Author
Annie Klusendorf
No matter the season, renting a cozy cabin is the perfect way to embrace vacation and get in touch with nature. Whether you're looking to establish a home base for a weekend of hiking, snowshoeing, climbing, or skiing, or seeking a secluded spot for a few days of resting and recharging with a good book and a roaring fire pit, cabins beat a hotel room any day. Want to elevate the fun even further? Do it literally: rent a treehouse instead.
Treehouse rentals immerse visitors in their surrounding forest. If renting a cabin sounds like your ideal way to explore nature, imagine having the same amenities and comforts, but up in a tree. It sounds like a gimmick, but we're not talking about the plywood clubhouse you dreamed of as a kid—a proper treehouse rental comes with all the amenities of a home on the ground.
You often don't have to go to Costa Rica to find a good treehouse for rent either—there are plenty of options on Airbnb and VRBO. And with parks and trails across the west overrun by travelers, it's easy to be intimidated by the crowds in popular destinations like California or Texas. Often-overlooked states like Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan provide plenty of outdoor adventure and cozy cabin opportunities, including treehouses.
Known as the Land of 10,000 Lakes, Minnesota is outdoor lover's ideal destination. The state offers thousands of miles of hiking and biking trails (mountain bikers will especially want to note the courses at Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area), 3.8 million acres of fishable waters, and 66 state parks including Grand Portage State Park, home to a 120-foot-tall waterfall. The state is also known for the famed Boundary Waters, a protected 1,200-mile wilderness area of lakes and woods accessible only by canoe.
Along with the Nordlys cabin and the Off-Grid Inn (for those who prefer to keep their feet on the ground) in neighboring Wisconsin, the six treehouses on this list are more proof that the Midwest is anything but flyover country. Scroll on for the best treehouses to rent in Minnesota.
Dixon Lake Treehouse - Dunbar, Minnesota
Vibe: Private Lakefront
Situated right on Dixon Lake, this treehouse offers a private and rustic glamping experience. Though the interior decor leaves some room for improvement, visitors can enjoy a sandy, quiet beachfront, complimentary shared kayaks and a paddleboat, and a large sauna on the property. There's also a shared lakeside courtyard with a gas grill, grilling tools, and a fire pit with wood provided. This is still rustic living though—there's no heat or air conditioning, kitchen, or shower.
Rate: $295/night
Treehouse Mansion - Cottage Grove, Minnesota
Vibe: Luxury Suite
Just outside St. Paul, this treehouse mansion is the ideal spot for those looking to combine luxury and nature. Built into a 150-year-old Burr Oak tree, the treehouse rental boasts a full kitchen, two fireplaces, a hot tub, and four different decks for relaxing (the observation deck even comes with a professional-grade telescope for stargazing). Visitors can take a day trip to Vermillion Falls Park for hiking trails and waterfall views, or use bikes provided by the hosts to explore Cottage Grove Ravine Regional Park.
Rate: $299/night
Crosslake Treetop Escape - Crosslake, Minnesota
Vibe: Treetop Modern
A unique take on a classic treehouse, this elevated two-story "treetop cabin" combines a relaxing dose of nature with modern amenities like a fully stocked kitchen, WiFi, a bathtub, and even a TV with access to streaming services. Situated within walking distance of Crosslake (though there's also a shuttle service that will pick you up at the cabin), visitors can spend the day in town or out on the miles of hiking trails surrounding the treehouse. And, as the town name suggests, there's no shortage of lakes nearby for a day of swimming, boating, fishing, and relaxing by the water.
Rate: $175/night
Pine Forest Cabins - Whitetail Woods Regional Park, Minnesota
Vibe: Elevated Tiny House
Though not technically built into the trees, this trio of elevated cabins in Whitetail Woods Regional Park were designed with treehouses in mind. The public cabins are raised 16 feet off the ground using concrete pillars and feature large windows to help immerse visitors in the surrounding forest. Each tiny cabin can sleep up to six people, though at only 227 square feet, you may want to choose your group wisely.
Rate: $90/night
Nestling Pines Treehouse - Mabel, Minnesota
Vibe: In the Trees
True to its name, Nestling Pines provides a quiet getaway tucked into the forest. Complete with electricity, running water, and a full bathroom, the treehouse ensures a comfortable stay for up to four people. Take a day trip to Mystery Cave State Park for hiking trails and an underground adventure, and spend the evening relaxing around the outdoor fire pit and sitting area.
Rate: $195/night
Tettegouche Log Cabin - Silver Bay, Minnesota
Vibe: Comfort Classic
More a house of trees than a treehouse, this log cabin provides both a refuge in the woods and views of Lake Superior. A sauna, fire pit, and large back deck await visitors looking for a relaxing trip to the woods. For those planning to adventure, be sure to visit Palisade Head to see stunning cliff views, Tettegouche State Park for waterfall swimming, and the aptly named Black Beach, where, yes, the sand is actually black.
Rate: $275/night
Published 12-06-2021
