House in Iowa
5 guests · 2 bedrooms · 1 bath
Reasons to book
Guests love it hereGuests give this property a top rating
Well priced for this locationPriced under area average
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About this house rental
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!
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!
Amenities at Emma Big Bear Suite at Elkader Jailhouse Inn
Family friendly
Map of Iowa
Ratings and reviews
8.0 / 10.0Excellent·Jan 2025
We always enjoy our stay at the Jailhouse Inn. The only request I would have would be updated/new mattresses and an actual headboard for the bed in the Emma Big Bear suite. It's always clean. The shower is wonderful. Tidying up before leaving is never a problem. Thank you.
10.0 / 10.0Outstanding·Jul 2024
Loved that it was walkable to town, We had the whole house to use. No other guests. It was very comfortable
10.0 / 10.0Outstanding·Jun 2024
Fun place to stay with our friends. The house was clean, well stocked and easy to find!
6.0 / 10.0Average·Nov 2022
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.
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Top rated by guests
9.2Outstanding
(9 Ratings)
"Loved that it was walkable to town, We had the whole house to use. No other guests. It was very comfortable"
Vicky S.Don't miss out! Price and availability may change
