Fenelon Place Elevator

Billed as the world's shortest and steepest scenic railway, the Fenelon Place Elevator has been hauling passengers 189 feet up Dubuque's bluffs since 1882. The ride takes about a minute, but the views from the top extend 30 miles across three states: Iowa, Wisconsin, and Illinois. At just $4 for a round trip, it's possibly the best-value view in the entire Midwest. Originally built so a businessman could get home for lunch faster, this beloved funicular is now the most iconic image in Dubuque — cash only, charming forever. Don't miss it.