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The Cottage on Main/Monona Iowa, the middle of everything in the driftless area

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Property grounds - The Cottage on Main/Monona Iowa, the middle of everything in the driftless area (Monona)
Smart TV, books - The Cottage on Main/Monona Iowa, the middle of everything in the driftless area (Monona)
Fridge, microwave, oven, stovetop - The Cottage on Main/Monona Iowa, the middle of everything in the driftless area (Monona)
3 bedrooms, free WiFi, bed sheets - The Cottage on Main/Monona Iowa, the middle of everything in the driftless area (Monona)
Smart TV, books - The Cottage on Main/Monona Iowa, the middle of everything in the driftless area (Monona)
In the heart of the Driftless Area, this remodeled cottage invites you to unwind in a cozy retreat. Enjoy original hardwood floors, an open concept living space with a 50-inch flat screen Smart TV and fully-equipped kitchen. Step outside to relax on your private patio with picnic table, fire pit and charcoal grill.

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional

Entire home

3 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 61210 sq ft

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Washer
  • Dryer
  • Free WiFi
  • Air conditioning
  • Outdoor Space

Add dates for prices

About this property

The Cottage on Main/Monona Iowa, the middle of everything in the driftless area

  • COME STAY IN THE MIDDLE OF EVERYTHING in the driftless area. Enjoy a stay in a fully remodeled, clean, and nicely decorated cottage that was once a schoolhouse from the early 1900's before it was relocated to Monona. You will have a home which has room for up to 6 guests. Original hardwood floors throughout the main level, with a full kitchen and stainless steel appliances. The open concept layout is perfect for guests with the living and dining room open to the kitchen area. The living room features a 50-inch flat screen Smart TV and a large comfy couch. The bathroom has been fully remodeled with tile floors and an extra deep bathtub. There is one bedroom on the main floor with a full-size bed. Upstairs, it is a story and a half home, the master bedroom has a luxurious king-size bed and the third bedroom is equipped with two comfortable twin size beds. Outside, you'll find a private patio with a picnic table, table and chairs, fire pit, and charcoal grill. There is space for two cars in the driveway, one spot covered by a carport. This home is the perfect place to unwind and relax and enjoy the driftless area.. Come be our guest! We are right in the middle of everything. Book now! The area is beautiful!!

Property amenities

Ski

  • Cross-country skiing nearby

Internet

  • Available in the house: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Car required
  • Onsite parking options include a garage and a carport

Kitchen

  • Blender
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Electric kettle
  • Kitchenette
  • Lobster/crab pot
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Paper towels
  • Refrigerator
  • Spices
  • Stovetop
  • Toaster

Dining

  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • 3 bedrooms
  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • 1 bathroom
  • Bathtub or shower
  • Hair dryer
  • Shampoo
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Dining table
  • Living room

Entertainment

  • Books
  • Games
  • Smart TV

Outdoor areas

  • Charcoal grill
  • Firepit
  • Furnished patio
  • Garden
  • Outdoor furniture

Laundry

  • Laundry facilities
  • Washing machine

Comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Suitability/Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Handrails in stairways
  • Hardwood flooring in public areas
  • Stair-free path to entrance
  • Tile flooring in public areas
  • Upper floors accessible by stairs only
  • Well-lit path to entrance
  • Smoking not allowed

Location highlights

  • In a rural location
  • Near a health/beauty spa
  • Near the marina

Things to do

  • Golf
  • Kayak
  • Basketball nearby
  • Birdwatching nearby
  • Casino nearby
  • Cycling nearby
  • Ecotours nearby
  • Fishing nearby
  • Golfing nearby
  • Hiking/biking trails nearby
  • Horseback riding nearby
  • Hunting nearby
  • Jet skiing nearby
  • Kayaking nearby
  • Motor boating nearby
  • Sledding nearby
  • Snowmobiling nearby
  • Swimming nearby
  • Water skiing nearby
  • Water tubing nearby
  • Wildlife walks nearby

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector (host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
  • Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
  • First aid kit
  • Fire extinguisher
  • Deadbolt lock

General

  • Garden
  • Recycling
  • Unit size: 1,210 square feet

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Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 3:00 PM
Contactless check-in available
Minimum check-in age: 21

Check-out

Check-out before 11:00 AM
Contactless check-out available

Special check-in instructions

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Check-out instructions

The host requires you complete the following before checking out:
Strip any used beds and gather used towels
Remove personal items, remove leftover food and drinks, and take out the trash
Turn off the lights, lock the doors, and return the keys
Run towels in wash machine.
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.

Rules

No overnight street parking from November 15 through April 15 on Monona streets.
Quite time starts at 10:00 p.m. Thanks.

Pets

Pets not allowed
Note from host: We have a kennel here in town.

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome
Note from host: The steps are steep & open, but there is a railing

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 indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit, and a deadbolt lock
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

We should mention

This property does not have elevators
A car is required for transportation to and from this property

About the area

Located in Monona, this vacation home is in a rural area. Fort Crawford Museum and Villa Louis are local landmarks, and some of the area's activities can be experienced at Pikes Peak State Park and Driftless Area Wetlands Centre. Enjoy the area's slopes with cross-country skiing, and don't miss out on the snowmobiling and sledding. Visit our Monona travel guide
View more Vacation homes in Monona
Map
Monona, IA

What's nearby

  • Pikes Peak State Park
    Pikes Peak State Park
    15 min drive - 24.7 km
  • Froelich Foundation Museum
    7 min drive - 11.3 km
  • Volney Park
    9 min drive - 11.9 km
  • Spook Cave
    15 min drive - 17.9 km
  • Driftless Area Wetlands Centre
    15 min drive - 26.8 km

Restaurants

  • Center Street Bar & Grill
    8 min walk
  • Subway
    2 min drive
  • TJ's Pizza (monona)
    2 min drive
  • Luana Tap
    7 min drive
  • The Store On Main & Coffee Bar
    18 min walk

Frequently asked questions

Is The Cottage on Main/Monona Iowa, the middle of everything in the driftless area pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much is parking?

