Verified
10/10 Excellent
David B.
3 May 2026
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
David B.
Stayed 1 night in May 2026
Entire home
Botanical Suite at Elkader JailHouse Inn
Photo gallery for Botanical Suite at Elkader JailHouse Inn
Reviews
1010 out of 10
Exceptional
1 bedroom1 bathroomSleeps 2
Popular amenities
- Kitchen
- Washing machine
- Dryer
- Air-conditioning
- Parking available
Explore the area
Elkader, IA
- Carter House MuseumPlace, Carter House Museum5 min walk
- Keystone BridgePlace, Keystone Bridge6 min walk
- Field of DreamsPlace, Field of Dreams56 min drive
Rooms & beds
1 bedroom (sleeps 2)
Bedroom 1
1 Queen Bed
1 bathroom
Bathroom 1
Spaces
Kitchen
Balcony
About this property
Botanical Suite at Elkader JailHouse Inn
Enjoy the Jailhouse Inn’s version of a honeymoon suite! The Botanical Suite features a four-poster queen bed and charming antiques that welcome you to your getaway. The highlight is the luxurious bathroom, about three times the size of the original jail cells! Beautiful tile floors and a spacious air-massage tub for two make it hard to leave at the end of your stay. And don’t worry about Shelly, the little girl in the painting, her ghost will probably leave you alone.
Historic Jailhouse Experience:
Step back in time at the historic Elkader Jailhouse Inn. Built 150 years ago to house Clayton County’s most notorious criminals, this recently renovated 5,000+ sq. ft. limestone mansion sits on a 3-acre bluff with stunning views of Elkader’s rolling hills.
Choose from one of four spacious suites, each overflowing with character, luxurious beds, and spa-like bathrooms. As a guest, you’ll have access to the gourmet kitchen, scenic patio, and everyone’s favorite: the original cell block. Authentic jail cells, historic evidence, and memorabilia make this a stay you won’t soon forget. Don’t forget to take your mugshot!
Traveling with a group? Rent the whole Jailhouse for up to 20 guests—perfect for family gatherings, weddings, or weekend getaways. It should be a crime not to stay here!
Amenities & Guest Access:
Private suite with access to kitchen and Cell Block
Cell Block features a large flat-screen TV, shuffleboard, and a variety of board games
On-site support: Available 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM for general questions, 24/7 for emergencies
Location
Overlooking the quaint town of Elkader, Iowa, the Jailhouse is just blocks from Main Street restaurants, boutiques, and the Turkey River. Explore nearby attractions including Pike’s Peak, Backbone State Park, Effigy Mounds, and Yellow River State Forest. Enjoy trout fishing, concerts at the Opera House, golf courses, and scenic river floats. The natural beauty and historic charm make this a stay you’ll never forget.
House Rules:
No loud noise after 10 PM
No smoking
No parties or events
Pets allowed (Pet fee) — confirm with owner
Only registered guests
Historic Jailhouse Experience:
Step back in time at the historic Elkader Jailhouse Inn. Built 150 years ago to house Clayton County’s most notorious criminals, this recently renovated 5,000+ sq. ft. limestone mansion sits on a 3-acre bluff with stunning views of Elkader’s rolling hills.
Choose from one of four spacious suites, each overflowing with character, luxurious beds, and spa-like bathrooms. As a guest, you’ll have access to the gourmet kitchen, scenic patio, and everyone’s favorite: the original cell block. Authentic jail cells, historic evidence, and memorabilia make this a stay you won’t soon forget. Don’t forget to take your mugshot!
Traveling with a group? Rent the whole Jailhouse for up to 20 guests—perfect for family gatherings, weddings, or weekend getaways. It should be a crime not to stay here!
Amenities & Guest Access:
Private suite with access to kitchen and Cell Block
Cell Block features a large flat-screen TV, shuffleboard, and a variety of board games
On-site support: Available 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM for general questions, 24/7 for emergencies
Location
Overlooking the quaint town of Elkader, Iowa, the Jailhouse is just blocks from Main Street restaurants, boutiques, and the Turkey River. Explore nearby attractions including Pike’s Peak, Backbone State Park, Effigy Mounds, and Yellow River State Forest. Enjoy trout fishing, concerts at the Opera House, golf courses, and scenic river floats. The natural beauty and historic charm make this a stay you’ll never forget.
House Rules:
No loud noise after 10 PM
No smoking
No parties or events
Pets allowed (Pet fee) — confirm with owner
Only registered guests
Add dates for prices
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House Rules
Children
Children allowed: ages 0–17
Events
No events allowed
Pets
No pets allowed
Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
No loud noise after 10 P.M. No smoking No parties or events No pets/Pets allowed No unregistered guests
Important information
You need to know
Property # 5054611vb
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 indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room
About the area
Elkader
Elkader is home to this holiday home. McGregor Historical Museum and Montauk Historical Site are cultural highlights, and some of the area's landmarks include Fort Crawford Museum and Villa Louis. Charles Wacouta Aquatic Park and Fort Fun Park are also worth visiting.
Elkader, IA
What's nearby
- Carter House Museum - 5 min walk - 0.4 km
- Keystone Bridge - 6 min walk - 0.6 km
- Pikes Peak State Park - 21 min drive - 38.9 km
- Wyalusing State Park - 40 min drive - 65.3 km
- Field of Dreams - 56 min drive - 94.2 km
Restaurants
- St Olaf Tavern - 11 min drive
- Johnson's Restaurant - 2 min drive
- TD’s Sports Bar & Grill - 11 min walk
- Fennellys' Irish Pub - 11 min walk
- Gear Elkader - 11 min walk
Frequently asked questions
Is Botanical Suite at Elkader JailHouse Inn pet-friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at this property.
How much does it cost to stay at Botanical Suite at Elkader JailHouse Inn?
As of 12 May 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Botanical Suite at Elkader JailHouse Inn on 22 Aug 2026 start from AU$135, 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.
How much is parking at Botanical Suite at Elkader JailHouse Inn?
On-site parking is available at the property.
Where is Botanical Suite at Elkader JailHouse Inn located?
Situated in Elkader, this holiday home is 0.4 mi (0.6 km) from Keystone Bridge and within 20 miles (32 km) of Spook Cave and World's Largest Strawberry. Bloody Run Creek Wildlife Management Area and Mississippi River are also within 20 miles (32 km).
Reviews
10
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new windowRating 10 - Excellent. 1 out of 1 reviews
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10/10
Cleanliness
10/10
Check-in
10/10
Communication
10/10
Location
10/10
Listing accuracy
Reviews
Response from VrboOwner on 10 May 2026
Thank you so much David!
We’re glad you enjoyed the unique character and atmosphere of the Jailhouse Inn.
It was a pleasure hosting you, and we’d love to welcome you back anytime!
About the host
Hosted by Nicholas Spohn
Languages:
English, Spanish
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