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

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A bedroom with a bed, a TV mounted on the wall, a desk, and a chair. - The Garage: A Historic Clear Lake Tiny Cabin with Hammock! (Clear Lake)
A room with a dark blue wall, a wooden nightstand with a lamp, a chair with a cushion, and a window with white curtains. - The Garage: A Historic Clear Lake Tiny Cabin with Hammock! (Clear Lake)
A compact kitchen with a coffee maker, a stove, and a refrigerator. - The Garage: A Historic Clear Lake Tiny Cabin with Hammock! (Clear Lake)
A bedroom with a bed, a ceiling fan, a ship's wheel decoration, a painting, a nightstand, and a lamp. - The Garage: A Historic Clear Lake Tiny Cabin with Hammock! (Clear Lake)
A room with a dark blue accent wall, a white door, a wooden side table, a blue sofa with white cushions, a round wooden table, and a ceiling fan. - The Garage: A Historic Clear Lake Tiny Cabin with Hammock! (Clear Lake)
The Garage: A Historic Clear Lake Tiny Cabin with Hammock! provides everything that you need. Guests can connect to free in-room WiFi.

Reviews

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Pet-friendly
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Air-conditioning
  • Parking available
  • Fireplace

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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!

Property amenities

Beach

  • Beach nearby

Internet

  • Available in the cabin: Free WiFi

Parking and transport

  • Parking on site

Kitchen

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Hob
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Paper towels
  • Refrigerator

Bedrooms

  • Bedroom
  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • Shampoo
  • Shower
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Fireplace
  • Living room

Entertainment

  • Smart TV

Outdoor areas

  • Outdoor furniture

Laundry

  • Laundromat nearby

Comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating

Pets

  • Pet friendly
  • Welcoming dogs only
  • Up to 9 kg per pet

Suitability/Accessibility

  • 2 steps to reach entrance
  • Area rugs in public areas
  • Hardwood flooring in public areas
  • No lift
  • Thin carpet in public areas
  • Smoke-free property

Location highlights

  • Near a hospital
  • Near the marina
  • On a lake

Things to do

  • Fishing nearby
  • Golfing nearby
  • Jet skiing nearby
  • Kayaking nearby
  • Swimming nearby
  • Water skiing nearby
  • Water tubing 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)
  • Fire extinguisher
  • Deadbolt lock

Similar properties

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM
Contactless check-in and check-out are available
Minimum check-in age - 21

Check-out

Check-out before 10:00 AM
Contactless check-out

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 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.

Pets

Pets are allowed
Service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees
Welcoming dogs only
1 total (up to 9 kg per pet)

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome

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 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

About the area

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. Visit our Clear Lake travel guide
View more Cabin rentals in Clear Lake
Map
Clear Lake, IA

What's nearby

  • A framed guitar with a Winter Dance Party poster.
    Surf Ballroom and Museum
    2 min drive - 2.5 km
  • A lake with a sandy beach and dense green forest in the background.
    Clear Lake State Park Beach
    3 min drive - 3.5 km
  • 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

Getting around

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

Restaurants

  • Casey's General Store
    5 min drive
  • Lake Time Brewery
    2 min drive
  • McDonald's
    5 min drive
  • Culver's
    5 min drive
  • Seven's 777
    19 min walk

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 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).

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

Reviews

9.6

Exceptional