Fenelon Place Elevator

The Fenelon Place Elevator is a funicular in Dubuque that carries passengers up a steep slope connecting two neighborhoods at different elevations. The cabin travels along cables on an inclined track, with platforms at each end where riders board and exit.

A local banker built the funicular in 1882 and opened it to the public two years later to help residents travel between neighborhoods. The original structure suffered damage from fires and was rebuilt in 1893 with stronger materials and safety features.

The elevator linked two separate neighborhoods and served as a gathering place for residents moving between different parts of town. It reflected the community's need to bridge the steep geography and remains a symbol of how the city adapted to its challenging terrain.

The lower station sits right in the city, making it easy to find and reach on foot from downtown. The journey takes just a few minutes, so plan a quick visit unless you want to spend time at the overlook above.

From the top, you can see across three states on a clear day because of how high the site sits above the river valley. This panorama is all the more striking because the entire ride lasts just a few minutes.

Location: Iowa

GPS coordinates: 42.49631,-90.66936

Latest update: December 6, 2025 16:02