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Emma Big Bear Suite at Elkader Jailhouse Inn

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Property grounds
Exterior
2 bedrooms, WiFi, bed sheets
Fridge, microwave, oven, stovetop
2 bedrooms, WiFi, bed sheets
Reviews
8.8

Excellent

Entire home

2 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 5

Popular amenities

  • KitchenKitchenKitchen
  • WasherWasherWasher
  • DryerDryerDryer
  • Air conditioningAir conditioningAir conditioning

Explore the area

Map
Elkader, IA
  • Popular LocationSpook Cave23 min drive
  • Popular LocationPikes Peak State Park29 min drive
  • Popular LocationWyalusing State Park45 min drive
  • AirportDubuque, IA (DBQ-Dubuque Regional)78 min drive

Room options

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Room
Botanical Suite at Elkader Jailhouse Inn
Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Air conditioning
4.9 out of 5, Exceptional, (16)
The price is NZ$417
for 1 night
includes taxes & fees
31 May - 1 Jun
Botanical Suite at Elkader Jailhouse Inn

About the area

Elkader

At this holiday home, you'll be 22.4 km (13.9 mi) from Froelich Foundation Museum and 24.2 km (15 mi) from Spook Cave. Highlights at this holiday home include a kitchen and a washing machine. .Home features a TV, a coffee/tea maker and a hairdryer. In-room dining is easy with a kitchen that comes equipped with a fridge, a microwave and a stovetop. .Sights within a 30-minute drive of this Elkader holiday home include Mississippi River and Driftless Area Wetlands Centre.
View more Holiday homes in ElkaderOpens in a new window

What's nearby

  • Spook Cave - 23 min drive
  • Pikes Peak State Park - 29 min drive
  • Effigy Mounds National Monument - 30 min drive
  • Wyalusing State Park - 45 min drive
  • Field of Dreams - 61 min drive

Restaurants

  • Johnson's Restaurant - 2 min drive
  • St Olaf Tavern - 11 min drive
  • Fennellys' Irish Pub - 11 min walk
  • Schera's Restaurant & Bar - 10 min walk
  • The Burger Barn - 5 min walk

About this property

Entire place

You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.

Emma Big Bear Suite at Elkader Jailhouse Inn

EMMA BIG BEAR
Need accommodations for a larger group? Emma Big Bear is the suite for you. 2 spacious bedrooms can sleep up to 5 inmates. The master room has a queen bed, while the second, conjoined bedroom has a double bed and twin bed for the kids. Emma Big Bear was a frequent guest of the “Inn” when it was the Clayton County Jailhouse. The last of her tribe Emma was famous for her beaded jewelry, tapestries and rugs. Coming from a very poor area Emma would sometimes overindulge in spirits just to get a warm bed and a hot meal that the jailhouse provided. While your accommodations will be much more comfortable than hers, you can enjoy the same respite in the suite with her namesake. The bathroom is across the hall.

THE JAILHOUSE

Enjoy your sentence at the historic Elkader Jailhouse Inn. Built 150 years ago to house Clayton County's most dangerous criminals, the recently renovated 5,000+ square foot limestone mansion sits on a 3 acre bluff overlooking the rolling hills of Elkader, Iowa. Enjoy 4 spacious suites that pamper you with luxurious beds and spa-like bathrooms while overflowing with character and historic charm. As an inmate you will have access to the gourmet kitchen, scenic patio overlooking the valley, and of course everyone’s favorite: the cell block. The authentic jail cells, evidence, and paraphernalia make this a stay you won’t soon forget. But don’t worry it won’t stay on your record. Don’t forget to take your mugshot! Entertaining a big group? Rent the whole jailhouse for accommodations of up to 20 inmates! Perfect for all occasions from a weekend getaway to a wedding party. It should be a crime not to stay here!

THE TOWN

The Jail house overlooks the quaint town of Elkader, Iowa, the county seat of Clayton County. Your accommodations are just blocks from the Main street restaurants and boutiques that line the Turkey river. Ample shopping and dining attractions are within walking distance. The town and surrounding countryside of Northeastern Iowa provide plenty of leisure activities from Pike’s Peak and Backbone state Parks, to the historic Effigy Mounds, not to mention abundant trout fishing, including within the nearby scenic Yellow River State Forest. Catch a concert at the Opera House, cut cards at the Casino in nearby Mcgregor, hit the links at one of the area's golf courses or spend a day on the water floating a local river. The natural beauty and historic charm will make you a repeat offender!

