Unique Ways To Stay Outdoors
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More and more travelers are turning to off-the-beaten path destinations for their vacations. They are looking for adventure and unique ways to explore the outdoors, and reconnect with nature. These are the best places to stay outdoors:
1. Cross Ranch State Park, ND
Cross Ranch State Park – Center, North Dakota. Located just north of Bismarck, Cross Ranch State Park offers visitors the opportunity to take in the natural splendor of untouched land near the Missouri River that was once traversed by the famous Lewis and Clark Expedition. With over 500 acres of rolling grasslands, woody draws and river bottom forests, the park is an ideal place to unwind and reconnect with nature. Popular recreational activities include hiking, canoeing, kayaking and fishing for fresh walleye, trout, bass and salmon on the water. For a unique – and trendy – experience stay at the park’s brand new Pretty Point Yurt ($125.00 per night + $4.00 reservation fee) — a 30’ yurt with two bedrooms, a loft and living room area, and a large deck that overlooks the river. The park is also well known for its bluegrass music festival in June, making the summer the perfect time to visit.
2. Wyoming State Parks, WY
Wyoming State Parks are putting the final touches on the construction on a brand new treehouse camping experience at Keyhole State Park. Debuting in the spring, the tree house is a 576 square foot single-family dwelling that includes two bedrooms, a kitchenette and a family/dining area. A 254 square foot viewing deck is lakeside of the tree house to soak in the spectacular views. Additionally, Wyoming offers two camp sites located in old fire lookout towers. There’s the Sheep Mountain Lookout in the Bighorn National Forest and the Spruce Mountain Fire Lookout Tower in Medicine Bow. They are pretty rustic accommodations, but the panoramic views well worth it.
3. Glenmont, OH
The Mohicans Treehouses – Glenmont, Ohio. Designed by Peter Nelson, renowned treehouse designer and star of Discovery Channel’s hit series ‘Treehouse Masters’, each treehouse at The Mohicans comes complete with sustainable design features, a cozy interior and breathtaking views of the Mohican Valley’s rolling hills. In addition to exploring the Mohican Valley by foot, visitors should swing over to Tree Frog Canopy Tours for an adrenaline pumping zipline experience through the forest.
4. Cumberland, OH
Nomad Ridge at the Wilds – Cumberland, Ohio. Nomad Ridge is the adults-only glamping option at The Wilds, which is a 10,000+-acre endangered animal preserve overseen by the infamous ‘Jungle Jack’ Hanna. The super unique spot houses nine temperature controlled yurts that all have private bathrooms and access to a 24-hour concierge. Each yurt has its own private deck great for watching wildlife, and there’s also a group deck with a fire pit that is the perfect spot for guests to mingle, have s’mores, etc. Just a short walk up the hill is a café that serves chef-made dinner and breakfast to all overnight guests. Packages also include safari passes to view wildlife even closer.
