Title: Fourth Street Elevator in Dubuque | Expedia.co.uk [Fourth Street Elevator Hotels](https://expedia.co.uk/Fourth-Street-Elevator-Hotels.0-l6106022-0.Travel-Guide-Filter-Hotels)[Flights to Dubuque](https://expedia.co.uk/Cheap-Flights-To-Dubuque.d985.Travel-Guide-Flights)[Things to do in Dubuque](https://expedia.co.uk/Things-To-Do-In-Dubuque.d985.Travel-Guide-Activities)[Fourth Street Elevator Car Hire](https://expedia.co.uk/Compare-Cheap-Car-Hire-In-Fourth-Street-Elevator.d6106022.Car-Hire-Guide)[Dubuque Holidays](https://expedia.co.uk/Dubuque.d985.Holidays-City-Breaks) # Fourth Street Elevator ![Fourth Street Elevator showing landscape views and a small town or village](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/269000/269186-Fourth-Street-Elevator.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Fourth Street Elevator which includes a gondola](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/268000/268978-Eastern-Iowa.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Fourth Street Elevator](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/269000/269185-Fourth-Street-Elevator.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Fourth Street Elevator featuring landscape views and a small town or village](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/268000/268902-Iowa.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Fourth Street Elevator showing a small town or village, a river or creek and landscape views](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/268000/268901-Iowa.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ## Visit Fourth Street Elevator Activities [Dubuque travel guide](https://expedia.co.uk/Dubuque.dx985) --- --- #### It’s a quick and short ride, but the exhilaration you’ll experience is considerable. See why this attraction has remained so popular over many years. Traveling parallel to a steep hill, the Fourth Street Elevator in downtown Dubuque takes you to the top for magnificent views of the city and beyond. Enjoy the evolving view as you ascend in the small car on what is described by the operator as the world’s shortest and steepest scenic railway. At the top are panoramic views of the Mississippi River as it flows past three visible states: Iowa, Wisconsin and Illinois. However, the 3-foot (1-meter) narrow-gauge railway that began operation in 1882 was not constructed just for the view. Imagine the difficulty before the elevator existed for someone who lived at the top of the hill and needed to get to the city below. A banker and former mayor of Dubuque was such an individual, who disliked having to spend considerable time traveling by horse and buggy. J.K. Graves had 1.5 hours at noon for lunch, but the trip to his hilltop home took 30 minutes each way and he liked to include a nap. As a solution he commissioned the 296-foot-long (90-meter) railway, modeled after those in the Swiss Alps. The original cable car was a small house on wheels that went up and down the hill with Graves’ gardener pulling on a hemp rope. Think how citizens of that time must have viewed this mode of transportation and desired taking a ride. A fire destroyed the original elevator but Graves had it rebuilt and charged other riders five cents. After another fire and economic recession, Graves did not rebuild. However, a group of citizens formed the Fenelon Place Elevator Company and built an improved motorized service, which was last modernized in 1977\. Experience this National Register of Historic Places attraction as you ride the rails by ringing a bell to signal the operator at the top that you want to come up. Find the Fourth Street Elevator in downtown Dubuque. Inexpensive rides run from April to November. Stay seated during the trip as the operator may suddenly stop the elevator for safety reasons if they see someone standing. ### Popular places to visit ![Mercy Medical Center](https://mediaim.expedia.com/destination/1/c3794ee5845ec4ea45cc5c2be31e83a8.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Mercy Medical Center If Mercy Medical Center is what brings you to town, hopefully you'll have a chance to explore more of Dubuque. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Mercy-Medical-Center-Dubuque.d6188047.Attraction) ![National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium which includes interior views](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/268000/268895-Iowa.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium Learn about the region’s history and its aquatic life in one location. The role of this important river becomes apparent through the many interactive exhibits. [](https://expedia.co.uk/National-Mississippi-River-Museum-And-Aquarium-Dubuque.d6105962.Attraction) #### Five Flags Center You can get tickets for a performance at Five Flags Center during your stay in Dubuque. While in this family-friendly area, you can savour the top-notch restaurants. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Five-Flags-Center-Downtown-Dubuque.d553248635956035150.Attraction) #### Dubuque Welcome Center Dubuque Welcome Center is just one of the places to see in Dubuque, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? Wander the area's riverfront or simply enjoy one of its top-notch restaurants. