The best treehouse rentals near Des Moines, Iowa

In central Iowa, Des Moines is a welcoming city situated in the heart of farm country. The city and surrounding area is filled with state parks offering access to open space and trail systems. Visitors should check local events calendars when in the city, as live music and large farmers markets create a mellow and fun atmosphere. A surprising number of trails are convenient to town for both hikers and mountain bikers, making it easy to stay active on your visit before heading out of town to see more natural beauty.

100% (5)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Luxury in Nature Near Des Moines

100%

(5)

12mi from Des Moines · 2 sites · Lodging · Norwalk, IA

Come home to luxury in nature in this spacious, double king-bed treehouse and sleep among the stars. Expansive views of rolling hills greet you as you sip your pour-over coffee on the wrap around balcony twenty feet above ground. Rain? No problem. Tuck away on the three-season screened-in porch to watch the iconic Iowa pink sunsets. Built with special touches including stained glass and intricate woodwork, this treehouse boasts warmth throughout and is sure to be a once-in-a-lifetime get-away. The scent of pine will carry you through a wooded trail that opens to this spacious treehouse towering 30 feet above the ground. Climb the unique staircase, thoughtfully crafted with historic details, wrapped around a 75 year old tree. Inside, two lofts, each boasting a king-size bed, welcome you to sleep easy or sleep late, because there's no need to rush and nowhere to be, unless you want -- This unique treehouse has its own space on our 22-acre property, centrally located and close to Des Moines. The treehouse is 350 sq ft with a cozy couch and chair, plus spacious kitchen with a dining table for four, a two-burner propane stove, electric kettle and Chemex for pour-over coffee, and fridge for your use. There is a mini-split system to make sure you're comfortable no matter the outside temps. Sleep among the stars in your own private loft with a latching door. Each loft has a roomy king bed with cozy, cotton bedding, plus a remote controlled fan, and you’ll find blackout curtains hidden in the headboard for your deepest sleep. Enjoy morning birdsongs (maybe catch an owl nesting in its nearby box) on the wrap-around balcony where you can see for miles in the distance, or find yourself surrounded by stars each night. Our property is loved for its low light pollution. Sneak out the stained-glass door for a midday nap or a board game on the screened-in porch, where rain and bugs will be no bother. Two lower-level outdoor seating areas make for easy meals or enjoying an evening fire. You’ll find a picnic table, a two-person hammock, and benches around a fire pit with chopped wood stocked nearby. Feel free to cook dinner on the charcoal grill, or upstairs in the kitchen.

In central Iowa, Des Moines is a welcoming city situated in the heart of farm country. The city and surrounding area is filled with state parks offering access to open space and trail systems. Visitors should check local events calendars when in the city, as live music and large farmers markets create a mellow and fun atmosphere. A surprising number of trails are convenient to town for both hikers and mountain bikers, making it easy to stay active on your visit before heading out of town to see more natural beauty.

100% (5)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Luxury in Nature Near Des Moines

100%

(5)

