A Small Town, a Gristmill and Treehouse Splendor

Guest post by Jamie Rhein

My trip to Loudonville, Ohio  began with an invitation for Treehouses of the Mohicans. Such an invite brings feelings of glee for good reason. Not only is a treehouse stay phenomenal, this part of Ohio is a tourist destination.

Treehouses of the Mohicans

Treehouses of the Mohicans is one of those “there’s nothing quite like it” places. Six tree houses–all unique, are designed for comfort. All, high on the list of aesthetically pleasing getaways, are like a Swiss Family Robinson come to life experience. But, you don’t need to be in a shipwreck to land there. A vehicle that can travel a few miles on a gravel road off a state highway will do.

Moonlight Treehouse –

For my getaway experience, a friend came along to share in the pleasure of this 24-hour road trip. A stop by a grist mill museum, coffee laced with ice -cream and boutique shopping were included. The Treehouses of the Mohicans was our focal point from which to explore.

The Treehouses

Breakfast with complimentary coffee

Tucked back in the woods on Vess Rd. off Rt. 3, the treehouses give guests a feeling of solitude. Our treehouse– The Moonlight, was close enough to two of the property’s deluxe cabins that we could see them, but we were surrounded by enough trees that we felt like we were by ourselves. Most everything we needed for a stay steeped with pizazz and perfection was included in the amenities.

Dishes, a coffee maker, pots and pans, wine glasses, silverware, plush towels and bedding made this tiny house in the trees complete. Shampoo and bath soap, however, are items to bring along. For culinary folks who plan to cook a meal, bring spices. Coffee, though, is provided.

We did make the 15-minute drive into Loudonville for Half-and-half that I forgot to bring, but we made it back in time to enjoy the evening. First, there was the dinner we brought with us savored on the balcony porch. Chirping crickets were our music accompaniment. In the morning, trilling birds kept up us company while we enjoyed our coffee and breakfast eats.

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Inside the Wolf Creek Grist Mill Museum

Although WiFi and cable are not on the entertainment menu, each treehouse has a VCR and a small flat screen TV. We brought a few DVDs with us.

One of the thumbs up aspects of our treehouse stay was the outdoor shower. There is an indoor shower in the bathroom as well, but taking a shower outdoors on a warm day is splendid.

After we checked out–taking our trash with us to put in a dumpster at another part of the property, we stopped by each treehouse for a peek. Two were designed by Pete Nelson of Discovery Channel’s “Treehouse Masters.” Then we headed out to Loudonville.

Exploring the Loudonville Area

First stop, Wolf Creek Grist Mill Museum, a non-profit history museum that includes a restored historic grist mill filled with milling operation machinery, an 1880s saw mill and several outbuildings. The admission price of $1.00 is dirt cheap. Totally run by volunteers, this small museum is definitely worth exploring. There’s a hiking trail in back of the museum that leads up to a lookout point.

Canoeing on the Mohican River

Although we didn’t go canoeing due to time constraints, there are several outfitters along the Mohican River. This is a bustling slice of Ohio. If you raft, kayak or canoe on this river, you’ll have company. Mohican Adventures fun includes putt putt golf, an aerial course and go-carts.

Downtown Loudonville

Loudonville, founded in 1814, has a charming downtown of red brick buildings with a few boutique type shops and an ice-cream parlor. We stopped in Stella’s Ice Cream Shoppe for a treat of a scoop of salted caramel ice-cream in coffee.

The Four Seasons is a gift shop that doubles as a florist. If you’re looking to buy a gift for anyone, stop in here. The Creative Outlet is where to head for Native American dream catchers, T-shirts and art.

Stella’s Ice Cream Shoppe

Malabar Farm State Park and Mohican State Park are other places nearby. Plus this region is at the edge of Ohio’s Amish country, another reason to head this way.

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Treehouses of the Mohicans post and photos courtesy of Jamie Rhein, member of Midwest Travel Journalists Association. My stay at the Treehouses of the Mohicans was complimentary for review purposes, but the viewpoints are my own. This place is such a treat.