For many, the dream of a luxury getaway ends with a saved Pinterest board. For Wausau local Allison Honkanen, that dream had only just started.
At just 18 years old, Allison bought a piece of land in the Northwoods, ignoring the well-meaning skepticism from those who asked, "A treehouse? Really? You want to build a treehouse up in Wisconsin?" She saw the vision, a unique escape inspired by designs she truly resonated with. Three years later, she is finally able to see the dream come true in Crandon, Wisconsin.
The story of Allison’s treehouse isn't just about a beautiful rental; it’s a testament to sheer determination. This was a passion project built on a strict timeline, taking only a year and two months of dedicated weekend-only work.
Driven by a lifelong love for the Northwoods cabins where memories of the outdoors shine, Allison tackled every challenge head-on. She and her small team, including her father and a friend, were entirely self-taught in everything from setting the foundation to installing windows and trimming the interior.
The most daunting moment? Trying to hoist 500-pound ceiling beams into place on makeshift scaffolding. But through that intense learning process, Allison discovered a profound truth: the only real limits were the ones she set herself.
"It was all in my brain, and then seeing the finished reality is the single most rewarding thing," she noted.
The result is more than just a cabin; it’s an experience meant to open the doorway to the full Northwoods. The A-frame design was specifically modified to include two bedrooms, including a cozy sleeping loft that allows guests to literally fall asleep looking at the stars.
Her primary goal was to share the feeling of being "at home" in nature that she experienced growing up and continues to enjoy now. She specifically designed the two-bedroom space, including the loft, so that families and groups of friends could use it as a basecamp to "enjoy nature" and "be in the quietness", making their own lasting Northwoods memories, just as she did.
This location is also key, it's strategically placed on a lake and close to major local outdoor hubs, attracting a growing base of adventurous guests, hikers, ATV riders, and snowmobilers who want a unique basecamp for their Northwoods adventures. It’s just minutes from local events like the Crandon Brush Run and the County Fair.
When asked what elevates the guest experience, Allison points to the view and the small comforts, the cozy fireplace she installed, the careful choice of simple, light wood interiors, and the overall feeling of being fully immersed in nature.
The venture wasn't without its business hurdles. Navigating the confusion of permits, insurance, and taxes for a one-of-a-kind structure proved to be a "huge learning lesson." Yet, she quickly adapted to the hospitality side, providing a welcome book of recommendations and planning future amenities like a barrel sauna (sourced from local vendors) and a dock to further enhance the property.
What does the future hold for the young Wausau woman who built a home in the sky? The treehouse is just the start.
Allison is committed to reinvesting in the property, with plans for the sauna, kayaks, and professional landscaping, and she maintains a fierce loyalty to her home state and her first piece of real estate. She hopes to acquire more unique properties across Wisconsin, nurturing a larger dream to one day build a massive European-style "conservatory" wedding venue.
This treehouse stands not only as a stunning escape for visitors but as a powerful testament to the entrepreneurial spirit right here in Wausau. It proves that with passion, planning, and a willingness to "do it scared," you can take the most unique of dreams and build them high into the trees.
She hopes to open bookings starting in November 2025—check out Wilder Stays on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/awilderoutdoors and @wilder_stay on Instagram. The direct booking website is https://www.airbnb.com/l/xdRW0W6v and that is where people can book directly. Use code 20NOV for November and get 20% off your stay!
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