If you’re looking for a getaway that feels equal parts cozy, adventurous, and indulgent, the Treehouses at Starved Rock deliver on all fronts. Tucked away in the woods near Illinois Canyon, these thoughtfully crafted treehouses are more than just a place to sleep—they’re an experience. We were invited to stay at one of the treehouses, so my son and I went as part of my birthday weekend. It turned out to be the perfect mix of nature, comfort, and fun.
From the moment we arrived, it was clear that every detail had been considered. The craftsmanship of the treehouse itself was impressive—sturdy, stylish, and nestled high enough in the trees to feel like a true escape. Inside, we were greeted with comfort and convenience. The beds were comfortable—so much so that we actually slept in later than planned, even though I always have a hard time sleeping somewhere else the first night! And we barely had to bring anything. The treehouse was stocked with pretty much everything we needed and we loved the plush towels and washcloths. We felt taken care of and made to feel comfortable.
One of the best parts? Just a short walk down a gravel path leads you directly onto the Illinois Canyon Trail within Starved Rock State Park and the dock with four kayaks and two hydrobikes for rent. We had never tried hydrobiking before, so we ventured out on the bikes first and it ended up being a highlight of the trip. We pedaled through the peaceful creek, watched fish leap out of the water, and made it all the way to where the creek meets the river. We turned back there because we wanted to hike too, but if you’re feeling adventurous, you could continue on to riverside restaurants—it’s that accessible!
After hiking to Illinois Canyon, we drove into nearby Ottawa for dinner. The food was fantastic, and we loved seeing all of the public art and there are also art galleries, cute shops, and dessert shops to enjoy too. After a full day, we returned to the treehouse and ended the evening relaxing by the fire pit.
The next morning, we made our way to Matthiessen State Park to catch the sunflower fields in bloom (typically late July to early August), then explored St. Louis Canyon on the opposite end of Starved Rock. We even stopped at a farm stand on the way home to buy some local peaches. It’s amazing how much you can pack into a weekend here.
And here’s something you all will love: the owner of Ambrose Builders and “CTO” (Chief Treehouse Officer), Mike Ambrose, is from Downers Grove—so this special spot is locally created and thoughtfully run! He sends emails leading up to your stay, which include tips and recommendations for places to go and where to eat nearby.
The high-end treehouse vacation rentals that he created have a lofted living room with an electric fireplace and plenty of games to keep the fun going, bathroom, multiple bedrooms and modern-rustic decor. Think tree slab counter-tops, sliding barn doors, an upper deck with lounge chairs and main deck with a grill, chairs, and a table for outside dining. We stayed in Treehouse 2, which has three bedrooms and can sleep up to 8 people with a pull-out sofa.
These treehouses would be great for a family getaway, couples trip, or girls’ weekend. Two of the treehouses are complete and two more look to be almost done, so you can have family friends stay at the same time for shared adventures and cozy fireside time.
A few notes to keep in mind: there’s a two-night minimum. Kayak and hydrobike rentals as well as firewood are an additional fee. If you’re looking for a unique, nature-filled escape with all the cozy touches, this treehouse retreat is a truly special experience—just a short drive from home, but a world away.
