7 Magical Treehouse Rentals in Michigan

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Michigan is a can’t-miss destination, lying on the border of four out of the five Great Lakes. With a long coastline, pristine forestland for miles, and ample opportunities for fun on the water, Michigan should be near the top of every traveler’s bucket list.

With something to do every season, there is truly no bad time to visit the mitten-shaped state. Well-known for leaf-peeping opportunities in the fall, summer cabins on the shore during the warmer months, and epic cross-country skiing the winter, there is plenty to keep travelers coming back season after season. Fortunately, many of the best treehouse rentals in Michigan have heating and A/C.

After all, outdoor activities are often best paired with stay that feels tucked away in nature. So why not book a magical treehouse for your next Michigan getaway? Offering all the joys of outdoor camping, without the set up and hassle, treehouse stays bring the best of both worlds: the outdoors and (varying degrees of) luxury.

Ranging from a kid-friendly cabin on a private island to a ranger-outpost-inspired treehouse to an enchanted waterfront cottage overlooking Lake Michigan, the listings below are the cream of the crop when it comes to treehouse rentals in Michigan.

Related Read: 6 Cozy Treehouse Rentals in Ohio

1. Outpost Treehouse

outpost treehouse Michigan — Photo: Airbnb

Why you should stay: Quirky “lookout” cabin with an extra covered safari tent for bonus guests.

Nearest town: East Leroy
Sleeps: 4
Minimum stay: 1 night
Rates from: $132/night

Inspired by the design of forest ranger lookouts, this unique treehouse outpost sits surrounded by a white pine forest. It’s on a workin 65-acre farm with frequent wildlife visitors, so little ones and adults will delight in kicking back on the wrap-around porch and keeping eyes peeled for white-tail deer, turkeys, owls, and coyotes.

The small space has most modern amenities you’d want, including air conditioning, which will be a real hit if you stay in July or August. And for $20 extra per night, you can use the safari-style glamping tent next door. With a screened-in porch, it’s great for a second couple or older kids.

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2. Serenity Now Treehouse

Why you should stay: Child-free love nest overlooking White River.

Nearest town: Whitehall
Sleeps: 2
Minimum stay: 2 nights
Rates from: $225/night

Dreamy Serenity Now treehouse lies just 15-minutes away from the beaches of Lake Michigan and makes for the perfect romantic getaway. Sit out on the private backyard patio to enjoy the peace and quiet, while admiring the White River below.

You won’t have Wi-Fi, but there is a fully stocked games cupboard in the case you find yourself visiting during a rainy day. During the warmer months, head down to the water’s edge to find a rowboat for guests who want to paddle down the creek. To end off the day, fire up the BBQ to whip up a gourmet meal to be enjoyed on the back deck, taking in the incredible views in the process.

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3. Enchanted Treehouse On Lake Michigan

enchanted treehouse Lake Michigan — Photo: VRBO

Why you should stay: Stay on a sand dune with private lakeside access to Lake Michigan.

Nearest town: Grand Haven
Sleeps: 10
Stay: 2 nights
Rates from: $260/night

Settle into the lakefront treehouse to take in breathtaking views of the water, regardless of what room you’re in. Designed by a highly regarded area architect, the cottage was modern in the 1970s but now feels like a cool vintage lake cabin perfectly tucked into its natural surroundings.

Head down the steps and down the dune to reach the private beach. Park blankets and chairs down on the sugar-fine sand and jump into the crystal clear water for a refreshing dip. This Michigan treehouse rental has plenty of space with three bedrooms and an extra sleeping loft, so it’s a good option for large families – especially if the kids like to stay up late watching TV.

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4. Beautiful Treehouse Under the Stars

michigan treehouse cottage — Photo: Hipcamp

Why you should stay: Cute accommodations near the Michigan Renaissance Festival and other outdoor attractions.

Nearest town: Holly
Sleeps: 2
Minimum stay: 1 night
Rates from: $90/night

Settle in to this cottage-style treehouse surrounded by trees and gardens just an hour outside of Detroit. While not a traditional built-into-the-trees type of treehouse, this cozy house-on-stilts still offers feeling of living above the ground, and is surrounded by trees and gardens.

If you’re looking for a cute place to rest your head near the Michigan Renaissance Festival (open weekends from late August through Labor Day each year), this is the place to stay. There’s plenty of other attractions nearby if you come a different part of the year too. The treehouse is less than five miles from Heron Lake and Heron Beach, Holly Oaks ORV Park, and the Mt. Holly Ski and Snowboard Resort.

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5. Purple Palace Tiny Treehouse

Why you should stay: A budget friendly Michigan treehouse rental on a former llama farm.

Nearest town: Benzonia
Sleeps: 2
Minimum stay: 3 nights
Rates from: $64/night

Rustic camping at its finest, this tiny treehouse is the perfect escape for a night away. While cozy in size, there is ample to explore on the former farm, since converted into an active campground. The house overlooks the lush, plentiful gardens and guests are welcome to stroll through the property, which includes gardens and a hedge maze

There may not be a kitchen, but the campsite is home to plenty of campfire rings with grill access and large picnic tables for whipping together a spread. After a long, full day of playing outdoors, cool off in the outdoor shower while enjoying the chirps of birds overhead. For safety reasons, guests have to be at least 7 years old.

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6. Tree House Ridge

treehouse ridge Michigan — Photo: https://www.treehouseridgemi.com/

Why you should stay: A brand new treehouse resort opening in early summer 2021.

Nearest town: Thompsonville
Sleeps: 4+
Minimum stay: 1 night
Rates from: Not yet announced

Welcome to Michigan’s first treehouse resort set to open soon (as of June 2021.) With 10 self-contained and custom-built treehouses to choose from, families of any size will be able to find the right Michigan treehouse rental — or rentals, depending on the size of your group.

While there are plenty of outdoorsy activities to choose from like fishing, golfing, boating, and skiing, guests looking for a more lux experience will also have access to wine and cider tours. Treehouses also have Wi-Fi, in case you do need to catch up on emails.

The resort will be open year-round so guests can experience the changing seasons. An exact opening date isn’t set, but you can register online to get an email notification when they’re ready to take reservations.

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7. Fernside Aframe

fern side frame Michigan — Photo: Airbnb

Why you should stay: Feels like a treehouse, minus the risk of falling.

Nearest town: Indian River
Sleeps: 4
Minimum stay: 1 night
Rates from: $408/night

In the case there are no treehouses available — or a treehouse rental isn’t for you, for whatever reason – this sprawling A-frame cabin is a fantastic alternative. Resting on the banks of the Sturgeon River, guests wake each morning to the sounds of the babbling water just outside your window. There’s no TV, but you do get heat, air conditioning, and Wi-Fi fast enough for streaming.

But you’ll mostly want to be outside while you’re here. Take time to cool off in the river or hang out on the water tube for max relaxation. When you need a break from the heat, take a nap inside the air conditioned cabin, then enjoy a campfire under a blanket of stars. Keep your eyes peeled: it’s not uncommon to spot a falling star or two here.

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