Tucked on the shores of Lake Delton in the Wisconsin Dells, a new kind of retreat is waiting 25-feet in the air.
The Kalahari Treehouse Adventures and Lakeside Cabins offer all of the nostalgia of an up north resort with a modern twist. The 12 treehouses, designed and built in partnership with Pete Nelson, star of “Treehouse Masters” on Animal Planet, overlook the shores of Lake Delton.
No two treehouses are alike. The wood, harvested from buildings in Seattle and taken from Oregon after a forest fire, is left untreated, filling the air with the scent of cedar, fir and pine.
“You’ll see the nail holes in the paneling on the walls,” Nelson says. “It feels so good to use this stuff that is otherwise getting trashed.”
Each treehouse’s foundation is suspended by support beams hand-painted by the Kalahari Theme Shop to blend in with the lush trees located at the center of each home. The wrap-around porches flow with the natural curves of the tree trunk, and a propane firepit makes for an ideal way to spend a night under the stars.
The Family Adventures Suite adds a whimsical touch with its curvy green slide winding down from the porch and a special stargazing net under the open sky. The interior of the treehouse feels like a dreamy childhood hideaway, with low ceilings and a spiral staircase leading up to a cozy loft and game nook.
The kitchenette’s appliances maintain a vintage vibe while still using state-of-the-art technology, giving guests everything they need for their home away from home.
Most treehouses can sleep between six and eight, with an opportunity to rent multiple for larger groups. The main bedrooms have plush king-sized beds, and the lofts have queens. Twin bunk beds can be found in the family treehouses, perfect for little ones. In the winter, the floors are kept warm with radiant heat, and in the summer the air conditioning keeps the air crisp, making the stay cozy year round.
Plus, Kalahari is opening a brand-new dining destination – Daylene’s Supper Club. The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner – and it’s just a short walk away about the treehouses. Daylene’s elevates the classic Midwestern supper club experience. Inside, guests can order an old fashioned at the ’50s-style bar before enjoying dishes like filet mignon, seared salmon, pork chop Diane and much more. The dark washed wood and warm lighting make Daylene’s feel modern but homey. It’s the kind of place where you want to sip your drink slowly and savor each bite.
And of course, the water is never far. Each guest at the Treehouse Adventures and Lakeside Cabins enjoys access at the Kalahari Resort’s indoor waterpark, direct access to Lake Delton Beach and a private pool and hot tub just steps away from treehouses.
“This property feels quintessentially ‘up north’ – where you can relax, boat, fish, sit around a fire,” says Travis Nelson, president of the Kalahari. “I can’t wait for guests to experience it.”
The Kalahari Treehouse Adventures and Lakeside Cabins are officially open and taking reservations at this link.
Photos
BY CHRIS MALCHOW / MILMAG STUDIO
