Crossville, Tennessee: The Minister's Tree House - Temporarily Closed

A giant tree house -- maybe the largest in the world -- built by a preacher who says that God showed him how He wanted it to look.

Minister's Treehouse

Went to visit the treehouse on Labor Day, only to find that the state Fire Marshall had officially shut it down. There was a nice young man explaining the situation to all the visitors, as quite a few people were there when we arrived. Apparently it has been deemed not safe. You can call the number on the sign to complain to the Fire Marshall.

[Caitlin, 09/04/2012]

The Minister's Treehouse

Signs are posted warning "No Trespassing," but after speaking with the folks who own the property, these signs are really only there to discourage local teenage vandals. In fact, there is visitor parking during daylight hours, and the people are extremely friendly. You can go inside the treehouse and climb to the top of the tower to see where they have mowed the word "Jesus" into the grass.

Admission is free, but donations are accepted and merchandise is for sale to help maintain the property. Also, if you feel skittish around dogs, be warned that the owners have multiple dogs running around the property. They are all, however, extremely friendly.

[Erica, 08/06/2012]

The Minister's Tree House

No signs to get you there but you are obviously welcome from the minute you park. Well volunteered, had snacks and sodas available for minor cost. Picnic tables there for eating in the shade. Great "rest stop" right by highway :)

[Heather, 06/11/2012]

The Minister's Treehouse

I was so impressed with Horace's vision that I created the stained glass window that is installed in the sanctuary on the 3rd floor.

It took me 2 years just to decide what it would look like. After much prayer, I began the design, with plans for Jesus to be in the clouds praying over the earth. But as the last pieces were being cut, I changed my mind and put him in the garden as he was in scripture (Gethsemene). When Horace saw it, he became very excited and asked whether I had heard what he called his place. He then asked me to look out the window and down into his garden. There, spelled out in irises, was "JESUS." He then told me the name was "Jesus in the garden."

I believe I had been divinely directed, just as Horace was.

[Su Ross, 06/09/2012]

The Minister's Tree House

We first visited this treehouse in November 2010. We enjoyed it so much we made plans to bring all of our grandchildren back. We returned in June 2011 with one of our grandsons. He was in awe. We spent about an hour going through the house, and my grandson would have been very happy to stay longer.

The caretaker explained to us some of the "improvements" that were in the planning stages. We like the treehouse just the way it is, and we are glad that we have had a chance to enjoy it in its current state.

[Gary Epperson, 08/24/2011]