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Harstad Suite at Elkader Jailhouse Inn

Elkader vacation home with kitchen

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Photo gallery for Harstad Suite at Elkader Jailhouse Inn

Property grounds
Exterior
Dining
1 bedroom, WiFi, bed sheets
Fridge, microwave, oven, stovetop

Reviews

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful

Entire home

1 bedroom1 bathroomSleeps 4

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Dryer
  • Washer
  • Outdoor Space
  • Kitchen
  • Air conditioning

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
    ‪60 min drive‬

Room options

About the neighborhood

Elkader

In Elkader .Within a 10-minute walk of the vacation home, you'll find Carter House Museum and Keystone Bridge. Froelich Foundation Museum and Spook Cave are within 16 miles (25 km).
View more Vacation Homes in ElkaderOpens in a new window

What's nearby

  • Carter House Museum - 5 min walk - 0.3 miles
  • Keystone Bridge - 6 min walk - 0.4 miles
  • Backbone State Park - 28 min drive - 24.7 miles
  • Yellow River State Forest - 45 min drive - 43.2 miles
  • Field of Dreams - 60 min drive - 57.7 miles

Restaurants

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

About this property

Entire place

You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.

Harstad Suite at Elkader Jailhouse Inn

HARSTAD
This penthouse suite is our largest suite, boasting the best views and spacious seating areas. Two queen beds make the room fit for up to 4 inmates. Play cards at your very own cafe table, soak in the air massage tub or clean yourself off the bidet, this suite has it all. The Harstad Suite is named after local author and 26 year Clayton County Sheriff’s department veteran Donald Harstad. Sip your morning coffee and dive into one of Donald’s many crime novels that fill the book cases.

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!

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Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in the house: WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Parking on site

Kitchen

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Dishwasher
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Paper towels
  • Refrigerator
  • Stovetop
  • Toaster

Bedrooms

  • Bedroom
  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • 1 bathroom
  • Hair dryer
  • Shampoo
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • Games
  • TV

Outdoor areas

  • Patio

Laundry

  • Laundry facilities
  • Washing machine

Comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Smoking not allowed

Location highlights

  • In a rural location

Things to do

  • Casino nearby
  • Golfing nearby

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)

General

  • Property does not allow children

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 3:00 PM

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

  • This property does not allow children.

Events

No events allowed

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

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
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 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
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    This property is managed by a private host, not a professional engaged in trade or business. 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. Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited.

Property is also known as

Vrbo Property
Harstad Suite at Elkader Jailhouse Inn Elkader
Harstad Suite at Elkader Jailhouse Inn Private vacation home

Frequently asked questions

Does Harstad Suite at Elkader Jailhouse Inn have an airport shuttle?

Airport shuttle services are not available at this vacation home.

How much does it cost to stay at Harstad Suite at Elkader Jailhouse Inn?

As of Nov 20, 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Harstad Suite at Elkader Jailhouse Inn on Nov 21, 2025 start from $115.0, excluding 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.

Does Harstad Suite at Elkader Jailhouse Inn offer free breakfast?

This vacation home does not offer free breakfast.

Is there a casino at Harstad Suite at Elkader Jailhouse Inn?

No, there is no casino at this vacation home, but Casino Queen (26-min drive) is nearby.

What time is check-in at Harstad Suite at Elkader Jailhouse Inn?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

Is there free parking at Harstad Suite at Elkader Jailhouse Inn?

Free parking is not available at this vacation home.

Does Harstad Suite at Elkader Jailhouse Inn have a pool?

This vacation home does not have a pool.

Does Harstad Suite at Elkader Jailhouse Inn have a spa?

There are no spa services available at this vacation home.

How close is Harstad Suite at Elkader Jailhouse Inn to downtown Elkader?

This vacation home is 0.4 mi away from Elkader.

Harstad Suite at Elkader Jailhouse Inn Reviews

Reviews

9.0

Wonderful

Rating 10 - Excellent. 7 out of 8 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 0 out of 8 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 8 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 8 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 8 reviews

9.0/10

Cleanliness

2.0/10

Amenities

2.0/10

Property conditions & facilities

2.0/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

2/10 Terrible

Cole

Disliked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I was unable to enter the property and the attempt to contact the hosts was unsuccessful. I was forced to stay at a new B&B
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Angie M.

Liked: Cleanliness

Visit home to Elkader

We have stayed at the Elkader Jail House many times and the Harstad Suite is a great room for the 4 of us. The large kitchen and family space on the first floor provide plenty of space for everyone to get together and relax. Its nearby my family and takes the stress off anyone needing to make space for all of us to sleep. Its comfortable, clean and an easy to walk downtown. We'll be back soon!
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jean S.

Liked: Cleanliness

A wonderful place to stay

The Inn is beautiful! My husband I spent 2 nights in the Harstad Suite. It was spacious and comfortable and I loved the big bath tub. Highly recommended.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2022

10/10 Excellent

RODNEY C.

Liked: Cleanliness

The jailhouse inn

We enjoyed our stay. The kitchen was amazing. Our room was perfect. And it was fun meeting other guests
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2021

10/10 Excellent

Crystal W.

Liked: Cleanliness

Great bath tub

Clean suite in Elkader. Unique property. The kids enjoyed the shuffleboard game. The highlight was the huge tub perfect for bubble baths!
Stayed 2 nights in May 2021

10/10 Excellent

Michael S.

Liked: Cleanliness

Charm, location, and comfort.

We chose the Jailhouse for it's proximity to Backbone and Pikes Peak state parks, it's an easy drive to both. The Inn was clean, comfortable, and full of history. Our suite was spacious, and had a magnificent view of Elkader's historic downtown. We will surely be back next fall.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2020

10/10 Excellent

Deanne E.

Liked: Cleanliness

Unique place

We loved the uniqueness of this property. Will stay again.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2020

10/10 Excellent

Ben V., Milwaukee, wi

Liked: Cleanliness

Loved the place

Loved the place
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2020