Tourists Can Stay At This Unique Nature Resort At Illinois' Iconic Starved Rock State Park

Who didn't love climbing trees back when they were a kid? And if you were lucky enough to have your very own treehouse, we're jealous. 

Well, just about a 90‑mile drive from Chicago lies some new treehouses you'll want to rent for your next weekend getaway. The Treehouses at Starved Rock is a luxury resort perched (literally) on a 26‑acre property bordering Starved Rock State Park in Ottawa, Illinois. This passion project from owner Mike Ambrose is still expanding, but some of the completed houses are officially open for guests.

Each treehouse sleeps up to eight guests in three-bedroom layouts that blend rustic woodsy design with all the modern amenities you can ask for: fully outfitted kitchens, bathrooms, screened porches, fireplace, smart TVs, and — something everyone can appreciate on vacation — a solid WiFi signal. There are even private bonfire pits and firewood (take from the pile on the honor system at $8 a bundle). The treehouses are heated and air‑conditioned, and they include purified tap water — no bottled water needed.

So, what else makes a stay at Starved Rock Treehouses unique? You step out your door and are just moments away from 13 miles of scenic hiking trails, wooded canyons, seasonal waterfalls, sandstone bluffs, overlooks, and riverfront vistas. And from your treehouse perched between 12 and 20 feet above the ground, you get the best views. This gateway to nature makes this resort one more entry on our list of charming tree houses for rent around the world.

Starved Rock State Park, aka "the Grand Canyon of the midwest," spans 2,630 acres along the Illinois River, drawing over 2 million visitors a year. A dramatic post‑glacial landscape scattered with canyon waterfalls, towering St. Peter sandstone cliffs, and lush biodiversity makes this one of the state's most iconic public lands. Guests staying at the Treehouses at Starved Rock can easily get out on the water by renting a hydrobike ($55 for two hours or two bikes all day for $200) or kayak ($45 for two hours or $70 all day). What better way to relax surrounded by nature and thriving wildlife?

Another highlight is the park's well‑marked trails, ranging from easy walks to moderate canyon treks — popular routes include French, LaSalle, Ottawa and St. Louis Canyons. In winter, many of the waterfalls freeze into surreal icefalls for a unique experience (and stunning Instagram shots).

Start at the Visitor Center, open daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (closed federal holidays), which offers exhibits on the park's geology and Native American and French fur‑trade history. Interactive films such as "In the Shadow of the Rock" are available upon request, and the park's Junior Ranger Program offers hands-on learning for young nature lovers. With its geological wonders, rich history, and year‑round outdoor access, Starved Rock is a top Midwest destination for nature lovers — and your treehouse stay puts you smack dab in the heart of it.

For travelers planning their treehouse getaway, here's what you need to know. While there are only two treehouses open for booking at the time of writing, more are on the way. Booking requires a two‑night minimum, and there's a $100 cleaning fee plus 10.64% hotel tax added to your total. The treehouses are currently priced at $650 per night during the week and $750 per night over the weekend. Visitors can cancel for up to 30 days before check-in, and booking ahead is recommended (although they encourage you to call for last-minute bookings to see what may be available).

As for getting to the park, Ottawa, Illinois is about 90 minutes from Chicago and roughly 2.5 hours from Milwaukee. Starved Rock State Park is accessible via IL‑71, and the Treehouses' website says there's a "Welcome to Starved Rock" sign across from their driveway. The treehouses work on a self-check-in basis using digital door locks, but the owner's number is readily available in case visitors need any direct help — Mike is just a text or call away.

The Treehouses at Starved Rock offer an unforgettable nature retreat, providing modern creature comforts just steps from hiking trails, waterfalls, and full-on Mother Nature. Whether you're planning a romantic getaway or a family retreat, this escape will charm you from the treetops down to the river bluffs.