Elkader Jailhouse Inn (Entire Inn)

10.0 / 10.0

Outstanding(16 Ratings)

House in Iowa

22 guests · 7 bedrooms · 5 baths

Reasons to book

Guests love it hereGuests give this property a top rating

Free cancellationFull refund if you change your mind

Great for petsBring all your friends and family, even the furry ones

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

Air conditioner

Pets allowed

Kitchen or Kitchenette

Internet / Wifi

Parking

Laundry

Balcony or Patio

Dishwasher

Family friendly

Map of Iowa

Nearby attractions

Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden

143 mi

Pappajohn Sculpture Park

$$$$

Elkader Jailhouse Inn (Entire Inn)

$$$$

10.0 / 10.0

Outstanding(16 Ratings)

House in Iowa

22 guests · 7 bedrooms · 5 baths

Reasons to book

Guests love it hereGuests give this property a top rating

Free cancellationFull refund if you change your mind

Great for petsBring all your friends and family, even the furry ones

About this house rental

Amenities

Air conditioner

Pets allowed

Kitchen or Kitchenette

Internet / Wifi

Parking

Laundry

Balcony or Patio

Dishwasher

Family friendly

Map of Iowa

Nearby attractions

Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden

143 mi

Pappajohn Sculpture Park

Ratings and reviews

10.0 / 10.0

Outstanding(16 Ratings)

8.0 / 10.0

Jul 2024

Would have been helpful to have a manual on how to operate the ac system, the whirlpool tub, Wolf range. The refrigerator had not been cleaned. Had a Murder mystery dinner and the Inn was part of the setting. People in town were friendly with the exception of the brewery. It was handy to have restaurants menus available to review. Kids want to come back.

10.0 / 10.0

Jul 2024

Our entire family, including one fiancee, spent five nights and days in the Elkader Jail House Inn. At first arrival, everyone headed for the cells to examine and mostly laugh about good stories to make up and later tell friends. Dinner was late that night. We had several meals in the jail (all of the breakfasts) but we also liked several of the area restaurants. Of course we brought pizza in twice. The facility was adequate for all 18 of us. It was clean, well-supplied with toiletries, cooking pots and pans as well as dishes etc. and all appliances were in good working order. The central location in Elkader was very nice and the elevated views were excellent. It would have been even more pleasant if there had been soft furniture and placed so more could lounge together but this is but a minor failing. All of us truly enjoyed our visit there and would highly recommend it for your family or group stay.

10.0 / 10.0

Jun 2024

Very nice

10.0 / 10.0

Jun 2024

We had a large group of 18 that stayed for nearly a week. This location was the perfect size for us and provided plenty of room. It was a beautiful and interesting space that everyone enjoyed learning the history. The hosts were very responsive and accommodating. Highly recommend!

10.0 / 10.0

May 2024

The property was delightful!

10.0 / 10.0

Feb 2024

We used this property for a board of directors retreat and it was the perfect venue for us. Very nice and spacious with amenities and a wonderfully responsive host.

10.0 / 10.0

Oct 2023

Second year in a row our family members have gathered here. Great space for 25+ to stay. The Jailhouse theme is so much fun. The hosts are so accommodating! Just a great time!

10.0 / 10.0

Oct 2023

This turned into a fun memorable stay for my nieces wedding. Perfect spot to have everyone together. The suites were amazing and the jail cells worked out well for the youngsters.

10.0 / 10.0

Sep 2023

Great for a group. Comfortable spaces, lots of room.

10.0 / 10.0

Aug 2023

It was great, loved, loved, loved. There were a few things that would have made it better, it would have been nice to have more seating for big groups in the mail cells, and the plants trimmed on the gazebo area for more seating. But over all 5 stars!!

10.0 / 10.0

Jun 2023

I booked this for a low-key bachelorette party for a large group. I have nothing but good things to say about our experience, it was awesome! The house is beautiful and well-cared for, the beds are comfy, and the jail portion is so fun! It was large enough for our group and still felt relaxing and homey. The kitchen is amazing as well. Communicating with the property manager was excellent and they replied super quickly and were very helpful. 10 out of 10 will recommend to everyone!

10.0 / 10.0

Apr 2023

I’ve stayed here 2 times now, the first time for a wedding in town and now for a business getaway. This place doesn’t disappoint. It has some pretty cool history and is a short jaunt to downtown. I’d highly recommend it!

10.0 / 10.0

Feb 2023

We had a great Time in this unique property in the beautiful little town. Great spot for large groups.

10.0 / 10.0

Nov 2022

The property was fantastic, me and my group had a wonderful time and everything about the house was great!

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!

10.0 / 10.0

Jun 2022

Fun time at the Jailhouse

Fun time at the Jailhouse

Staying at the Jailhouse was fun. It was themed. There was even things to take pictures as inmates and some historical information. Also we went kayaking locally. Lots of fun and a good lot for yard games.

FAQs

How much does this house cost compared to others in Iowa?

The average price for a rental in Iowa is $134 per night. This rental is $974 above the average.

Is parking included with this house?

Yes, parking is listed as an amenity at Elkader Jailhouse Inn (Entire Inn). For more information, we encourage you to contact the property about where to park.

Is there a pool at this house?

We didn’t find pool listed as an amenity for this house. It may be worth double checking if a pool is important for your stay.

Is Elkader Jailhouse Inn (Entire Inn) pet friendly?

Yes! This house is pet-friendly. For more information, we recommend contacting the booking provider about animal policies.

What amenities are available at Elkader Jailhouse Inn (Entire Inn)?

We found 10 amenities for this rental. This includes air conditioner, pets allowed, kitchen or kitchenette, internet / wifi, and parking.

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Elkader Jailhouse Inn (Entire Inn)

House in Iowa

Reasons to book

About this house rental

Amenities

Map of Iowa

Nearby attractions

Elkader Jailhouse Inn (Entire Inn)

House in Iowa

Reasons to book

About this house rental

Amenities

Map of Iowa

Nearby attractions

Ratings and reviews

FAQs

How much does this house cost compared to others in Iowa?

Is parking included with this house?

Is there a pool at this house?

Is Elkader Jailhouse Inn (Entire Inn) pet friendly?

What amenities are available at Elkader Jailhouse Inn (Entire Inn)?

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