12mi from Des Moines · 2 sites · Lodging · Norwalk, IA

Come home to luxury in nature in this spacious, double king-bed treehouse and sleep among the stars. Expansive views of rolling hills greet you as you sip your pour-over coffee on the wrap around balcony twenty feet above ground. Rain? No problem. Tuck away on the three-season screened-in porch to watch the iconic Iowa pink sunsets. Built with special touches including stained glass and intricate woodwork, this treehouse boasts warmth throughout and is sure to be a once-in-a-lifetime get-away. The scent of pine will carry you through a wooded trail that opens to this spacious treehouse towering 30 feet above the ground. Climb the unique staircase, thoughtfully crafted with historic details, wrapped around a 75 year old tree. Inside, two lofts, each boasting a king-size bed, welcome you to sleep easy or sleep late, because there's no need to rush and nowhere to be, unless you want -- This unique treehouse has its own space on our 22-acre property, centrally located and close to Des Moines. The treehouse is 350 sq ft with a cozy couch and chair, plus spacious kitchen with a dining table for four, a two-burner propane stove, electric kettle and Chemex for pour-over coffee, and fridge for your use. There is a mini-split system to make sure you're comfortable no matter the outside temps. Sleep among the stars in your own private loft with a latching door. Each loft has a roomy king bed with cozy, cotton bedding, plus a remote controlled fan, and you’ll find blackout curtains hidden in the headboard for your deepest sleep. Enjoy morning birdsongs (maybe catch an owl nesting in its nearby box) on the wrap-around balcony where you can see for miles in the distance, or find yourself surrounded by stars each night. Our property is loved for its low light pollution. Sneak out the stained-glass door for a midday nap or a board game on the screened-in porch, where rain and bugs will be no bother. Two lower-level outdoor seating areas make for easy meals or enjoying an evening fire. You’ll find a picnic table, a two-person hammock, and benches around a fire pit with chopped wood stocked nearby. Feel free to cook dinner on the charcoal grill, or upstairs in the kitchen.

Stories from the community

K

Kayla

October 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to Luxury in Nature Near Des Moines

The tree house was so perfect. It had so many amenities, we didn’t miss tv or WiFi for a moment. It was the most relaxing weekend ever- spent playing games as a family, reading, crocheting, exploring nature, and hitting up local gems for shopping and meal times. We would 100% come back. We already miss it!

L

Lou

September 2025

2 nights at Luxury in Nature Near Des Moines

Felt wonderfully secluded and relaxing. Beautiful views and loved the album player. Great change of pace stay for us.

Taryn

July 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to Luxury in Nature Near Des Moines

Our family had the most amazing time staying here for the weekend. We were able to disconnect from technology for a few days and just enjoy each other. The screened in porch is perfect and we had a lot of fun using the record player. The Treehouse has everything you need and the hosts are very responsive when you have questions. It's seriously the cutest space!

C

Colleen

May 2025

2 nights at Luxury in Nature Near Des Moines

The most beautifully crafted and well thought out space. Off the beaten path a bit so it’s nice and quiet with dark skies at night and a lovely view of the sunrise from your bed as you wake. Everything you might need is provided for a quick weekend getaway. Only a short really pleasant backroad drive into nearby Des Moines. Hosts are attentive to guests needs checking in with anything you may need but providing you with plenty of privacy. Stay here you won’t regret it.

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

The best treehouses near Des Moines guide

Where to go

Botanical Gardens

Des Moines hosts one of the more active botanical gardens you will ever encounter. The grounds are fantastic with open green spaces and gardens on display. They have plenty of public space and even have live music, yoga sessions and educational events for gardening. Located downtown, the 12-acre property is the perfect stop while visiting the city. It’s open all year and has a cafe to enjoy between stops at the various gardens.

Racoon River Trails

The city has numerous parks, trails and wildlife areas to enjoy. Many are situated around the Racoon River where wooded bottomlands and open space prevail. Walnut Woods State Park is a perfect stop with 260 acres to explore. It has campsites available and is on the edge of the city for easy access. The Great Western Trailhead, Denman’s Woods Trail, Bill Riley Trail and plenty more are located on or near the river for hiking and biking.

Saylorville Lake

The large reservoir of the Des Moines River is a recreational paradise with around a dozen campgrounds for both RV and tent campers. The lake has big beaches like Oak Grove Beach, numerous bays and a ton of water to enjoy. Take a summer swim, play volleyball on the beach, go fishing or bring a boat and go water skiing. With 26,000 acres and ample public access, Saylorville Lake offers something for every type of camper.

When to go

As with most of Iowa, the winters are long and cold. The parks in and around Des Moines are perfect for ice fishing, cross country skiing and snowshoeing. Most campgrounds will close during the winter however and campers should have a heat system and winter gear. Summer is the prime visiting season with June, July and August being ideal for water based activities. Temperatures are often comfortable but can become hot and humid at times. September is a quieter month and is an excellent time to enjoy cooling weather and changing colors. The city itself has great dining and indoor experiences to enjoy year-round.