There’s nothing that brings back childhood delight like a treehouse, am I right?

This past year, as I’ve been exploring my home state, I’ve been on the hunt for charming towns and unique abodes that are worthy of a long weekend stay. After scouring online roundups, Google searches, and Airbnb, I finally found a dreamy place to stay – A treehouse!

Believe it or not, an overnight treehouse is hard to find. This one is considered the only legal overnight stay treehouse in the metro area. So you can imagine, when I stumbled upon it, I was quite excited! It’s a hidden gem.

It’s located at the edge of the woods on the historic Hope Glen Farm. I say ‘historic’ because it is, indeed, on the Historic Register.

Fun Fact: One morning in 1929, the farm owner’s wife, Mrs. Healy, was serving breakfast to a guest who had stumbled upon the farmstead. She noted that the gentleman was well-dressed (in a suit) and very kind. In fact, for her generosity, he insisted that she take $10 for helping him, which would have been a large sum of money at that time.

The next days, with his face plastered in newspapers, Mrs. Healy discovered that the man she had served was none other than the famous gangster Machine Gun Kelly, who had been passing through after his latest bank robbery!

Once you see it, you’ll be amazed by how large the treehouse actually is. Along with a kitchen, living room, bedroom, two bathrooms, four outdoor decks, and a tower that’s perfect for stargazing, it also has, wait for it…

A secret room!

And that’s the most I’ll say about it. Once you get settled in, it’s great fun trying to hunt down the entryway of the secret room. And if you’re having trouble finding it, not to worry. You can text the owner, Michael, and he’ll provide you with a hint.

We visited in the winter, which actually ended up being quite a cozy visit. Along with the fireplace in the living room to set the ambiance, the entire place has heated floors which I absolutely loved. Says the person who always has cold tootsies.

You’ll have everything you need right in the kitchen – We bought groceries for our stay and ended up cooking in for each meal. There’s also a coffee pot, kitchen utensils, pots and pans, and dishes that you can utilize.

The cozy breakfast nook ended up being a prime spot for meals, work, and of course, games.

The master bedroom is downstairs. It’s a cozy room with a small gas fireplace, a table to work at, and a comfy Queen-sized bed that you could stay in all day.

Across the hallway is the master bathroom which has a large, ornate vanity, a two-person Jacuzzi bathtub, and a rain shower.

Last but not least is the treehouse tower. To get into the room, you’ll need to climb up a ladder. But no worries, your hard work will pay off. Once you’re at the top, you’ll find a cute seating area that’s perfect for morning coffee or reading a book. And at night, you can use the telescope to explore the night sky.

We had a great time visiting in winter, but I’d love to go back in the summer or fall so we can get the full effect. There are a few outdoor decks I would have loved to utilize. I guess that means I’ll have to make a trip back!

The treehouse is perfect for a romantic getaway, writers looking to break their block, or simply a quick solo getaway for a slower pace away from the city. Just browsing through the guestbook, you’ll find that many couples have enjoyed the treehouse for their anniversary.

And look at this beautiful painting of the treehouse’s grand fireplace that a guest included. I told you this place is inspirational!

By the way, if the treehouse is not available, the owners have a cottage on the property that you can stay at as well. It has a nice big kitchen, vaulted ceilings, and even a swing up in the loft.

What To Do In The Area

The treehouse is located on Hope Glen Farm near Cottage Grove, MN. It’s a quick drive into the city center so you’ll have easy access to all the stores and restaurants you might need.

If you’re planning on staying in the treehouse in the spring, summer, or fall, I have good news for you. There are numerous activities for you to enjoy! If you love being outdoors, plan to bring your bicycle and hiking shoes so you can explore all of the parks and biking paths in the area. It’s close to the Great River Road as well, which is perfect for scenic coffee drives in the morning.

During the winter, you can enjoy snowshoeing and cross-country skiing in the parks as well.

The city of Hasting is nearby and where you can find Vermillion Falls Park. In the wintertime, you’ll get an icy wonderland. But imagine how beautiful it looks in the summer and fall. Another fun stop is Prescott, WI on the other side of the river. It’s a cute little town with more restaurant options to choose from.

Here’s a quick overview of a few things you can do during your stay:

• Head to Hastings and walk their historic downtown. You’ll find antique stores, clothing boutiques, and restaurants. If you’re up for it, you can enjoy the riverwalk if you’re up for a stroll.
• If you’re looking for a great photo, head to Vermillion Falls Park to get a pretty picture of the waterfall. It has an edgy, warehouse backdrop that makes for an interesting shot.
• Are you looking for a dinner spot? Head across the river to Prescott, WI, and enjoy Muddy Waters, which has a great patio and panoramic views of the Mississippi.
• If you love bike riding or hiking, be sure to enjoy all that the parks and paths in the area have to offer.
• Take a drive on the Great River Road. From experience, it’s quite lovely in the fall with the leaves changing color.

So How Do I Book This Place Already?

I’m glad you asked! It’s pretty easy to book: Just head to the Hope Glen Farm Treehouse listing on Airbnb.

I hope you love your treehouse stay as much as I did. It is a magical place that brings so much joy and much-needed relaxation.

Let’s go places,
Sarah

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Have you ever stayed in a treehouse? Share your experience with me in the comments section below.

I have collaborated with the owners of the treehouse for this post, but all opinions are mine.

All photos on this blog post are mine. Feel free to share but please credit me with a link back to the blog. Much appreciated and thank you for your support!