Emma Big Bear Suite at Elkader Jailhouse Inn

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Entire home·Private host

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Dates

December 2024

18

January 2025

Overview
Amenities
Policies
Location
Host

Exceptional

Entire home

2 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 5

Popular amenities

Parking available

Washer

Kitchen

Air conditioning

Dryer

Explore the area

Elkader, IA

Pikes Peak State Park
29 min drive
Wyalusing State Park
45 min drive
The Burger Barn
5 min walk
Pedretti's Bakery
9 min walk

Room options

Similar properties

Kitchen

Pet-friendly

Air conditioning

Outdoor space

for 1 night

includes taxes & fees

1 Jan - 2 Jan

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
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!

Air-conditioned home with kitchen, washing machine, and TV
13.9 mi (22.4 km) from Froelich Foundation Museum and 15 mi (24.2 km) from Spook Cave

Property manager

Penn Nobis

Property amenities

Internet

WiFi available

Parking and transport

On-site parking

Kitchen

Fridge
Stovetop
Microwave
Oven
Dishwasher
Paper towels
Coffee/tea maker
Toaster
Cookware/dishes/utensils

Bedrooms

2 bedrooms
Bed sheets provided

Bathrooms

1 bathroom
Shampoo
Hairdryer
Soap
Toilet paper
Towels provided

Entertainment

TV
Games

Laundry

Washing machine and dryer

Comfort

Air conditioning
Heating

Pets

No pets allowed

Suitability/Accessibility

If you have any requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
Area rugs in public areas
Smoke-free property

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.

Important information

You need to know

This property is managed by a private host (a party not acting within their trade, business or profession). EU consumer law, including the right of withdrawal, will not apply to your booking. The cancellation policy set by the private host will cover your booking.

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

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions. You will also receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account which will enable you to manage your booking.

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

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.

27 Aug 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.

9 Aug 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.

15 Aug 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.