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
1010 out of 10
Exceptional
Entire home
3 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 6112 sq m
Popular amenities
Kitchen
Washing machine
Free Wi-Fi
Air-conditioning
Outdoor space
Parking available
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 transport
Car required
Onsite parking options include a garage and a carport
Kitchen
Blender
Coffee/tea maker
Cookware, dishware, and utensils
Electric kettle
Hob
Kitchenette
Lobster/crab pot
Microwave
Oven
Paper towels
Refrigerator
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
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.
Hardwood flooring in public areas
Upper floors accessible by stairs only
Smoke-free property
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)
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 to 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 rubbish
Turn off the lights, lock the doors and return the keys
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
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a deadlock
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 any lifts
A car is required for transport to and from this property
About the area
Located in Monona, this holiday 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 sledging. Visit our Monona travel guide
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 at The Cottage on Main/Monona Iowa, the middle of everything in the driftless area?
On-site 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?
Checkout 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 holiday home is within 9 miles (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.
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.
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!
Tyler B.
Stayed 10 nights in Oct 2025
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Alissa
31 Aug 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
Truly a gem. Spacious and comfortable. Sparkling clean!
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!!
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.
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
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.
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.
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!
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 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.
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!
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.
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.