Cabin

The Garage: A Historic Clear Lake Tiny Cabin with Hammock!

Photo gallery for The Garage: A Historic Clear Lake Tiny Cabin with Hammock!

A bedroom with a bed, a TV mounted on the wall, a desk, and a chair.
A room with a dark blue wall, a wooden nightstand with a lamp, a chair with a cushion, and a window with white curtains.
A narrow hallway with a shower curtain, a mirror, and a water heater.
A bedroom with a bed, a ceiling fan, a ship's wheel decoration, a painting, a nightstand, and a lamp.
A compact kitchen with a coffee maker, a stove, and a refrigerator.

Reviews

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional

Highlights

  • Discover nearby landmarks
    Near City Beach Park
1 bedroom1 bathroomSleeps 3

Popular amenities

  • Onsite parking available
  • Dog-friendly
  • Kitchen
  • Air-conditioning
  • Outdoor furniture
  • Free Wi-Fi

Explore the area

View map
Clear Lake, IA
  • Place, City Beach Park
    ‪16 min walk‬
  • Place, Clear Lake State Park
    ‪2 min drive‬
  • Place, Surf Ballroom and Museum
    ‪2 min drive‬
  • Airport, Mason City, IA (MCW-Mason City Municipal)
    ‪6 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

1 bedroom (sleeps 3)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

Living Room 1

1 Large Single Sofa Bed

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Soap · Towels provided · Toilet · Shower only · Shampoo

Spaces

Kitchen
Number of living rooms

About this property

The Garage: A Historic Clear Lake Tiny Cabin with Hammock!

Step Back in Time (With a Modern Twist!)

Welcome to one of the most unique stays in Clear Lake! Our "teeny-tiny" cabin is a true slice of Clear Lake history. Originally built as a garage during the golden era of Iowa lake vacations, it was lovingly converted into a cozy retreat for our family and is now ready for yours.

Freshly updated for 2026, we’ve completely refurnished the interior to blend modern comfort with that classic "sailor" charm.

A Piece of Local History

This isn't just a place to sleep; it’s a story. Our neighborhood dates back to the days of "cabin courts," where families flocked to Clear Lake for the Surf Ballroom and summer sun. In fact, the brick cabin directly behind us was the original neighborhood bath house back in the day! While you now have your own private bathroom, we love keeping that historic spirit alive.

The Space & Summer Vibes

Vintage Charm: We’ve kept the original windows to preserve the cabin’s character. One of the best ways to experience a Clear Lake summer is to leave the front door wide open and let the breeze flow through the screen door window. There’s nothing quite like the sound of the lake wind and the distant laughter from the docks to make it feel like a real vacation.

Instant Hot Water: We’ve installed a modern instant water heater so you never have to worry about a cold shower. Because this is a historic conversion, it takes about 60 seconds for the hot water to make its way through the pipes—once it arrives, it’s endless! Just a small reminder to slow down and enjoy the "lake pace."

Tiny Living, Big Fun: Our kitchen is a fun game of culinary Tetris—compact, but fully equipped with all the essentials. It’s the perfect setup for prepping lake-day snacks or a cozy dinner after a day at the beach.

Explore Clear Lake:
You are perfectly positioned for the ultimate getaway:

The Lake: Just 1/2 block from the public dock. Catch a sunset that looks like a Bob Ross painting every single night.

The Surf Ballroom: A quick hop away from the legendary music venue and its rich rock 'n' roll history.

Downtown Magic: Minutes from the Sea Wall, City Beach, and the boutique shops and local eateries that make Clear Lake "Iowa’s Vacation Capital."

Guest access:
You will have access to the entire home!

Other things to note:
Pet Friendly
Your four-legged friends are family here! We welcome dogs with a $49 fee per dog. They’ll love the breeze through the screen door just as much as you do.

Nature’s Neighbors
Being so close to the water means we share the air with Iowa’s seasonal bugs. We have professional pest control on a strict schedule, but please keep in mind that the occasional spider or fly is part of the authentic lakeside experience.

Book your stay at the "Garage" and discover how big of an adventure you can have in a space so small!

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 21
Check out before 10:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

Pets allowed: dogs less than 9 kg per pet (limit one pet total)
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Check-out instructions

The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:
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.

Important information

You need to know

Property # 5270871vb
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 and a deadlock

About the area

Clear Lake

Located in Clear Lake, this cabin is on a lake. Clear Lake Fire Museum and Surf Ballroom and Museum are cultural highlights, and some of the area's activities can be experienced at Clear Lake State Park and All Vets Golf Course. Maze and Meredith Willson Boyhood Home are also worth visiting. Looking to get your feet wet? Jet skiing, kayaking and waterskiing adventures can be found near the property.
Map
Clear Lake, IA

What's nearby

  • City Beach Park - 16 min walk - 1.4 km
  • Clear Lake Fire Museum - 1 min drive - 1.8 km
  • Clear Lake State Park - 2 min drive - 2.1 km
  • Surf Ballroom and Museum - 2 min drive - 2.5 km
  • Clear Lake State Park Beach - 3 min drive - 3.5 km

Getting around

  • Mason City, IA (MCW-Mason City Municipal) - 10 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Casey's General Store - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪McDonald's - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Lake Time Brewery - ‬2 min drive
  • ‪Culver's - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Pasta Bella - ‬11 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is The Garage: A Historic Clear Lake Tiny Cabin with Hammock! pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 1 total) with a maximum weight of up to 9 kg per pet.

How much does it cost to stay at The Garage: A Historic Clear Lake Tiny Cabin with Hammock!?

As of 5 July 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at The Garage: A Historic Clear Lake Tiny Cabin with Hammock! on 10 August 2026 start from NZ$429, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

How much is parking at The Garage: A Historic Clear Lake Tiny Cabin with Hammock!?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at The Garage: A Historic Clear Lake Tiny Cabin with Hammock!?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at The Garage: A Historic Clear Lake Tiny Cabin with Hammock!?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is The Garage: A Historic Clear Lake Tiny Cabin with Hammock! located?

Situated on a lake, this cabin is within 1 mile (2 km) of Clear Lake, City Beach Park and Clear Lake State Park. Clear Lake State Park Beach and MercyOne Clear Lake Family Medicine are also within 1 mile (2 km).

About the host

Hosted by Erika Bierstedt

Host profile image

Languages:

English
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