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The Country Crib

100%

·

1 review

· Elkader, Clayton, Iowa · 200 acres

Hosted by Natasha M.

Cabin

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

The Cook Heritage Farm Estate, 1848 is located on 200 acres of prairie and timber in the Driftless Region of Northeast Iowa. The land has been in the family for 173 years, passed on from generation to generation. The estate property borders the Turkey River and is nestled between rolling farmland and gentle bluffs leading to the mighty Mississippi. The Driftless Area of the upper American Midwest was never glaciated and is characterized by caves and cave systems, disappearing streams, blind valleys, underground streams, sinkholes, springs, and cold streams. The Beginning In 1848, Henry and Mary Cook traveled from Bavaria to America for a better life. Their journey on American soil began in New Orleans where they traveled up the Mississippi River to McGregor, Iowa. They bought their initial 40 acres through the land grant office in McGregor, hooked up a team of oxen and traveled 30 miles overland to settle in Clayton County. To stake a claim of ownership for this land they built a sod hut and lived there for two years to satisfy the land requirements. Although their beginning was meager, their courage was abundant enduring hardships for the potential the land promised. Their pioneer spirits demonstrated a deep commitment for stewardship for the land that eventually produced a rich legacy handed down for generations. Harsh winters and physical labor were offset by the beauty of the area. Henry and Mary and their descendants eventually found a harmony with one another. The Turkey River provided sustenance and its raging springtime surge demonstrated the tenuous balance between man and nature. A give and take that remains to this day. There are several options for accommodations on the acreage: each site will be added. The estate is also open to be full booked by one party - which can accommodate up to 40 over night guests including campers, RV's, house and guest lodge sites. The Country Home: This six-bedroom, two story home was built in 1917. Ninety percent of the design, woodwork, and stained glass are original. The home was plumbed and wired for electricity during the original build. A home generator was placed in the basement to supply battery energy. Radiators were the primary source of heat for every room. The lower level is still heated by radiant heat, and supplemented during fall and winter nights with a kitchen gas fireplace. This is not listed on Hipcamp. The Country Crib Guest Lodge was once the main “corn crib” on the property, used for years to dry and store corn harvested from the farms’ fields. The Crib was renovated into a full kitchen, 2 bathrooms, a living room, and a sleeping loft. The sleeping loft has 4 queen beds. Enjoy your favorite morning beverage on the east patio deck and watch the sun rise over the prairie flower fields. Star gazing off the second-floor deck is a must. The Crib IS LISTED on Hipcamp. (see pictures of the property and the red Country Crib Guest Lodge.) The Bin Bar adjacent to the Crib was also used for corn storage but abandoned years ago. In 2017, the bin was moved to the east side of the Crib and over the past few years has been fashioned into a gathering spot for late night storytelling and night caps. The Gazebo Fire Pit is built upon the site of the original log house ~ circa 1850. The log house had a water cistern, a conical shaped underground vessel, used to catch fresh rainwater. The water was pumped into the log house using a pitcher pump. The cistern remains and is located underneath the landscape on the west of the Gazebo. The Barn was the first structure built on the property. So, the story goes, “first take care of the livestock and horses to assure human survival”. The Barn is need of restoration. For your safety, the barn is off limits. Acreage Campsites: 6 RV campsites are available: 3 with sewer and electrical hook-ups and 3 electrical only. Surrounding area: Iowa cities including Decorah, Clermont, Elgin, Elkader, and Prairie Du Chen, Wisconsin are within driving distance. Each city boasts its own fun for day and night entertainment including local artisan wares, antiquing, hiking, biking, golfing, water recreation, breweries, and dining pleasures. The Cook Heritage Farm Estate sits between Elgin and Elkader and you can easily follow the ‘river road’ to get between the two destinations.The lodge has lofted sleeping quarters with 4 queen beds, two bathrooms, indoor and outdoor showers, full kitchen, and dining/living room areas. There is also an outdoor shower if you desire. Wifi available. You will have access to a covered concrete deck, an open-air Bin-Bar and outdoor 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

Drinking 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 3 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.

Reviews

100% Recommend1 ratings · 1 review

Amanda S.

9 months on Hipcamp

Recommends

· July 2024

Unexpected Stay in Heaven

With kids

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!

Location

Elkader, Clayton, Iowa, United StatesTraditional, ancestral territory of oθaakiiwaki‧hina‧ki (Sauk) & Meškwahki·aša·hina (Fox) and Očhéthi Šakówiŋ First Nations according to

Native Land Digital.

To respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking