Historic Downtown Elkader, Iowa

The Sweetest Suites on the River

Three private suites in the surviving limestone of Elkader’s 1840s mill, every one looking out on the Turkey River and the Keystone Bridge.

3 private suites

Each sleeps up to 4 guests

River views

Turkey River & Keystone Bridge from every suite

Walk everywhere

Dining, bars, movie theatre & Opera House

Since 1848

Part of the original Mill

Welcome to the Mill

In the heart of Elkader, on the banks of the Turkey River

The Mill on Main sits on Main Street, within walking distance of historic downtown, restaurants, bars, a movie theatre and the Opera House. Each suite has a view of the Turkey River and the Keystone Bridge, the largest keystone bridge west of the Mississippi.

Whether you want to bike, hike, fish, snowmobile or hunt, we have a place for you, in every season.

Read the story of the Mill →

Original limestone wall

Stay with us

Three suites, three personalities

Every suite sleeps up to four and includes Wi-Fi, air conditioning, a big-screen TV, a coffee bar and a full bathroom. From $135 a night, one-night stays welcome.

Suite A sunroom with a wall of windows

Boho sunroom

Suite A

Free-spirited boho design and a cozy, spacious sunroom, with a wall of windows facing the Turkey River and the bridge.

Queen bed + queen futon · Coffee bar · Sleeps 4 · Second floor (stairs)

From $135 / night

Suite B original limestone wall

1840s limestone studio

Suite B

An open studio inside the natural limestone walls of the original 1840s mill, with farmhouse and industrial modern décor and river views.

Studio · Queen bed + queen futon · Coffee bar · Sleeps 4 · Ground floor

From $135 / night

Suite C moody blue bedroom

Moody blue one-bedroom

Suite C

Clean, impressive “Moody Blue” décor made for a relaxing stay, with a separate bedroom and a view of the Turkey River and the Keystone Bridge.

Separate bedroom · Queen bed + two single futons · Coffee bar · Sleeps 4 · Ground floor

From $135 / night

Since 1848

Sleep where the mill made its barrels

When it was finished in 1849, Elkader’s stone mill was the largest west of the Mississippi. Our building was part of the original Mill, which had a large warehouse and a cooperage where the flour barrels were built. In 1878 alone, the cooper shop was contracted to build 14,000 barrels. The walls are original. We added the comforts: modern baths, coffee bars and plenty of light off the river.

Outside your door

A base for every season

Pony Hollow Trail

Hike, bike, ride or snowmobile, 5 minutes away.

Fishing the Turkey River

Turkey River

Fishing and paddling steps from the Mill.

Effigy Mounds

Trail hikes and ranger talks, 30 minutes away.

Downtown & Opera House

Dinner, drinks and a show, all on foot.

See the full area guide →

What guests say

10/10 Excellent

“A beautiful little retreat with a view of the river. Quiet, peaceful, while in a convenient location in town. We will be back!”

Maggie · Suite A · September 2026

10/10 Excellent

“We had a great stay in Elkader. Nice place. Backs up to the Turkey River with a lovely view. Right downtown where all the action is. Thumbs up.”

Jim · Suite B · September 2026

10/10 Excellent

“We really enjoyed Suite C, it was very well appointed, clean, and a great location close to everything. We’ll definitely stay again!”

Kimberly · Suite C · April 2026

Ready for a sweet getaway?

Pick your suite and check dates on VRBO, or send us a note with any questions.