One of the most amazing treehouses you’ve ever seen is tucked in the woods on Lake Wandawega in southeastern Wisconsin, near Alpine Valley.
Part of the amazing set-up at Camp Wandawega, this treehouse cannot be rented on its own. It’s part of the property at Camp Wandawega and for use of guests. The only way to access it is to take part in one of their retreats, attend a wedding held there or rent out one of their cabins on Air BnB – and they are not cheap. One three-bedroom cabin is listed at $550 a night. The top floor of the bunk house sleeps 12 and is up for $1000 per night. Two side-by-side cabins sleep six combined at are up for $650.
Wandawega is no-frills and rustic. They have a “Manifesto of Low Expectations.” The treehouse is first class, but the rest of your experience is truly that of camping. Even still – it might be worth it to pool the resources with a few of your friends just to reclaim your childhood in this treehouse.
Camp Wandawega started in 1925 and has some colorful roots.
Yelp/Matt D
What started as a Prohibition hideaway moved into a house of ill repute.
Yelp/Matt D.
From there, the camp saw life as a religious retreat before moving on to a straight family campground.
Yelp/Erica G
The treehouse is an actual labor of love. When the current owners bought it, one of their fathers hung a rope swing on the tree that stood in the center of the property.
Facebook/Camp.Wandawega
He passed away 18 months later. Then the tree was diagnosed with Dutch Elm’s Disease but the owners couldn’t stand to cut it down.
Wandawega.com
The limbs were no good, but the trunk was sturdy and soon the idea for the treehouse - a tribute to their deceased parent - was born.
Facebook/Camp.Wandawega
The whole house was built for free using the talent and labor of their friends.
Wandawega.com
The treehouse is three stories and has a few of the remaining limbs coming through on the third level.
Wandawega.com
It’s meant to be a communal space for all who visit Camp Wandawega.
Wandawega.com
The interior is virtually all reclaimed in one way or another. It lends a rustic charm to the whimsy of the giant treehouse.
Wandawega.com
It’s not hard to close your eyes and picture yourself here, whether it’s a morning coffee on the deck or an afternoon reading a book.
Wandawega.com
Large windows let in tons of sunshine and give warmth to the homey atmosphere.
Wandawega.com
No detail has been overlooked and the house really feels like it’s an organic part of the landscape.
Wandawega.com
The rope swing is still there, delighting guests and honoring the past.
Wandawega.com
The inside has huge vaulted ceilings and some of the most magnificent views out over the property.
Wandawega.com
A loft to nap in, a wood burning stove and the antler chandelier are just some of the fabulous touches.
Facebook/Camp.Wandawega
Have you ever visited Camp Wandawega? Tell us about your experience!
Yelp/Matt D
Yelp/Matt D.
Yelp/Erica G
Facebook/Camp.Wandawega
Wandawega.com
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