The "Shouse"- Take the road less traveled- for fun & relaxation in the country

Photo gallery for The "Shouse"- Take the road less traveled- for fun & relaxation in the country

A metal building with multiple windows and a garage door, illuminated by exterior lights.
A modern kitchen with a black countertop, two bar stools, a white bowl, and a fruit bowl on the table.
A bedroom with a large bed, a chair, a wooden headboard, and a view through a window.
A kitchen with white cabinets, a dishwasher, a countertop with a sink, and a window with a view of trees.
A modern living room with a sectional sofa, two armchairs, a coffee table, and a large window.

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional

Highlights

  • Family fun awaits
    Top-rated for families.
  • Centrally-located
    You're never far from where you need to be with this convenient location.

Popular amenities

  • Balcony or patio
  • Barbecue
  • Pet-friendly
  • Air-conditioning
  • Refrigerator
  • Internet

Explore the area

View map
Ossian, IA
  • Place, Prairie Farmer Recreational Trail
    ‪10 min drive‬
  • Place, Toppling Goliath Brewing Co.
    ‪19 min drive‬
  • Place, Luther College
    ‪23 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 6)

Guest room

1 Single Bunk Bed

Main Bedroom

1 Queen Bed

Queen bed- main living area

1 Queen Bed

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Kitchen
Outdoor play area
Garden

Add dates for prices

Similar properties

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Country setting 2-3 miles from the River, Luther College and downtown Decorah
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  • Spa pool
  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Dryer
9.8 out of 10, Exceptional, (211 reviews)
Country setting 2-3 miles from the River, Luther College and downtown Decorah

About the area

Ossian

Located in Ossian, this holiday home is in a rural area. Fort Atkinson State Park and Decorah Bald Eagles reflect the area's natural beauty and area attractions include Decorah Fish Hatchery and Amundsons Clothing. Discover the area's water adventures with kayaking and fishing nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with hunting and cycling.
View more Holiday homes in OssianOpens in a new window
Map
Ossian, IA

What's nearby

  • Prairie Farmer Recreational Trail - 10 min drive - 10.6 km
  • Fort Atkinson State Park - 15 min drive - 18.3 km
  • Toppling Goliath Brewing Co. - 19 min drive - 26.0 km
  • Decorah Fish Hatchery - 20 min drive - 23.8 km
  • Luther College - 23 min drive - 33.0 km

Restaurants

  • ‪Euphoria Coffee - ‬11 min drive
  • ‪PIVO Brewery and Blepta Studios - ‬13 min drive
  • ‪The Horseshoe - ‬11 min drive
  • ‪The zipper - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪Shooters - ‬5 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is The "Shouse"- Take the road less traveled- for fun & relaxation in the country pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows cats and dogs (limit 1 total) with a maximum weight of up to 23 kg per pet.

How much is parking at The "Shouse"- Take the road less traveled- for fun & relaxation in the country?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at The "Shouse"- Take the road less traveled- for fun & relaxation in the country?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at The "Shouse"- Take the road less traveled- for fun & relaxation in the country?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is The "Shouse"- Take the road less traveled- for fun & relaxation in the country located?

Situated in a rural location, this holiday home is 5.3 mi (8.5 km) from Prairie Farmer Recreational Trail and within 12 miles (20 km) of Fort Atkinson State Park and Goeken County Park. Bily Clocks Museum and St Wenceslaus Catholic Church are also within 12 miles (20 km).

Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 45 out of 50 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 5 out of 50 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 50 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 50 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 50 reviews

9.8/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Amenities

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

9.8/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

9.8/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great location, space and pet friendly. Hosts were polite and accessible. Blackstone griddle outside and complete kitchen inside made meals easy. 2 separate bedrooms and bed in main room allowed for individual space in 3 areas. Really enjoyed the stay.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Absolutely loved our time at the Shouse! Was a perfect getaway for our group tucked back in the country
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Location was very private, quiet, and peaceful. Amenities are simple and functional, property would be best suited for a couple, a family with up to 3-4 kids, or 4 adults. Good communication with the host!
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This is an amazing property. So quiet and peaceful. We used the fire pit at night to really relax. We went to decorah. Waterfalls ate at multiple restaurants that were all fabulous. The downtown decorah is acute quaint community. Everything was very clean and fresh.We would highly recommend this place to stay.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Thank you for being such a fabulous host. The Shouse was just what we needed. We stayed the weekend while we moved our son for college. The peace and quiet was amazing. The kitchen was perfect to whip up a quick breakfast before we headed out for the day. Huge selection of flavored coffee. I don’t know what I loved more the huge retro couch (the chaise side was my favorite) then waterfall shower or the fireflies. We will definitely be back!
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The property was perfect for my trip. I found a lot of good hiking around the area, and good foods. Keven and Heidi have thought of everything. I have every intention of returning in the future
Stayed 5 nights in May 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We highly recommend this property. The hosts are incredibly polite and welcoming! 5 stars all around
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This house perfectly met our needs. It was great for our dog. We could take him for walks in the mornings. Kitchen had everything we needed. We only ate breakfast there. Hosts were very welcoming.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Shouse is the best!

Stayed here many times. Will stay again and again.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Very relaxing stay in the country We were still close to fun in decorah area.

Perfect location for us and our corgi.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

A quiet stay in a calm setting.

A beautiful countryside location. A calm and quiet Shouse. We enjoyed the stay and also got to enjoy Decorah during the day.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Clean rooms. Convenient location.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Everything was great and as expected! The owners are wonderful to work with, as I had a few different requests. Very accommodating.
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Location

The property was perfect for our weekend getaway and was perfect location for our day trips to Decorah or to see family nearby.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

I'll stay again and again

great rental, perfect for a stay in NE Iowa
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Great Stay

The hosts were excellent, as were the accommodations. We were a relatively close drive to anywhere we wanted to go. We will be returning.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
Wonderful place to stay! Very comfortable and plenty of room. Great location to feel the like you are in the country but a short drive to the surrounding towns. Owners were delightful and provided easy to follow directions. Would definitely stay again!
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Relaxing weekend getaway!

Secluded, quiet location with very friendly hosts. Excellent communication and suggestions on local events. Great family getaway- the kids loved the cats, dogs and new friends! We loved it and will be back!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 17 July 2023
Thank you guys so much for staying. We would love to get your address as I’m sure Ella would love to send Julia a card;)
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Love the location.

I've stayed at this property multiple times. Always excellent.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Super friendly host. Lots of room.

The hosts were extra friendly, very accommodating. Lots of room in the Shouse. No complaints.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Great getaway!

Our 2nd timing staying and we had just as much fun as the first time. Nice and quiet, close to Decorah and Calmar for hiking & breweries! Looking forward to coming back again.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2023
Verified review

8/10 Good

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

Mabel steam engine weekend

Was the perfect place to go after a long day motorcycle riding. Then a day at the Mabel Steam Engine show. Quiet place to retreat too.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Clean, economical and location

I've stayed at the "Shouse" before and I'll stay again. Perfect location for NE Iowa Decorah area fishing and hiking trails. Hosts will help you with anything you need. Had a great stay again!
Stayed 4 nights in May 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Ossian

Overall worked out nicely for a weekend stay during Luther graduation. It's very quiet and relaxing place.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Peace and Quiet

Great location to unplug and get away. It is certainly on a road less traveled! 👍
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2024
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