Starved Rock Is Great, but Staying Overnight Just Got Better

While a trip to Starved Rock is awesome, it's usually an in-and-out type of deal unless you're sleeping in a tent. For me, that's not happening, but after hearing about this option, I'm starting to think it's definitely in the cards for an overnight or two.

READ MORE: 5 of Illinois’ Most Scenic & Unique Airbnbs You’ll Want to Book ASAP (features a treehouse near Starved Rock)

Welcome to Starved Rock Treehouses: A Modern, Rustic Escape

That's because Mike Ambrose, who spent four years planning and building, just opened Starved Rock Treehouses. It's a 26-acre resort featuring rental "tree homes" that are loaded, complete with lofted living rooms, bathrooms, modern-rustic decor, and Wi-Fi for those of us who can't live without TikTok. There are also fireplaces, bonfire pits, and decks that can extend up to 20 feet high.

READ MORE: 10 Places in Illinois Every Resident Must Visit At Least Once (includes Starved Rock State Park)

These Treehouses Near Starved Rock Are Big Enough for the Whole Crew

These aren't some tiny little tree houses either. These guys put the "house" in tree house, as these places can fit eight people comfortably, too. If you are interested in renting one of Ambrose's treehouses, two are now open and ready to go, with two more nearing completion.

Nature Outside, Netflix Inside: A Treehouse Stay Worth Booking

Long term, Ambrose wants to have 25 total treehouses for people to rent out. So if you're like me, and roughing it means a poor cell signal with no air conditioning, these Starved Rock treehouses are a considerable upgrade. These stays are so good that the Starved Rock treehouse slogan should be "Nature on the outside, Netflix on the inside."

LOOK: Stunning vintage photos capture the beauty of America's national parks

Today these parks are located throughout the country in 25 states and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The land encompassing them was either purchased or donated, though much of it had been inhabited by native people for thousands of years before the founding of the United States. These areas are protected and revered as educational resources about the natural world, and as spaces for exploration.

Keep scrolling for 50 vintage photos that show the beauty of America's national parks.

Gallery Credit: Alexander Raeburn

LOOK: Must-do activities at every national park

Stacker lists the must-do activities at every national park ranked by the annual number of visitors. 

Gallery Credit: Angela Underwood

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