Onsite parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at The Cottage on Main/Monona Iowa, the middle of everything in the driftless area?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at The Cottage on Main/Monona Iowa, the middle of everything in the driftless area?

Check-out is at 11:00 AM.

Where is The Cottage on Main/Monona Iowa, the middle of everything in the driftless area located?

Situated in a rural location, this vacation home is within 9 mi (15 km) of Froelich Foundation Museum, Volney Park, and Spook Cave. Rossville Park is 10.9 mi (17.6 km) away.

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The Cottage on Main/Monona Iowa, the middle of everything in the driftless area Reviews

Reviews

Exceptional

All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travellers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.
More informationOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 110 out of 117 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 6 out of 117 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 117 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 117 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 117 reviews

10

Cleanliness

9.6

Location

9.8

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Amy W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Super cute little school house! We’ve stayed twice now and both times were great beds are comfy and just feels nice and cozy!!! Hosts are super responsive and friendly.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Tyler B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Everything was extremely clean. Great atmosphere! Host went out of their way to make us feel welcomed and made adjustments to our accommodations when needed. Would highly recommend!
Stayed 10 nights in Oct 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Alissa

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
Truly a gem. Spacious and comfortable. Sparkling clean!
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Edwin G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

We enjoyed our stay

Very clean and quiet.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Erin B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Clean comfort in beautiful Eastern Iowa

My husband, 3 kids, and parents stayed in a Monona while visiting family. We had a great time at Spook Cave and hiking at Pike's Peak. The house was a great sanctuary in the evening. So clean and comfortable!!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Lyle E.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great relaxing space

It was convenient for visiting family members. It was close to family who live nearby. It was clean , comfortable and relaxing . We look forward to staying there again.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Charles N.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great stay

Comfy home
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jane S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Visiting Family

We stay here often - always neat and clean.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Rachel M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful Stay

We stayed here a few nights while we went hiking and exploring near Decorah Iowa. This home was a great place to relax and unwind after long day! Tastefully decorated it was such a neat little home and perfect for our little weekend getaway
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Tammie O.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Looking at leaves trip

This home is very nice, people are friendly. Enjoyed our stay
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Cooper H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

week long getaway

This was a great centralized location for our week in northern Iowa. We visited several caves and waterfalls throughout the week in the area and had a blast.
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Tami S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

The cottage

The house was very quaint. We enjoyed our stay. Daryl and Mary were very friendly. It was a perfect place to stay for our family.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Tracy G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Labor Day Stay

We were fortunate enough to be able to reserve this house for our family over Labor Day weekend. It was just the right size for us, very clean and welcoming. Our hosts were easy to work with and all directions for check in and check out were clearly communicated.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Joy B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Cottage on Main

Property is clean and homey. History of the house is fun to read and such a great alternative to a hotel.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Lisa J.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, listing accuracy
Disliked: Location

Christmas fun

Easy peasy, comfy and sweet
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jane S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Easter with family

Always neat, clean and comfortable. Have stayed many times.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Mary B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Girls Get-Away

My sister and I took our mom away for the weekend and this was the perfect home base for our Fall Color adventures. Everything is so tasteful and comfortable!
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jane S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Repeat Guest

We've stayed at this property multiple times and will most likely stay again. It is close to family and always clean.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kimberly M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A great place to stay!

This was such a nice place to stay while enjoying the Driftless Area and taking in all the sights and having a relaxing weekend. The property owners have done a fabulous job remodeling this old school house into an amazing comfortable home! Everything was just as stated on the listing and beyond! I highly recommend this property!
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Paul M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great Find in the Clayton CO IA Area

Stayed here as we were visiting the area for a fall weekend trip. Loved the house and that it was close to everything we were doing. Pikes Peek, Spook Cave, Great River Maple Syrup Co all within a quick 10-15 min drive from Manona. Beds were comfortable and the full kitchen was great. Will definitely stay here again.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jani R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect little house!

The hosts made check in super easy. It's such a cute home. Clean and modernized. Plenty of room. Would recommend.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Ron S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Just as described

Nice house, very clean.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Susan H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Hometown Stay

A very clean and ideal location Vrbo for our Family to stay during my Dad's funeral service. Daryl and Mary were very responsive to our requests and quite accommodating. Highly recommend this Vrbo if you need a place to stay when visiting Monona. We will be back!
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2023
Verified

8/10 Good

Tim M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Suggestions for cottage on Main

Great house, nicely remodeled and comfortable. Would recommend adding window AC unit for upstairs master bedroom and extra trash bin outside. Outside patio with grill was great. We would be happy to stay here again.
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Todd S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Simple Pleasures

Appreciate the historical accommodations ~ a converted one room school to a home of comfort and relaxation. I love the simple environment in a town easy to get around great location amidst the beauty of Northeast Iowa! It was very comfortable place of peace and perspective.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2023