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The Garage: A Historic Clear Lake Tiny Cabin with Hammock!

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Smart TV, fireplace
Fridge, microwave, oven, stovetop
Interior
Free WiFi, bed sheets
Interior

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Pet friendly
  • Free WiFi
  • Air conditioning
  • Parking available
  • Fireplace

Explore the area

View in a map
Clear Lake, IA
  • Place, City Beach Park
    ‪16 min walk‬
  • Place, Clear Lake State Park
    ‪2 min drive‬
  • Place, Surf Ballroom and Museum
    ‪2 min drive‬
  • Airport, Mason City, IA (MCW-Mason City Municipal)
    ‪6 min drive‬

Room options

About the neighborhood

Clear Lake

This cabin is located within a mile (2 km) of City Beach Park and Clear Lake State Park. The cabin includes a kitchen, a fireplace, and a refrigerator.

What's nearby

  • City Beach Park - 16 min walk - 0.9 miles
  • Central Gardens of North Iowa - 2 min drive - 1.1 miles
  • Clear Lake State Park - 2 min drive - 1.3 miles
  • Surf Ballroom and Museum - 2 min drive - 1.6 miles
  • Clear Lake State Park Beach - 3 min drive - 2.2 miles

Getting around

  • Mason City, IA (MCW-Mason City Municipal) - 10 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Casey's General Store - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Lake Time Brewery - ‬2 min drive
  • ‪McDonald's - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Culver's - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Pasta Bella - ‬11 min drive

About this property

Entire place

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

The Garage: A Historic Clear Lake Tiny Cabin with Hammock!

Step Back in Time (With a Modern Twist!)

Welcome to one of the most unique stays in Clear Lake! Our "teeny-tiny" cabin is a true slice of Clear Lake history. Originally built as a garage during the golden era of Iowa lake vacations, it was lovingly converted into a cozy retreat for our family and is now ready for yours.

Freshly updated for 2026, we’ve completely refurnished the interior to blend modern comfort with that classic "sailor" charm.

A Piece of Local History

This isn't just a place to sleep; it’s a story. Our neighborhood dates back to the days of "cabin courts," where families flocked to Clear Lake for the Surf Ballroom and summer sun. In fact, the brick cabin directly behind us was the original neighborhood bath house back in the day! While you now have your own private bathroom, we love keeping that historic spirit alive.

The Space & Summer Vibes

Vintage Charm: We’ve kept the original windows to preserve the cabin’s character. One of the best ways to experience a Clear Lake summer is to leave the front door wide open and let the breeze flow through the screen door window. There’s nothing quite like the sound of the lake wind and the distant laughter from the docks to make it feel like a real vacation.

Instant Hot Water: We’ve installed a modern instant water heater so you never have to worry about a cold shower. Because this is a historic conversion, it takes about 60 seconds for the hot water to make its way through the pipes—once it arrives, it’s endless! Just a small reminder to slow down and enjoy the "lake pace."

Tiny Living, Big Fun: Our kitchen is a fun game of culinary Tetris—compact, but fully equipped with all the essentials. It’s the perfect setup for prepping lake-day snacks or a cozy dinner after a day at the beach.

Explore Clear Lake:
You are perfectly positioned for the ultimate getaway:

The Lake: Just 1/2 block from the public dock. Catch a sunset that looks like a Bob Ross painting every single night.

The Surf Ballroom: A quick hop away from the legendary music venue and its rich rock 'n' roll history.

Downtown Magic: Minutes from the Sea Wall, City Beach, and the boutique shops and local eateries that make Clear Lake "Iowa’s Vacation Capital."

Guest access:
You will have access to the entire home!

Other things to note:
Pet Friendly
Your four-legged friends are family here! We welcome dogs with a $49 fee per dog. They’ll love the breeze through the screen door just as much as you do.

Nature’s Neighbors
Being so close to the water means we share the air with Iowa’s seasonal bugs. We have professional pest control on a strict schedule, but please keep in mind that the occasional spider or fly is part of the authentic lakeside experience.

