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Emma Big Bear Suite at Elkader JailHouse Inn

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Interior
Property video
Property grounds
Fridge, microwave, oven, stovetop
Exterior

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Dryer
  • Air-conditioning
  • Parking available

Explore the area

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Elkader, IA
  • Place, Carter House Museum
    ‪5 min walk‬
  • Place, Keystone Bridge
    ‪6 min walk‬
  • Place, Field of Dreams
    ‪56 min drive‬

Room options

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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

Perfect for larger groups, the Emma Big Bear Suite features two connected rooms that can comfortably sleep up to five guests (queen, double, and twin beds). The suite is named after Emma Big Bear, a frequent guest of the Inn when it was still the jailhouse. The last of her tribe, Emma was known for her beautiful jewelry and tapestries. Coming from a humble background, she sometimes enjoyed a drink to stay warm and enjoy a hot meal. While your stay will be far more comfortable, you can enjoy the same cozy respite in her namesake suite. The bathroom is conveniently located just across the hall.

Historic Jailhouse Experience

Serve your “sentence” at the historic Elkader Jailhouse Inn! Built 150 years ago to house Clayton County’s most dangerous criminals, this recently renovated limestone mansion spans over 5,000 sq. ft. and sits on a 3-acre bluff overlooking the rolling hills of Elkader, Iowa.

Choose from one of four spacious suites, each with luxurious beds, spa-like bathrooms, and overflowing historic charm. Guests enjoy access to the gourmet kitchen, scenic patio, and the property’s most iconic feature: the original cell block. Authentic jail cells, historical evidence, and memorabilia make this a stay you won’t soon forget. Don’t forget to take your mugshot!

Traveling with a large group? Rent the entire Jailhouse for up to 20 guests—perfect for weddings, family gatherings, 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 board games
Off-site hosts available 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM, 24/7 for emergencies
Location

Overlooking the charming 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, Yellow River State Forest, trout fishing, concerts at the Opera House, local golf courses, and scenic river floats. The historic charm and natural beauty will make you a repeat offender!

House Rules
No loud noise after 10 P.M.
No smoking
No parties or events
Only registered guests
During your stay at this vacation home, you're just a quick walk from Keystone Bridge. The vacation home includes amenities such as a kitchen and a balcony.
  • Air-conditioned home with kitchen, washing machine, and balcony
  • 17.7 mi (28.4 km) from Mississippi River and 0.4 mi (0.6 km) from Keystone Bridge

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in the house: WiFi

Parking and transport

  • Parking on site

Kitchen

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Dishwasher
  • Hob
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Refrigerator

Bedrooms

  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • Hair dryer

Outdoor areas

  • Balcony

Laundry

  • Washing machine

Comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Smoke-free property

Services and conveniences

  • Iron/ironing board

Safety features

  • No carbon monoxide detector or gas appliances (host has indicated there are no carbon monoxide detectors or gas appliances on the property)
  • Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)

Policies

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

Rules

No loud noise after 10 P.M. No smoking No parties or events No pets/Pets allowed No unregistered guests

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.

Events

No events allowed

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Important information

You need to know

This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession.
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 are no carbon monoxide detectors or gas appliances on the property
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children; if you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room
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.
If you cancel your booking, you'll be subject to the host's cancellation policy. In accordance with EU regulations about consumer rights, property booking services are not subject to the right of withdrawal.

Property is also known as

347401

Emma Big Bear Suite at Elkader JailHouse Inn Reviews