Treetops Treehouse Attraction: A Steel Framed Mansion.

Treetops Treehouse Attraction: A Steel Framed Mansion.

Here is an article about the Treetops Treehouse at the Cayuga Nature Center in Ithaca, NY.

This treehouse is a six story structure, nearly 50 feet high, designed for children to climb and play in much like an oversized set of monkey bars.

I must point out, however, that it is not really a treehouse. This is more of an open walled steel framed building decorated to appear like a treehouse:

"Strategically placed sticks, branches and ivy conceal the solid underpinnings of the 670-square-foot structure, an elaborate network of pressurized beams, nets and cables".

The building is located in a nature centre and the towering structure is both a play environment for kids and a viewing platform to survey the mature deciduous forest. From the various floors, visitors can gain a perspective on forest life from ground level to the top heights of the forest canopy.

I think this is a nice themed attraction piece even if somewhat misleading on the "treehouse" advertising part. But, it is also evidence to me that the popularity of treehouses can serve as a unique draw for tourism. And, it lends some credibility to the idea that a tree house can be safe, strong, and fun.

The best part for me is that some of the visitors will experience the Treetops Treehouse and be moved to go home and make their own.