About Fenelon Place Elevator Company
Experience a unique historic site at Fenelon Place Elevator Company, established in 1882. The trolley ride provides stunning views of the Mississippi River, Illinois, and Wisconsin, with a glimpse of connecting bridges. The round-trip fare is two dollars, offering a slow journey with limited seating for 4 to 6 passengers. The path downhill features wildflowers but could use more floral beauty. Visitors find it worth the ride, claiming it as the world's shortest and steepest elevator. The vintage building resembles a train station, with a simple setup of a pop machine and a picturesque view. At the top, there are two observation decks that offer unobstructed views, making it a great place for pictures. Guests can enjoy exploring the neighborhood's shops and architecture before signaling their return trip with a unique wooden handle. The elevator runs daily from April 1 through November 30, and it’s important to have cash as they don’t accept credit cards. Visitors have noted the thrill of the ascent, with the elevator rising 189 feet at a 41-degree angle. Dive into the rich history of this Dubuque gem, originally designed for convenient daily commutes, and enjoy a sweet treat at the nearby Sweet Memories Confection.
We stopped January 12th, not realizing they were closed for the winter. We will be back in the spring to visit again! Dubuque was established near the corner of 3 states. You can see them from the top. Iowa, Wisconsin and Illinois.
A must-see Midwest stop, the Fenelon Place Elevator has been carrying visitors up its steep bluff for more than a century. It’s an easy and worthwhile detour whether you’re exploring Dubuque, visiting nearby Galena, or just passing through—especially since it’s conveniently close to the highway.
How it works:
Head to the lower entrance, where you’ll find ample street parking and a few nearby spots to grab a coffee before your ride. Once at the entrance hop into the next available car—there’s sometimes a short wait, but watching the historic cable cars glide up and down the bluff makes the time pass quickly.
At the top is where you’ll pay (cash...read full review
This was a really cool and unique experience with an epic view at the top- you can see Iowa, Wisconsin, and Illinois all at once. It was also very affordable at $2 one way or $4 for a round trip (cash only though!) Staff were very friendly and helpful as well.