's "shortest, steepest scenic railway"; it is documented as the shortest and steepest railway in the United States. It has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1978.
The lower station is at the end of Fourth Street, the upper one at 512 Fenelon Place. From two observation decks at the top you can see Iowa, Illinois, and Wisconsin. The ride lasts only a few minutes, so allow about 30 minutes. The railway runs seasonally, from April to November according to the operator (as of October 2026); check that it is operating before you travel.
- Nearest town
- Dubuque, IA
- Category
- Roadside oddities
- GPS
- 42.5019, -90.6700
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September. Still fine, with some compromises, in July–August and October. Cold, short days in December–March. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Sources
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Swiss Valley County Park CampgroundCampsite6 mi from Fenelon Place Elevator · 60 pitchesElectricityShowersToiletsWaste disposal
- Rustic Barn Campground & RV ParkMotorhome stopover6 mi from Fenelon Place ElevatorMotorhomes
- Grant River CampgroundCampsite10 mi from Fenelon Place Elevator · 73 pitchesTentsElectricityShowersWaste disposal
- Whitetail Bluff Camp & ResortMotorhome stopover16 mi from Fenelon Place ElevatorMotorhomes
- Fillmore Recreation Area CampgroundCampsite17 mi from Fenelon Place Elevator · 18 pitchesElectricityDrinking waterShowersToilets
- Sandy Bottoms-UpMotorhome stopover20 mi from Fenelon Place Elevator · 50 pitchesTentsMotorhomesElectricityDrinking waterShowersToilets
All campsites in Iowa · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Fenelon Place Elevator?
Fenelon Place Elevator is in Dubuque, IA, at GPS 42.5019, -90.6700. It is about 14 mi from Galena.
Can you camp near Fenelon Place Elevator?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Miller Riverview Park & Campground, about 2 mi away; within 25 mi there are 69 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
What is there to see near Fenelon Place Elevator?
Places worth a stop nearby: Galena Historic Downtown (14 mi), Field of Dreams Movie Site (20 mi), Maquoketa Caves State Park (27 mi) and Mississippi Palisades State Park (37 mi).
When is the best time to visit Fenelon Place Elevator?
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September. Still fine, with some compromises, in July–August and October. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)