The Mason House Inn and Caboose Cottage is located in Bentonsport, Iowa, one of the historic Villages of Van Buren County. The Mason House Inn is an antique hotel that was built in 1846 by Mormon workmen from Nauvoo. The hotel was used as a station on the Underground Railroad and a hospital during the Civil War. Today there are 8 rooms with private baths. Each room features original antiques from the hotel's history. Quilts adorn all the beds and many walls. In keeping with the antique atmosphere, there are no TVs in the rooms, but there is one in the Dining Room for our guests to use. The General Store room and the Wash House room are housed in an annexed building that used to be a store. It has a front porch with swing. There is free wireless internet access from all the rooms.
The Caboose Cottage is in a real railroad caboose. It features a queen bed, satellite TV with DVD player, internet access, dining area, full kitchen, and private bathroom with shower. Breakfast is served in the Main building dining room for all guests.
This is a great place for retreats, reunions, honeymoons, craft clubs, book clubs, card and domino clubs, and ghost hunting enthusiasts. You may rent the entire house for your group at at reduced room rate. A country breakfast is included in all room rates and each room comes complete with a full cookie jar.
There are many things to see and do in Bentonsport and the surrounding area. Public hunting ground is located just north of the village on County land. There are trails to walk and hike. Lakes for fishing and boating. The Des Moines River is beautiful for canoeing and kayaking. Antique buffs will love the many antique stores in the area.
Come to Bentonsport and the Mason House Inn, you will feel like you've stepped back in time.