8/10 Good
Carin L.
Jan 2, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Love being in jail
Carin L.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2024
Entire home
Emma Big Bear Suite at Elkader Jailhouse Inn
Elkader vacation home with kitchen
Choose dates to view prices
Photo gallery for Emma Big Bear Suite at Elkader Jailhouse Inn
Reviews
9.29.2 out of 10
Wonderful
Entire home
2 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 5
Popular amenities
- Parking available
- Dryer
- Washer
- Outdoor space
- Kitchen
- Air conditioning
Explore the area
Elkader, IA
- Carter House MuseumPlace, Carter House Museum5 min walk
- Pikes Peak State ParkPlace, Pikes Peak State Park40 min drive
- Wyalusing State ParkPlace, Wyalusing State Park55 min drive
Room options
About the area
Elkader
In Elkader .You'll be within half a mile (1 km) of Carter House Museum and 16 miles (25 km) of Froelich Foundation Museum. Spook Cave is within 16 miles (25 km) and Bloody Run Creek Wildlife Management Area is within 20 miles (32 km).
What's nearby
- Carter House Museum - 5 min walk - 0.4 km
- Keystone Bridge - 6 min walk - 0.6 km
- Spook Cave - 29 min drive - 31.4 km
- Pikes Peak State Park - 40 min drive - 43.5 km
- Wyalusing State Park - 55 min drive - 64.9 km
Restaurants
- TD’s Sports Bar & Grill - 11 min walk
- Johnson's Restaurant - 2 min drive
- Fennellys' Irish Pub - 11 min walk
- The Burger Barn - 5 min walk
- St Olaf Tavern - 11 min drive
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!
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!
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Property amenities
Internet
- Available in the house: WiFi
Parking and transportation
- Parking on site
Kitchen
- Coffee/tea maker
- Cookware, dishware, and utensils
- Dishwasher
- Microwave
- Oven
- Paper towels
- Refrigerator
- Stovetop
- Toaster
Bedrooms
- 2 bedrooms
- Bedsheets provided
Bathroom
- 1 bathroom
- Hair dryer
- Shampoo
- Soap
- Toilet paper
- Towels provided
Entertainment
- Games
- TV
Outdoor areas
- Patio
Laundry
- Laundry facilities
- Washing machine
Comfort
- Air conditioning
- Heating
Pets
- No pets allowed
Suitability/Accessibility
- Area rugs in public areas
- Smoking not allowed
Location highlights
- In a rural location
Things to do
- Casino nearby
- Golfing nearby
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.
Events
No events allowed
Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
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
Onsite 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.
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. Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited.
Property is also known as
Vrbo Property
Emma Big Bear Suite at Elkader Jailhouse Inn Elkader
Emma Big Bear Suite at Elkader Jailhouse Inn Reviews
Reviews
9.2
Wonderful
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travellers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.
Rating 10 - Excellent. 6 out of 9 reviews
10 - Excellent
6
Rating 8 - Good. 2 out of 9 reviews
8 - Good
2
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 9 reviews
6 - Okay
1
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 9 reviews
4 - Poor
0
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 9 reviews
2 - Terrible
0
9.0/10
Cleanliness
Reviews
10/10 Excellent
Vicky S.
Jul 2, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Great place to stay
Loved that it was walkable to town, We had the whole house to use. No other guests. It was very comfortable
Vicky S.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2024
10/10 Excellent
Michele B.
Jun 3, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Fun experience
Fun place to stay with our friends. The house was clean, well stocked and easy to find!
Michele B.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2024
10/10 Excellent
Donna L.
Jun 2, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Nice time in the Jailhouse Inn
Great renovations to a historical jailhouse!
Nice quiet stay.
Donna L.
Stayed 1 night in May 2024
10/10 Excellent
gail L.
Nov 20, 2022
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!
gail L.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2022
6/10 Okay
Diane B.
Nov 2, 2022
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.
Diane B.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2022
10/10 Excellent
Dee P.
Aug 27, 2021
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.
Dee P.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2021
8/10 Good
Jennifer W.
Aug 9, 2021
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.
Jennifer W.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2021
10/10 Excellent
Kim H.
Aug 15, 2020
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.