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United States
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Iowa
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Elkader

The Prairie Lodge

Hosted by Natasha · Elkader, Iowa

10 guests max · 1 bedroom · 4 beds · 2 toilets

100%

·

2 reviews

Welcome to The Prairie Lodge — A Rustic Retreat on Historic Land Nestled in the heart of the Driftless Region of Northeast Iowa, The Prairie Lodge sits on 200 acres of native prairie and timber as part of the Cook Heritage Farm Estate. This cherished family property has been passed down through generations for over 173 years. The property borders the scenic Turkey River and is surrounded by rolling farmland and gentle bluffs that lead toward the mighty Mississippi River. Rich in natural beauty, the Driftless Area is geologically unique—never touched by glaciers—and is known for its caves, underground streams, blind valleys, sinkholes, and cold spring-fed creeks. The Prairie Lodge, once the main “corn crib” used for drying and storing harvested corn, has been thoughtfully renovated into a comfortable and charming retreat. Inside, you’ll find a full kitchen, two bathrooms, a cozy living room, and an open loft with four queen beds. The loft comfortably sleeps eight and can accommodate up to ten guests with a blow-up mattress if needed. Step onto the east-facing patio deck with your morning beverage and watch the sunrise over fields of blooming prairie flowers. Wildlife is abundant—deer, rabbits, songbirds, pheasants, and even eagles are frequent visitors. As night falls, the second-floor deck becomes the perfect spot for stargazing and listening to the calls of coyotes echoing across the land. Next door to the Lodge, you’ll find the Bin Bar—a once-abandoned grain bin transformed in 2017 into a unique gathering space ideal for late-night storytelling and nightcaps under the stars. For those traveling with a larger group, RV campsites with full water, sewer, and electrical hookups are available near the Lodge. If additional accommodations are needed beyond the Prairie Lodge, please contact your Hipcamp host for details and availability. Activities nearby: Iowa towns including Decorah, Clermont, Elgin, Elkader, and Prairie Du Chen, Wisconsin are within driving distance. Each town boasts its own fun for day and evening entertainment including local artisan wares, antiquing, hiking, biking, golfing, water recreation, breweries, and dining spots.The lodge has open loft sleeping quarters with 4 queen beds. There is space for a blow up mattress on the floor for children. A half bath and a full bath are located on the main level. There is a full kitchen, separate dining and living room space. TV and Wifi are available. You will have access to an outdoor covered concrete deck, an open-air Bin-Bar seating area and a fire ring. Your cabin has a 360 degree view of wildflower prairies with both sunrise and sunset. Guests have access to over 110 acres of prairie walking trails that surround the lodge. There are two beach access points to the Turkey River (North and East of the property). You are welcome to use the beach and / or float down the river from Elgin (or put in at the 10-mile bridge) and portage into the property. If your party wants to expand to a larger group, there are 3 RV camp sites available for rent (electrical, sewer, and water hook up) next to the lodge.

What to expect

Cabin

You'll have this Hipcamp all to yourself.

10 guests max

Campfires allowed

Firewood provided, firepit, private

Toilet available

No pets

pets kenneled and/or sleeping outdoors are allowed

Potable water available

Showers available

Bins available

Compost bin, recycling bin, trash bin

Cooking equipment present

Grill over firepit, bbq, private, oven, stovetop or hot plate, fridge, freezer, cookware, cooking utensils, dishware, cutlery, sink or other dishwashing station

Picnic table present

Wifi available

Laundry present

Playground available

swingset and sand box

Hot Tub absent

Things to know

Getting there

Check in: 2:00 PM - 6:00 PM

Early or late check-in may be available

Check out: Before 12:00 PM

Late check-out may be available

On arrival: Meet with Host

Cancellation policy: Strict

Minimum nights: 2 nights

Accepts bookings: 3 months out

Park at listing

No wheelchair access

Max 2 vehicles

2WD accessible

During your trip

Follow the

Leave it better

Inclusion policyWe have a zero-tolerance policy against discrimination at Hipcamp. We are committed to helping our Host and Hipcamper communities be inclusive.

Lodging

1 site

Prairie lodge with river access

100%

(2)

Cabin · Sleeps 10 · 1 bedroom · 4 beds · 2 toilets

The lodge has open loft sleeping quarters with 4 queen beds. There is space for a blow up mattress on the floor for children. A half bath and a full bath are located on the main level. There is a full kitchen, separate dining and living room space. TV and Wifi are available. You will have access to an outdoor covered concrete deck, an open-air Bin-Bar seating area and a fire ring. Your cabin has a 360 degree view of wildflower prairies with both sunrise and sunset. Guests have access to over 110 acres of prairie walking trails that surround the lodge. There are two beach access points to the Turkey River (North and East of the property). You are welcome to use the beach and / or float down the river from Elgin (or put in at the 10-mile bridge) and portage into the property. If your party wants to expand to a larger group, there are 3 RV camp sites available for rent (electrical, sewer, and water hook up) next to the lodge.

Campfires allowed

Toilet

Potable water

No pets

Showers

Picnic table

Reviews

100% Recommend2 ratings · 2 reviews

Recommends

· June 2026

Cozy and quiet

Prairie lodge with river access

Me and two friends stayed here for a weekend of fishing. It was easy to find and communication was great. We didn't spend a lot of time at the lodge but really enjoyed the privacy, remoteness, and quiet. The place was set up really nice with everything we needed. I would highly recommended staying here and may be back myself in the future.

J

Joel C.

3 years on Hipcamp

Recommends

· July 2024

Unexpected Stay in Heaven

With kids ·

Prairie lodge with river access

We booked this spot last minute because our other booking with someone else fell through & I am so glad we did! First off, this place is GORGEOUS! I could not get enough of the wild flower field. The hosts were super helpful, informative & made sure that we had the best time we could. They have everything available at your fingertips & it was well kept. We had 4 adults and 6 kids ranging from 2 to 11 and we all cannot wait to come back. They had water stuff, games and a playset…not to mention a corn bin sitting area. This place has a lot of history, is very rustic & upon meeting with the host, she showed us around & told us all about it. You won’t regret booking this spot!

A

Amanda S.

2 years on Hipcamp

Location

Elkader, Clayton, Iowa, United StatesTo respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking

The Prairie Lodge

Things to know

Lodging

Prairie lodge with river access

Reviews

Location

Hosted by Natasha M.

Things to do nearby

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