House in Iowa
22 guests · 7 bedrooms · 4 baths
Reasons to book
Guests love it hereGuests give this property a top rating
Great for petsBring all your friends and family, even the furry ones
Top-tier experienceA high end property in this area
About this house rental
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!
BOTANICAL
Enjoy the Jailhouse Inn’s version of a “honeymoon suite”. The 4 post queen bed and charming antiques welcomes you to your getaway. Enjoy the many pieces of real police evidence that adorn the suite. The real draw for the wildly popular Botanical suite is the luxurious bathroom that is about 3 times the size of the cells the criminals were confined to! Beautiful tile floors and spacious air massage tub, big enough for two, will make it hard to leave at the end of your stay. Don’t believe the rumors you hear about Shelly (the little girl in the painting). Her ghost will leave you alone. Probably.
HARSTAD
This penthouse suite is our largest suite, boasting the best views and spacious seating areas. Two queen beds make the room fit for up to 4 inmates. Play cards at your very own cafe table, soak in the air massage tub or clean yourself off the bidet, this suite has it all. The Harstad Suite is named after local author and 26 year Clayton County Sheriff’s department veteran Donald Harstad. Sip your morning coffee and dive into one of Donald’s many crime novels that fill the book cases.
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.
MASTERSUITE
Turn yourself in, to one of our most popular suites! The master suite was unavailable to guests until recently as it was the home to the previous owners. The only suite on the main floor has a brand new queen bed for 2 inmates. At the end of a long day of travel or leisure slip into the air massage tub or shake the cold out of your bones with the luxurious steam shower, as all of your problems and aches just melt away. The huge master closet, high ceilings, and spacious rooms will make you forget you are in the clink! Air mattress available for up to 2 more guests.
Amenities at Elkader Jailhouse Inn (Entire Inn)
Pets allowed
Family friendly
Map of Iowa
Ratings and reviews
10.0 / 10.0Outstanding·Jul 2025
Except for a couple little details the stay was great! Everything worked out wonderfully.
8.0 / 10.0Excellent·Jul 2025
Nice place, nice town, interesting
8.0 / 10.0Excellent·Jun 2025
The property was lovely. We wish there was better ventilation in the cell block for those who had to stay in those cells. Those that slept in there were a little warm. We wish the shuffleboard table was up and working. But overall it was a great experience.
5.0 / 10.0·Aug 2022
Fantastic!!! The most unusual and exciting place we’ve stayed yet! Everyone, young and old, enjoyed it immensely. It accommodated our large group of 20 to 27 at any given time. Thank you guys for an exceptional time with family! You operate a top notch jailhouse!
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Top rated by guests
10.0Outstanding
(21 Ratings)
"Except for a couple little details the stay was great! Everything worked out wonderfully. "
Cindy N.Don't miss out! Price and availability may change
