Crossville, Tennessee: The Minister's Tree House (Gone)
A giant tree house -- maybe the largest in the world -- built by a preacher who said that God showed him how He wanted it to look. Closed by the state Fire Marshal in 2012; went up in flames in 2019.
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Pictures absolutely do not do any justice to the magnificence of this structure, if you're driving through Crossville, you MUST STOP. There's ample free parking so allow at least 30 minutes for looking around, taking pictures and climbing the bell tower to ring the bells.
[Dan, 08/01/2009]A definite must see! We explored every inch of this magnificent structure. From the very top, you are actually looking out OVER the treetops! The chapel is awesome!
If you bring children, be sure to stay close to them as there are some areas that can be dangerous for little ones. Didn't get to meet Mr. Burgess so we don't know if he is still among us.
[Bobbie, 06/21/2009]Minister's Tree House
We were in the area so we decided to find this oddity, and indeed it is that. The signs on the fences appeared to be a bit ominous about trespassing, so we elected to simply take a photo. It certainly is unusual.
[John Holmes, 03/27/2009]After reading this web site and some others about The Treehouse, I visited it last week while in Crossville area. It is a sight to behold and I highly recommend it.
Some UPDATES that I think are important. FIRST.....Horace Burgess, who built the treehouse is NOT DEAD. He was there when I visited and we had a long, friendly chat. The man is very kind and his stories are fascinating. Considering the structure has been exposed to weather for many years it seemed solid, safe and well constructed....although the floors do slope and slant in different areas.
Horace talked about the difficulty in keeping vandals out and maintaining the structure. Therefore, it was a bit messy in some areas.
The gate is usually open every day and it is OK to enter the area...Posted Signs are there to remove liability as people are entering at their own risk. But, if you are in the area....GO SEE IT and if you are lucky, you may just get to chat with Horace.
[Loretta, 11/19/2008]It's still there, and it's definitely worth seeing. Don't be put off by the "Private Property" or "Do Not Enter" signs, which seem to apply to the fields rather than the road. Keep going. It's magnificent, and it still attracts a lot of visitors. One woman we met has been coming for 14 years.
Climbing to the top is not for the timid. It's built with scrap wood.
The minister is apparently dead now, but his legacy lives on.
[Terry, 09/06/2008][Previous 5 items] Page of 7 [Next 2 items]
The Minister's Tree House
- Hours:
- Oct. 22, 2019: Went up in flames.
- Status:
- Gone
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