Emma Big Bear Suite at Elkader Jailhouse Inn

2 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 5

Popular amenities

Kitchen

Washer

Dryer

Air conditioning

Check out the area

Elkader, IA

Spook Cave23 min drive
Pikes Peak State Park29 min drive
Wyalusing State Park45 min drive
Dubuque, IA (DBQ-Dubuque Regional)78 min drive

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 5)

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Spaces

Kitchen

About this property

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!

Property manager

Penn Nobis

Premier Host

Amenities

Kitchen

Washer

Dryer

Air conditioning

Kitchen

Washer

Dryer

Air conditioning

House Rules

Check in after 3:00 PM

Minimum age to rent: 21

Check out before 11:00 AM

Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17

Events

No events allowed

Pets

No pets allowed

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Damage and incidentals

You will be responsible for any damage to the rental property caused by you or your party during your stay.

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

On-site 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

About the area

Elkader

This holiday home is located in Elkader. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Mississippi River and Backbone State Park, while Froelich Foundation Museum and Montauk Historical Site are cultural highlights. Charles Wacouta Aquatic Park and Fort Fun Park are also worth visiting.

Elkader, IA

What's nearby

Spook Cave - 23 min drive
Pikes Peak State Park - 29 min drive
Effigy Mounds National Monument - 30 min drive
Wyalusing State Park - 45 min drive
Field of Dreams - 61 min drive

Restaurants

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

Frequently asked questions

Is Emma Big Bear Suite at Elkader Jailhouse Inn pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much does it cost to stay at Emma Big Bear Suite at Elkader Jailhouse Inn?

As of 3 May 2024, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Emma Big Bear Suite at Elkader Jailhouse Inn on 5 May 2024 start from AU$317.96, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

What time is check-in at Emma Big Bear Suite at Elkader Jailhouse Inn?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Emma Big Bear Suite at Elkader Jailhouse Inn?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Emma Big Bear Suite at Elkader Jailhouse Inn located?

Situated in Elkader, this holiday home is within 20 miles (32 km) of Froelich Foundation Museum, Spook Cave and Mississippi River. Backbone State Park and Brush Creek Canyon State Park are also within 20 miles (32 km).

8.8

Excellent

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.

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8.0/10

Cleanliness

8.8/10

Check-in

8.8/10

Communication

9.2/10

Location

9.2/10

Listing accuracy

10/10 Excellent

gail L.

20 Nov 2022

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

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.

2 Nov 2022

Liked: Location, listing accuracy

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

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

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, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

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, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

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.