13 Treehouse Stays Across Missouri

Treehouses and Missouri go together like cake and ice cream. Between towering limestone bluffs and forests filled with old-growth trees, our state is optimal for building a scenic treetop escape. After the show Treehouse Masters first aired on Animal Planet in 2013, it inspired people to want to stay in a luxury treehouse. For me, that desire never went away! One question still had me hooked: What is so special about staying in a treehouse? I decided to venture out and discover what staying in a treehouse was like, both to quench my curiosity and to add to yours. Here are 13 treehouse stays around the state.

River of Life Farm • Dora

(Dora) The River of Life Farm is a treehouse-lovers delight, nestled into the Ozark Mountains. Anne McKee, co-owner of the farm alongside husband Myron McKee, says that the dream for the business started over 30 years ago with a single cabin alongside the North Fork of the White River. The business has now expanded to 12 treehouses and nine cabins that guests can choose from. The treehouses are situated on over 500 acres of land, making for a spacious and private stay for each visitor. “They come and they say, ‘There’s no way you could have that many people here!’ The treehouses are pretty spread out, so people don’t feel crowded. That’s a real draw for people,” Anne says. In addition to the treehouses, the River of Life Farm is also known for its world-class trout fishing, guided float trips, on-site hiking trails, bird-watching, and more. To book one of their treehouses, visit RiverOfLifeFarm.com.

Enchanted Forest Treehouse • Union

The Enchanted Forest Treehouse in Union was created to help people get away from the stresses of life and connect with nature. This mission first started with co-owners Marsha Conley and Darryl Moses brainstorming fun ideas while planning their retirement. “I had been in the medical field as a surgical assistant for 40-plus years, and it was time for a change of quality of life, honestly, to get out of all that stress and craziness,” Marsha says. Marsha designed and decorated the treehouse. Darryl, with the help of contracted workers, built it, situating the treehouse on large oak trees on the property. “We respected the trees throughout the build, and we have an arborist that gives them a ‘spa day’ every six months,” Marsha says. Spa days for the trees include pruning, deep-root feeding, a new layer of protective mulch, and treating the trees to remove harmful bugs. Darryl and Marsha made a point to repurpose any wood that was taken down while building the treehouse and turned it into furniture that can be found inside the structure. In addition to custom-built wood furniture, the treehouse is also home to other artisan creations such as wrought-iron rails handcrafted by Pat McCarty, a blacksmith in Silver Dollar City, locally made blown-glass fixtures and stained-glass windows, a painted mural of mermaids in the bathroom, and hand-thrown pottery by artist Cindy Frick. “We’re kind of starting to become just a bit of an interactive art display,” Marsha jokes. A stay at this whimsical, art-filled treehouse can be booked at EnchantedForestTreeHouse.com.

Tree Hugger Hideaway • Branson

Emily and Hunter Carr began building their treehouse hideaway in 2022. While Emily worked on the design of the home, including color palettes and layout, Hunter designed the structure itself. “The design is just my husband’s brainchild,” Emily says. “A lot of it was based on terrain. We wanted as few walls as possible, like a real treehouse would be. We wanted it to feel super open, have as many windows as possible, and we wanted the outside of it to blend with the landscape,” Emily says. Hunter’s experience working in the construction industry and Emily’s talent for design made them a dream team for building a home up in the trees. With air conditioning and heat, two bathrooms, a kitchen, a luggage lift to the upstairs loft, and free WiFi, a stay in the trees at Tree Hugger Hideaway boasts comfort and tranquility. This treehouse is a short drive from both the Branson Landing and Silver Dollar City while still being far enough away from the city to truly unwind. To book a stay at this treehouse, visit TreeHuggerHideaway.com.

The Cottage • Hermann

Nestled in the 11-acre property, the Moonlight treehouse is the largest structure that The Cottage owners Keely and Lee Pettijohn designed and constructed. Along the trail to Moonlight, you can discern its unique structure; it was not what many would consider a typical treehouse. While the back section of Moonlight is supported by trees, the entrance begins at the edge of a gravel pathway and extends—with the help of a beautiful wide wooden bridge—right to the door of the treehouse. Instead of a ladder or stairs spiraling upward into a structure in the trees, Keely and Lee built this treehouse off the side of a limestone bluff. The front of the structure is completely flush and level to the ground, allowing visitors in wheelchairs to also stay in the trees. paradise. Inside the Moonlight treehouse are three queen-sized beds—allowing for up to six visitors—and two full-sized bathrooms. Each of the cabins at The Cottage has a microwave, a minifridge, a coffee machine, and a porch with a million-dollar view! To lean more, visit HermannCottage.com.

Almost Heaven Treehouse • Bunker

This treehouse is fitted with a swinging bridge, a fire pit, and several board games. It is located on the banks of the Big Creek in the Ozarks and within 10 miles of Echo Bluff State Park.

Cozy Riverside Treehouse • Hillsboro

A great getaway for two, the Cozy Riverside Treehouse includes a full kitchen and on-site laundry for guests. Snuggle up indoors for a movie on the Smart TV or explore the Big River right outside the door.

Pet Friendly Treehouse • Dittmer

One of few pet-friendly treehouses in the state, this treehouse offers a place for your furry best friend, along with a kitchenette, hot tub, and space to sleep five guests.

Sunrise Treehouse • Jonesburg

The Sunrise Treehouse is a modern build overlooking a private forest with a fully equipped kitchen space and a Keurig coffee station.

The Chateau • Potosi

This custom-built treehouse has a hot tub, fireplace, fully equipped kitchen, and a massive wooden deck with a view of Sayersbrook Lake.

The Glade Top Fire Tower • Bradleyville

Though not built using a tree for support, this “treehouse” stands almost 40 feet high and is surrounded by a forest of tall trees, an outdoor shower, and a natural-rock hot tub.

The Treehouse • Grubville

This treehouse boasts a firepit with hammocks and swinging chairs both inside and out, complimentary s’mores, hiking trails, and a creek with a waterfall, all on site.

Tranquil Treehouse on Tablerock Lake • Eagle Rock

The Tranquil Treehouse is fitted with a red tin roof, a 16-foot-high front deck to sit and relax on, free internet, a record player, a cozy electric fireplace, and antique fixtures, such as a 130-year-old door.

Treeloft at Basecamp • Perryville

This wheelchair-friendly treehouse is equipped with a gas fireplace and a hot tub. It is surrounded by towering eastern red cedars.

This article originally appeared in the June 2025 edition of Missouri Life.