The Historic Elkader Jail House Inn
Our Story
There's a New Sheriff in Town. The Jail House Get's New Owners.
Built in 1870, the Clayton County Jail boasts a unique history as the home to Clayton County’s most dangerous criminals as well as a stop over for the transportation of infamous outlaws (rumor has it Jessie James spend a night here as an inmate). After outliving its usefulness as a Jail the county sold the building to the previous owners, Julie Carlisle-Kane and Tim Kane. The Jail was in serious disrepair, not to mention the the nasty smell! Julie and Tim spared no expense to renovate the Jail House to well surpass its former glory, adding beautiful suites, luxurious bathrooms, a gourmet kitchen and unique cell block living room. Julie and Tim had decided their time running the Elkader Jail House Inn was coming to end. We came to visit the Jail and fell in love with everything about it! July 1st of 2020 we become the new Warden’s of The Elkader Jail House Inn and we are thrilled to welcome former and future inmates to our humble Inn!
Nicholas Spohn, Penn Nobis
What We Offer
Accommodations
Our beautiful suites host from 2-5 inmates. Enjoy a family getaway or romantic weekend in one of our 4 suites. Regardless of what suite you choose you won’t want your sentence to end!
Spa Quality Bathrooms
3 out of 4 bathrooms boast relaxing air jet tubs, or stay in the master suite and enjoy the steam shower. Pamper yourself, you’ve earned it!
Occasions
The Jail House Inn is the perfect venue for all occasions. Bridal showers, bachelor parties, family reunions, we have what you need to make it a memorable experience.
Jail House Highlights
Doing hard time was never this easy
4 bedrooms + 5 Jail Cells!
2-5 Guests Per Suite
Great location
Blocks from Dining
Dogs welcome
Free WiFI
Our Suites
HIGHLIGHTS
Hard Time In Luxurious Suites
Enjoy one of our 4 renovated and luxurious suites that can accommodate 2 to 5 inmates. Each suite has its own unique story, pieces of evidence and decor. Enjoy our spa like renovated bathrooms and access to the gourmet kitchen and unique cell block which held Clayton Counties most dangerous criminals! Don’t worry, the ghosts here keep to themselves, for the most part.
HIGHLIGHTS
Rent The Entire Jail House for Your Next Event
Haven’t slept in a jail cell since your days in college? When you rent the entire Jail House for your next event we will add sleeping arrangements for up 7 more inmates, in-laws or outlaws to sleep in the Jail cells!
The unique character, beautiful location and spacious accommodations make the Jail House perfect for your next family reunion, guys fishing trip, corporate training, bachelor/bachelorette party, bridal shower and wedding party! Book the entire Jail House now for, we’re ready for your party of up to 20 inmates!
Hear From Our Happy Inmates!
Read our real recent reviews
For the Best Rates Book Directly With Us
Best Rates
Frequently Asked Questions
Simply click the “Book Now” button and choose your suite or book the entire Jail House.
Free cancellation until 14 days before check-in, (time shown in the confirmation email). If booked less than 14 days before check-in, free cancellation 48 hours after booking, up to 5 days before check-in. After that guests can cancel up to 5 days before check-in and get a refund of the nightly rate and cleaning fee, but not the service fee. This policy does not apply to those who book the entire Jail House. See our Terms and Conditions page for more details. Please note all reservations will be assessed a 5.00% cancellation fee regardless of the timing or reason. Our processor charges us this fee and we are merely passing it on.
Please contact us if you have a pet, we try to accommodate pet owners, but have other inmates to account for.
No we do not serve breakfast or any other meals as we are not onsite. We have a full kitchen which all guests will have access to during their stay.
We can accommodate 12 people in the main suite beds, additionally we have beds in the jail cells and queen blow-up mattresses that can be utilized.
Please see suite and bed breakdown below:
Master suite 1 queen bed and 1 couch (not a sleeper/pullout)
Botanical suite 1 queen bed
Emma Big Bear suite 1 queen bed and adjoining suite 1 twin bed and 1 double bed
Harstad suite 2 queen beds
Cell Block:
2 bunk beds
2 cots
1 couch (not a sleeper/pullout)
Additionally we have 4 queen blow-up mattresses that can be set out for you to use.
Having Fun in the Clink
