A unique piece of railway history has earned recognition as the world’s shortest and steepest scenic railway, drawing visitors from near and far to experience a brief but breathtaking ride up one of America’s most dramatic inclines. The Fenelon Place Elevator also known as the Fourth Street Elevator sits in the heart of Dubuque and continues to charm travellers with its historic character and stunning views.
The railway technically a funicular incline elevator travels just 296 feet (about 90 metres) up a steep hillside from 4th Street into the Fenelon Place Historic District, climbing a vertical rise of 189 feet in the process. This exceptionally short distance coupled with a dramatic incline makes it a one‑of‑a‑kind scenic ride.
Often described as both the shortest and steepest scenic railway in the world, the Fenelon Place Elevator was originally built in 1882 by businessman J.K. Graves to shorten his daily commute up the bluff replacing a lengthy horse‑and‑buggy trip with a swift cable‑driven ride.
Today, the incline railway operates seasonally typically from spring through late autumn offering riders not only a quick ascent but also panoramic views of Dubuque’s downtown, the Mississippi River, and the surrounding region, visible from observation decks at the upper station.
More than just a fun ride, the Fenelon Place Elevator remains a national historic landmark, celebrating over a century of engineering heritage and scenic charm.