Book your stay at the "Garage" and discover how big of an adventure you can have in a space so small!
The cabin is air-conditioned and features a kitchen with a refrigerator, an oven, a microwave, and a stovetop. Guests can enjoy a Smart TV and stay connected with free WiFi. Other standard amenities include a fireplace and a coffee maker.

Similar properties

Property amenities

Beach

  • Beach nearby

Internet

  • Available in the cabin: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Parking on site

Kitchen

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Paper towels
  • Refrigerator
  • Stovetop

Bedrooms

  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • Shampoo
  • Shower
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Fireplace
  • Living room

Entertainment

  • Smart TV

Outdoor areas

  • Outdoor furniture

Laundry

  • Laundromat nearby

Comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating

Pets

  • Pet friendly
  • Welcoming dogs only
  • One pet total (up to 20 lbs per pet)

Suitability/Accessibility

  • 2 steps to reach entrance
  • Area rugs in public areas
  • Hardwood flooring in public areas
  • No elevator
  • Thin carpet in public areas
  • Smoking not allowed

Location highlights

  • Near a hospital
  • Near the marina
  • On a lake

Things to do

  • Fishing nearby
  • Golfing nearby
  • Jet skiing nearby
  • Kayaking nearby
  • Swimming nearby
  • Water skiing nearby
  • Water tubing nearby

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector (host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
  • Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
  • Fire extinguisher
  • Deadbolt lock

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM

Contactless check-in available

Minimum check-in age: 21

Check-out

Check-out before 10:00 AM

Contactless check-out available

Special check-in instructions

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

Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Check-out instructions

The host requires you complete the following before checking out:

Remove personal items, remove leftover food and drinks, and take out the trash

Turn off the lights, lock the doors, and return the keys

Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.

Pets

  • This property welcomes pets
  • Dogs only
  • 1 total (20 lbs is the maximum weight per pet)
  • Service animals exempt from fees

Children and extra beds

Children allowed: ages 0-17

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 indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a deadbolt lock
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
  • Check-in: 4:00 PM
  • Check-out: 10:00 AM
  • Minimum check-in age: 21

We should mention

Details about charges, deposits, or other important information:

  • This property is managed by a private host, not a professional engaged in trade or business.
  • Charges for extra guests may apply and vary depending on the property's policy.
  • A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges, as well as a government-issued photo ID, may be required at check-in.
  • Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in and can't be guaranteed. Certain requests may come with additional charges.
  • Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited.
  • Onsite safety features include a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, and a deadbolt lock.

Additional information about polices, regulations, and more:

  • There are no elevators.

Frequently asked questions

What's there to do within easy reach of this cabin?

This cabin is located in Clear Lake, a short 16-minute walk from City Beach Park and also 19 minutes on foot from Clear Lake State Park. You'll also find Clear Lake State Park Beach and Central Gardens of North Iowa within a short drive.

Is parking available on site at The Garage: A Historic Clear Lake Tiny Cabin with Hammock!?

No, there isn't parking available at the cabin.

Is this cabin adjacent to a casino?

No, this cabin is not connected to a casino.

Is there an indoor pool at this cabin?

No, there is no indoor pool at this cabin.

Is The Garage: A Historic Clear Lake Tiny Cabin with Hammock! good for couples?

Amenities that appeal to couples at this lakeside cabin include a fireplace and a kitchen in each cabin, and some feature lake view.

Are there hot tubs at The Garage: A Historic Clear Lake Tiny Cabin with Hammock!?

No, there isn't a spa tub at this cabin.

Does this cabin provide breakfast?

No, this cabin doesn't offer breakfast.

Does this cabin allow pets to stay for free?

Although dogs can't stay for free, they are welcome at this cabin.

Are there connecting rooms at The Garage: A Historic Clear Lake Tiny Cabin with Hammock!?

No, this cabin doesn't feature connecting guestrooms.

Where is the closest airport to this cabin?

The closest major airport to this cabin is Mason City, IA (MCW-Mason City Municipal), which is 4.2 mi away (10 minutes by car).

Are there rooms with balconies that I can book at The Garage: A Historic Clear Lake Tiny Cabin with Hammock!?

No, there aren't any cabins at The Garage: A Historic Clear Lake Tiny Cabin with Hammock! that offer a balcony.

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