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Dubuque-Welcome-Center-Downtown-Dubuque.d553248621561929814.Attraction) #### Dubuque Museum of Art You can study the exhibits at Dubuque Museum of Art, a museum with a storied past, during your holiday in Dubuque. While you're in the area, stroll along the riverfront. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Dubuque-Museum-Of-Art-Dubuque.d553248621561929813.Attraction) #### Dubuque Art Center Explore the campus of Dubuque Art Center during your visit to Dubuque. Wander the area's riverfront or simply enjoy one of its top-notch restaurants. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Dubuque-Art-Center-Downtown-Dubuque.d553248621532649459.Attraction) --- ## Top Hotel Deals ## Check availability on hotels close to Fourth Street Elevator [Tonight ](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6106022&startDate=2026-01-12&endDate=2026-01-13)[12 Jan - 13 Jan](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6106022&startDate=2026-01-12&endDate=2026-01-13) [Tomorrow night ](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6106022&startDate=2026-01-13&endDate=2026-01-14)[13 Jan - 14 Jan](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6106022&startDate=2026-01-13&endDate=2026-01-14) [This weekend ](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6106022&startDate=16%2F01%2F2026&endDate=18%2F01%2F2026)[16 Jan - 18 Jan](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6106022&startDate=16%2F01%2F2026&endDate=18%2F01%2F2026) [Next weekend ](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6106022&startDate=23%2F01%2F2026&endDate=25%2F01%2F2026)[23 Jan - 25 Jan](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6106022&startDate=23%2F01%2F2026&endDate=25%2F01%2F2026) ![Hotel Julien Dubuque](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/3000000/2240000/2239900/2239834/bbf66f82_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Hotel Julien Dubuque 200 Main Street Dubuque IA [](https://expedia.co.uk/Dubuque-Hotels-Hotel-Julien-Dubuque.h2239834.Hotel-Information) ![Grand Harbor Resort and Waterpark](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/1000000/930000/920400/920389/7ebd3f9f_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Grand Harbor Resort and Waterpark 350 Bell St Dubuque IA [](https://expedia.co.uk/Dubuque-Hotels-Grand-Harbor-Resort-And-Waterpark.h920389.Hotel-Information) ![Days Inn by Wyndham Dubuque](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/1000000/10000/3800/3763/464ad817_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Days Inn by Wyndham Dubuque 1111 Dodge St Dubuque IA [](https://expedia.co.uk/Dubuque-Hotels-Days-Inn-By-Wyndham-Dubuque.h3763.Hotel-Information) ![Tesla MedBed Center, East Dubuque](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/2000000/1080000/1076100/1076011/b0c9c838_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Tesla MedBed Center, East Dubuque 7787 Timmerman Dr. East Dubuque IL [](https://expedia.co.uk/East-Dubuque-Hotels-Tesla-MedBed-Center.h1076011.Hotel-Information) ![Best Western Plus Dubuque Hotel & Conference Center](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/1000000/10000/2400/2385/637a01b6_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Best Western Plus Dubuque Hotel & Conference Center 3100 Dodge St Dubuque IA [](https://expedia.co.uk/Dubuque-Hotels-Best-Western-Plus-Dubuque-Hotel-Conference-Center.h2385.Hotel-Information) ![Canfield Hotel](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/96000000/95300000/95296900/95296892/ab41b1ff_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Canfield Hotel W 4th St, Dubuque, IA Dubuque IA [](https://expedia.co.uk/Dubuque-Hotels-Canfield-Hotel.h95296892.Hotel-Information) ![The Richards House Bed & Breakfast](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/21000000/20330000/20322800/20322771/f453fcdd_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### The Richards House Bed & Breakfast 1492 Locust Street Dubuque IA [](https://expedia.co.uk/Dubuque-Hotels-The-Richards-House-Bed-Breakfast.h20322771.Hotel-Information) ![Cozy Bluff St Escape - Downtown](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/121000000/120060000/120059400/120059367/b7eafa1c_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Cozy Bluff St Escape - Downtown Dubuque IA [](https://expedia.co.uk/Dubuque-Hotels-Cozy-Bluff-St-Escape-Downtown.h120059367.Hotel-Information) ![Private king suite DBQ](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/101000000/100330000/100320100/100320007/15e7e252_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Private king suite DBQ Dubuque IA [](https://expedia.co.uk/Dubuque-Hotels-Private-King-Suite.h100320007.Hotel-Information) [See all 891 properties in Fourth Street Elevator](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.Hotels.Package®ionId=6106022) Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. 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