Skip to main content
Entire home

Botanical Suite at Elkader JailHouse Inn

Photo gallery for Botanical Suite at Elkader JailHouse Inn

A hallway with a wooden staircase, grey walls, and framed pictures on the wall.
Property video
A stone sign with the text "Elkader Jail Inn EST. 2008" in front of a two-story house with a porch and a flag.
A kitchen with wooden cabinets, stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, and hanging pots.
A covered porch with a table and chairs, overlooking a residential area.

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
1 bedroom1 bathroomSleeps 2

Popular amenities

  • Onsite parking available
  • Kitchen
  • Washer
  • Air conditioning
  • Balcony
  • Internet access

Explore the area

View in a map
Elkader, IA
  • Place, Carter House Museum
    ‪5 min walk‬
  • Place, Keystone Bridge
    ‪6 min walk‬
  • Place, Field of Dreams
    ‪56 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
Our prices include all fees. No hidden fees.

Add dates for prices

Have a question?

AI iconBeta

Get instant answers with AI powered search of property information and reviews.

Similar properties

Private kitchen
Relaxing 2-Bedroom Cottage Getaway in Bagley, WI
Bagley
  • Kitchen
  • Air conditioning
  • Outdoor Space
  • Parking available
10.0 out of 10, Exceptional, (3 reviews)
Relaxing 2-Bedroom Cottage Getaway in Bagley, WI

House Rules

default

Children

Children allowed: ages 0-17
default

Events

No events allowed
default

Pets

No pets allowed
default

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 # 5054611
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 is a carbon monoxide detector 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

About the neighborhood

Elkader

Elkader is home to this vacation home. Carter House Museum and Froelich Foundation Museum are cultural highlights, and some of the area's landmarks include Montauk Historical Site and Fort Crawford Museum. Charles Wacouta Aquatic Park and Fort Fun Park are also worth visiting.
View more Vacation Homes in ElkaderOpens in a new window
Map
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
  • Backbone State Park - 24 min drive - 40.0 km
  • Field of Dreams - 56 min drive - 94.2 km

Restaurants

  • ‪TD’s Sports Bar & Grill - ‬11 min walk
  • ‪Johnson's Restaurant - ‬2 min drive
  • ‪Fennellys' Irish Pub - ‬11 min walk
  • ‪Gear Elkader - ‬11 min walk
  • ‪St Olaf Tavern - ‬11 min drive

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 Aug 14, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Botanical Suite at Elkader JailHouse Inn on Aug 16, 2026 start from $174, 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?

Onsite parking is available at the property.

Where is Botanical Suite at Elkader JailHouse Inn located?

Situated in Elkader, this vacation home is 0.3 mi (0.5 km) from Carter House Museum and within 16 mi (25 km) of Froelich Foundation Museum and Spook Cave. World's Largest Strawberry and Bloody Run Creek Wildlife Management Area are also within 20 mi (32 km).

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labeled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 2 out of 2 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 0 out of 2 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 2 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 2 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 2 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified review

10/10 Excellent

David B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
A really unique and fancy place.
Stayed 1 night in May 2026
Response from VrboOwner on May 10, 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!
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Shawnacy K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The converted jail was such an interesting and unique place to stay. The property is beautiful, the house and room were clean and inviting, and the cell block was a great place to hang out and explore. We loved morning coffee on the balcony and the fabulous whirlpool tub for relaxing. Make sure to check out the incredible food at the local Algerian restaurant, and a lovely river walk, or explore the four story antique mall in town!
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2026

About the host

Hosted by Nicholas Spohn

Host profile image

Languages:

English, Spanish
Tell us how we can improve our siteShare feedback