Perfect for couples, small families, history lovers, and Lake of the Ozarks explorers. Stay in a beautifully restored historic 2 bedroom cabin overlooking the Osage River—just minutes from the Bagnell Dam Strip and Lake of the Ozarks attractions. This unique vintage getaway blends 1950s nostalgia with modern comfort, offering Wi Fi, a private river boat launch, two pools, a firepit, and easy access to restaurants, shops, and local entertainment.
About the Jailhouse Cabin:
Imagine vacationing in a cabin above the original City of Bagnell’s Jail! The lower level of this property housed the jail cells, and the top floor was originally a two-room cabin for the jailer. At some point in the 1950's, the top and bottom floors were expanded to create the cabin as it is today. The cell bars are no longer in place; however, there are original bars on the interior windows of the main floor jailhouse. Our families purchased the Jailhouse Cabin in 2025 and have worked to both restore and preserve its history. We hope you feel some 1950's era nostalgia during your stay in this vintage River Cabin.
Jailhouse Cabin Amenities:
Bedrooms & Bathroom
• 2 bedrooms, each with a comfortable queen bed
• 1 full bathroom with a step in tub/shower combo
• Linens, towels, and essentials provided
Kitchen & Living
The cabin includes everything needed for a relaxing stay:
• Full kitchen with range/oven, full size refrigerator, air fryer, toaster, and coffee maker
• TV and Wi Fi
• Cozy living area with vintage touches
Outdoor Features
• Screened in balcony perfect for morning coffee
• Newly constructed deck with peaceful river views
• Outdoor firepit for evening relaxation
• Private river boat launch
• Playground and sand volleyball
• Two pools: family pool + adults only pool
New for Summer 2026: An onsite restaurant and bar, Timeless Bagnell Gastropub, opening just steps from the cabin.
Reserve now to get a glimpse back into the early days of Bagnell, MO. You may even catch a view of a prisoner in the basement!
Location:
Bagnell, Missouri is located 7 minutes from the Historic Bagnell Dam Strip and the beautiful Lake of the Ozarks. We are located along the Osage River, roughly 4.5 miles below the dam. We are convenient to:
• Lake of the Ozarks attractions
• Local eateries and shops
• Water activities, fishing, and sightseeing
History of the City of Bagnell:
Bagnell was known as the “Railroad Tie Capital of the World”. Farmers upstream on the Osage River would “whack out” large Oak trees and float them down the river to be collected at Bagnell and be made into ties. From there they were shipped out via train on the Missouri Pacific Bagnell Branch line.
William Bagnell, the surveyor, founder, and namesake of the city, was instrumental in bringing the railway to Bagnell, MO. The Bagnell Branch operated from Jefferson City to Bagnell, between 1882-1954.
Bagnell also boasted its own ferry. At the time, it was the only way to cross the river between Linn Creek and Tuscumbia. Passengers, flocks of sheep and other livestock, as well as equipment and supplies were a part of the constant shuttle.
In its day, the lively city possessed a hotel, school, church, general store, lumberyard, and later a gas station as well as many other businesses and homes.
Bagnell was also instrumental in building the Bagnell Dam, as most of the supplies for the Dam were brought into the city via rail and ferried to the Dam site.
Once the roadway across the dam was opened, the ferry system was no longer needed. After numerous fires and floods, the city of Bagnell slowly faded into history.