Fenelon Place Elevator Archives

In the past 12 months, I’ve explored lots of corners of Iowa and even checked a few new states off my bucket list. I’ve marveled at new giant, roadside oddities and learned more about Iowa’s history. I’ve put a few too many miles on my already tired car and traveled to both ends of the state.

But of all those adventures, a select few rose above the rest as clear reader favorites. So in celebration of all of this year’s adventures (and what’s to come in the next one), here are the 10 most-read Olio in Iowa adventures of 2014:

10. Volkswagon Beetle Spider (Avoca, IA)

This unusual arachnid was constructed by Travis and Angela Campbell across the street from their father Darwin’s home, where it still sits today in Avoca, Iowa. Read more…

9. The Bridges of Madison County (Winterset, IA)

The Bridges of Madison County are easily some of my favorite Iowa attractions. Gorgeous and picturesque no matter what time of year you visit, these historic bridges are great road trip go-to’s. Read more…Continue Reading…

Since moving to Iowa, Dubuque has always been a place I’ve wanted to spend time exploring. Nestled on the banks of the Mississippi River, the eastern Iowa town is just a stones throw from the Illinois and Wisconsin borders. After some amateur spelunking at Crystal Lake Cave, my recent Saturday morning exploration of Dubuque included a unique ride up the city’s bluff.

Did you know that Dubuque is home to the world’s shortest steepest elevator?

Dubuque’s former mayor and Iowa state senator J.K. Graves built the Fenelon Place Elevator in July of 1882. When he lived in Dubuque, Graves grew tired of the lengthy buggy trip up the bluff. He had experienced inclined railways in Europe, and decided to build one of his own for personal use. Initially, Graves’ staff heaved the car up and down on hemp ropes every day.

After a fire destroyed the original cable car in 1884, Graves rebuilt and opened the elevator to the public. When it first opened, he charged 5 cents per ride. When the cable car burned again less than a decade later, a group of townspeople banded together to form the Fenelon Place Elevator Co. and rebuilt once again.

The cable car visitors ride today was completely rebuilt in 1977, and its original gear drive was replaced with a modern motor.

If you visit Fenelon Place Elevator

Even if you don’t have anywhere particularly important to go, the Fenelon Place Elevator is definitely worth a ride. We opted to park at the top of the hill and ride the elevator back up. No matter the direction you ride, you can’t beat the view of the Mighty Mississippi from the hilltop elevator platform.

The elevator is open daily from 8 am to 10 pm seasonally April 1 through November 30.

Cost: $1.50 one-way or $3 round-trip for adults / $0.75 one-way or $1.50 round-trip for children (ages 5 – 12)

Fenelon Place Elevator, 512 Fenelon Place in Dubuque, Iowa