Property manager

Penn Nobis

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in the house: WiFi

Parking and transport

  • On-site parking

Kitchen

  • Fridge
  • Stovetop
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Dishwasher
  • Paper towels
  • Cookware/dishes/utensils
  • Toaster
  • Coffee/tea maker

Bedrooms

  • 2 bedrooms
  • Bed sheets provided

Bathroom

  • 1 bathroom
  • Hair dryer
  • Shampoo
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • TV
  • Games

Laundry

  • Washing machine and dryer

Comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Area rugs in public areas
  • Smoke-free property

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector not reported (host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector)
  • Smoke detector not reported (host has not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property)

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 3:00 PM
Minimum check-in age - 21

Check-out

Check-out before 11:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit, credit card or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    This property is managed by a private host, not a professional engaged in trade or business. On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited.

Property is also known as

Vrbo Property
Emma Big Bear Suite at Elkader Jailhouse Inn Elkader

Frequently asked questions

Are there any beaches close to Emma Big Bear Suite at Elkader Jailhouse Inn?

The closest beach to Emma Big Bear Suite at Elkader Jailhouse Inn is Wyalusing Beach (23 km).

How much does it cost to stay at Emma Big Bear Suite at Elkader Jailhouse Inn?

As of 17 May 2024, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Emma Big Bear Suite at Elkader Jailhouse Inn on 19 May 2024 start from NZ$380.44, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

Does Emma Big Bear Suite at Elkader Jailhouse Inn have a pool?

No, this holiday home doesn't have a pool.

Is there a free airport shuttle available at Emma Big Bear Suite at Elkader Jailhouse Inn?

No, Emma Big Bear Suite at Elkader Jailhouse Inn does not offer an airport shuttle service.

What time are check-in & check-out at Emma Big Bear Suite at Elkader Jailhouse Inn?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM. Check-out time is 11:00 AM.

Are pets allowed at Emma Big Bear Suite at Elkader Jailhouse Inn?

No, pets are not allowed.

Emma Big Bear Suite at Elkader Jailhouse Inn Reviews

Reviews

8.8

Excellent

Rating 10 - Excellent. 3 out of 5 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 1 out of 5 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 5 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 5 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 5 reviews" "

8.0/10

Cleanliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

gail L.

Liked: Cleanliness
Jailhouse Rock
Wasn’t sure what to expect with having some areas of home being common area. Luckily we had the place to ourselves. Very relaxing and fun environment. Great view! Would love to live there! Will be back!
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2022

6/10 Okay

Diane B.

Not impressed
First impressions were a bit frightening. The owners don’t seem to be concerned about guest safety. There were no lights on outside so it’s difficult to navigate your way to the front door. Once inside, we had to find the light switch in the dark to light up the entry. Rooms were not very clean despite the very high cleaning fees charged.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2022

10/10 Excellent

Dee P.

Get away!
Took a short excursion for a few days to celebrate my husband’s retirement My sister and brother-in-law from Florida were along. This was a fun place to experience and we had a lot of fun! A suggestion would be to have a book with more history and pictures of the previous jail and include guestbook, WiFi password, check out procedures, etc.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2021

8/10 Good

Jennifer W.

Liked: Cleanliness
Unique experience
The prison feel was a little eery but, ultimately, a fun experience. My only complaint was that our room was quite hot for sleeping and one of the ceiling fans didn’t work (which would have helped). Elkader is a cute little town and the Inn had a gorgeous view.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2021

10/10 Excellent

Kim H.

Liked: Cleanliness
Unique and charming
Very unique with charm. Perfect retreat to get away and disconnect. Comfy beds, good water pressure and many areas at the Inn to relax. Call the town's retail shops and restaurants before heading there, and plan your meals in advance. The town shuts down at 2pm on Saturdays, many are not open on Sundays including the grocery store. Good kayaking on The Little Turkey River.