The street consists of five half-curves and two quarter-curves within a single city block.
The bricks were fired in local kilns and purposefully laid in a complex pattern to help horse-drawn carriages navigate the steep 20% grade.
Its design was inspired by European vineyard paths, specifically those in France and Germany.
The steep terrain was so challenging for early transportation that the city commissioned the design to solve the accessibility issue between the bluff and the riverfront.
The annual Snake Alley Criterium features some of the sharpest turns in competitive American bicycle racing.
Snake Alley is a historic, serpentine street in Burlington, Iowa, recognized for its extreme grade and five half-curves and two quarter-curves. Constructed in 1894, the street was designed to connect the riverfront business district with the residential area atop the limestone bluffs. Its unique layout utilizes a 58-foot elevation drop over a distance of 275 feet. The thoroughfare is paved with locally fired bricks laid in a basket-weave pattern to provide better traction for horses during the 19th century. Ripley's Believe It or Not famously dubbed it the Crookedest Street in the World. The street is currently maintained as a historic landmark and remains open to vehicular traffic, though it is primarily a pedestrian attraction. It serves as the venue for the annual Snake Alley Criterium, a challenging professional cycling race.
From the base of the street looking upward to capture the full snake-like geometry.
Wear comfortable, flat walking shoes to navigate the uneven brick surface safely.
Visit during the early morning to avoid occasional local vehicle traffic.
Bring a camera with a wide-angle lens to capture the full curvature of the street.
Do not attempt to drive up the alley during wet or icy conditions, as the brick surface becomes extremely slick.
The street is occasionally closed to public access during the annual Snake Alley Criterium held in late spring.
Be mindful of private residential driveways and properties lining the street.
