Entire home

Emma Big Bear Suite at Elkader Jailhouse Inn

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Where to?

Dates

July 2025

19

August 2025

Overview
Amenities
Policies
Location
Host

Wonderful

Entire home

2 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 5

Popular amenities

Parking available
Dryer
Washer
Outdoor Space
Kitchen
Air conditioning

Explore the area

Elkader, IA

Spook Cave
‪29 min drive‬
Pikes Peak State Park
‪40 min drive‬
Wyalusing State Park
‪55 min drive‬

Room options

About the neighborhood

Elkader

This vacation home places you within a 10-minute stroll of Carter House Museum and Keystone Bridge. The vacation home includes a kitchen, a patio, and a refrigerator.

View more Vacation Homes in Elkader

What's nearby

Carter House Museum - 5 min walk - 0.3 miles
Keystone Bridge - 6 min walk - 0.4 miles
Spook Cave - 29 min drive - 19.5 miles
Pikes Peak State Park - 40 min drive - 27.0 miles
Wyalusing State Park - 55 min drive - 40.4 miles

Restaurants

‪Johnson's Restaurant - ‬2 min drive
‪Fennellys' Irish Pub - ‬11 min walk
‪Schera's Restaurant & Bar - ‬10 min walk
‪St Olaf Tavern - ‬11 min drive
‪The Burger Barn - ‬5 min walk

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!

The vacation home is air-conditioned and features a kitchen and a patio, and there's space to spread out with 2 bedrooms. Other standard amenities include a washing machine and a coffee maker.

Property manager

Penn Nobis

Similar properties

Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Air conditioning

$217 nightly

Jul 22 - Jul 23

Total includes taxes and fees

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

This property doesn't allow pets

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

Check-in: 3:00 PM
Check-out: 11:00 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.

Property is also known as

Vrbo Property

Emma Big Bear Suite at Elkader Jailhouse Inn Elkader

Frequently asked questions

What's there to see within easy reach of this vacation home?

This vacation home in Elkader is within a 10-minute walk of Carter House Museum and Keystone Bridge.

Is there parking available at this vacation home?

No, this vacation home doesn't offer parking.

Is this vacation home adjacent to a casino?

No, this vacation home is not connected to a casino.

Is there an indoor pool at this vacation home?

No, there is no indoor pool at this vacation home.

What amenities will couples enjoy at Emma Big Bear Suite at Elkader Jailhouse Inn?

Amenities at this vacation home that appeal to couples include a kitchen in each accommodation with kitchens in some.

Does Emma Big Bear Suite at Elkader Jailhouse Inn have a hot tub?

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

Does this vacation home provide breakfast?

No, this vacation home doesn't offer breakfast.

Does this vacation home allow pets to stay free of charge?

No, pets aren't allowed at this vacation home.

Are there connecting rooms at this vacation home?

No, this vacation home doesn't feature connecting guestrooms.

Can I book a room with a balcony at Emma Big Bear Suite at Elkader Jailhouse Inn?

Yes, every accommodation at Emma Big Bear Suite at Elkader Jailhouse Inn comes with a deck.

Emma Big Bear Suite at Elkader Jailhouse Inn Reviews

9.2

Wonderful

9.0/10

Cleanliness

8/10 Good

Carin L.

Jan 2, 2025

Liked: Cleanliness

Love being in jail

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.

Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2024

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

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!

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.