Treehouse in the USA: Camp Wandawega

As an event venue, Camp Wandawega was established in 1925 and the history of this camp could be a blog post all on its own. From it being the hub of organized crime in the 20s to its rebirth as a legitimate camp in the 50s, its story is one of the things that attracts and fascinates tourists. The current owners of the camp have worked hard to preserve the original beauty of the area while also adding exciting and enticing new features to the grounds, one of which is Tom’s Treehouse!

Tom’s Treehouse has become quite iconic having been featured in a number of publications as well as a slot on the Today show! The construction was undertaken entirely by volunteers and the project took over a year to come into fruition. One of the main attractions of the building is the huge windows on every side, which creates a strong feeling that the interior of the building is connected to the outdoors. Rustic building materials help enhance this feeling, and the branch growing through the middle of the floor and exiting through the window does something to contribute too!

Hanging out in Tom’s Treehouse at Camp Wandawega is a real chance to relax and unwind. The first level offers a lounge; an incredibly comfortable communal space to sit with others and take in the panorama of the forest offered by the incredible windows. Simple wooden ladders lead up in all directions to two loft spaces, giving the chance for visitors to enjoy a little solitude and take in the view from a new perspective.

Tom’s Treehouse is not available to be booked. It is intended to be a focal point of the rustic camp, standing proud for all to be able to enjoy. The owners of the camp are keen to point out that they offer a no-frills, back-to-basics area for people to enjoy themselves and their natural surroundings. Various accommodation options at the camp like the Side-By-Side Vintage Cabins, Lakeview 3 Bedroom Cabin, or the Top level old bunkhouse, can be booked via Airbnb.

When visiting Camp Wandawega, it is highly recommended to check the schedule to see when the Elkhorn Antique Flea Market is in town. Many experienced flea market junkies consider this antique market one of the best in the Midwest, if not the U.S. In addition to the sort of hunting/fishing/rural stash you’d expect to find in Wisconsin, you’ll also spot a little bit of everything, from Victorian to Mid-century Modern design to ‘70s kitsch and everything in between.

Photo © Camp Wandawega / Lexia Frank / Bennett Young / Matt Scheffer