Tree House Camping
Regular readers know that we love to take our kids on weekend getaways and find it to be especially memorable when we stay in one-of-a-kind lodging. Last year, we went Caboose Camping (now an annual tradition having already returned to the cabooses this spring!), and we decided to embark on more adventures in our home state. This year, our newest adventure was staying in the treehoues at River of Life Farm. On the way, we explored landmarks...
As avid fans of The Little House Series we made a stop in Mansfield, MO, where we toured the Laura Ingalls Wilder Home and Museum (3068 Hwy A Mansfield, MO. 877.924.7126. http://lauraingallswilderhome.com/ Open March 1 – November 15: Monday thru Saturday 9:00AM to 5:00PM; Sunday 12:30PM to 5:00PM (Closed Easter Sunday). Admission: Children Under 6 - FREE, Ages 6-17 - $4, Adults 18 and over - $8, Seniors 65 and over - $6). The final home and museum of this famous Missouri author displays Pa’s fiddle, family photos and other artifacts and memorabilia. This is a must-see for fans of the “Little House” series. The museum is self-guided where guests see Laura's family memorabilia, photos and collectibles. Then, a video is shown prior to a tour of the small home. This tour is best for Elementary and up. After touring Laura's home, we headed to our lodging.
Our family enjoyed an unforgettable weekend getaway among the treetops at River of Life Farm (417.261.7777). In the Ozark Mountains on the North Fork of the White River lies River of Life Farm. The McKee family, owners and operators of River of Life Farm, have created a secluded and scenic getaway with breathtaking views of the 350-acre Ozark Mountain property and the falls of the White River beneath. The lodging is unique, with tree top accomodations. The McKee's built tree house lodge into the hills and surrounding trees, creating a picture-perfect escape. The lodges vary in size to accommodate everyone from couples wanting romantic getaways to families to groups. If, however, you prefer to stay firmly planted on the ground, they also offer lodge accommodations and camping.
Tip: Each lodge is beautifully decorated with stained glass windows, comfortable furniture, and breath-taking views and decks. The River of Life Farm website offers terrific photos and videos showing each lodge. Preview the photos before making your reservations!
The world is full of nice, ordinary little people who live in nice, ordinary little houses on the ground. But didn't you ever dream of a house up on a tree top? ~ Father Robinson from the film Swiss Family Robinson
We stayed in the Tree House, a beautifully appointed lodge with two bedrooms (each with a queen bed), a loft (with a queen and two twins), a family room and full kitchen. Each lodge includes a deck overlooking beautiful views of the property; ours offered vistas of the river and the falls that melodiously lulled us to sleep.
Our girls loved building a campfire, roasting marshmallows, hikin gand stargazing with a telescope! Our little ones aren't quite old enough for canoeing, but the site is a BEAUTIFUL place for canoeing and we look forward to returning for a family float trip in the future.
We also went for a drive on Saturday. River of Life Farm is surrounded, within 40 minutes, by several historic grist mills. We went for a sightseeing drive and took photos at Hodgson Mill, the most beautiful mill in Missouri, and then enjoyed lunch at Rockbridge Restaurant where we ate some of the famous local trout.
Looking for more? Read Unique & Unforgettable Family Vacations for more inspiration!