Unique Lodging Experiences in Northeast Kansas: Wanderful Stays

Treehouses at Hidden Valley Wilderness Retreat

The Hidden Valley Wilderness Retreat is located in the rolling hills of Easton, Kansas, and is a sanctuary of treehouses surrounding wilderness. It is situated on an old priest retreat and 40+ acre property. Lots of trees provide shade, and the sound of birds chirping will accompany your stay. It’s a birder lovers paradise, so if you are a birder, tune in. I heard so many unique and different types of chirps that I installed an app to figure out which birds they were coming from. Many were birds I had never heard of before. 

The accommodations at Hidden Valley Wilderness are designed to blend seamlessly with the surrounding wilderness. Treehouses are nestled among the trees, each uniquely themed and different. I stayed in the Serenity Creek Treehouse, which sleeps two and is perfect for the young at heart and adventurous – as it has two private interconnecting “wings.” In the North Wing is a bedroom and half bath; a patio connects it to the South Wing, with a living room, kitchenette, screen porch, and shower and sink vanity. The screened-in porch overlooks a valley and a trickling stream! The kitchen had plenty of K-cups and a Keurig machine that kept me fueled. I enjoyed the s’mores kit as well.

The different treehouses

Inside the treehouses, you will find cozy beds adorned with soft linens, ensuring a restful night’s sleep. Each treehouse features a private bathroom(s) and amenities to make a “home away from home” convenient. These are the other three treehouses available:

• Whispering Elm Treehouse looks like something straight out of Harry Potter! As the newest treehouse, it sleeps up to four with two bedrooms, one and a half bathrooms, a mini kitchen, a living room, and multiplex screened porches. It’s private (away from the other treehouses) and an adult-only (ages 18+) treehouse.
• Graham’s Treehouse is a secluded treehouse for two, with a loft queen bed, an indoor toilet and sink, a private outdoor shower, a mini kitchen, and a living room. 
• Hidden Valley Retreat Suite is a ground-level rustic guest suite in the retreat house. It sleeps two people and has a full kitchen, bedroom, bathroom, and a living room. A screened-in porch overlooks the Koi pond. 

A nature lovers’ paradise at Hidden Valley Wilderness Retreat

Hidden Valley Wilderness Retreat offers a range of activities for guests. We took a hike through some of the 2+ miles of wilderness trails with two ponds, a Koi pond, and creeks. There is also an amazing private outdoor hot tub for guests (and it’s covered so you can soak rain or shine!).

In the evening, guests can gather around the campfire to roast marshmallows, enjoy stargazing, or relax on the screened porch. The clear night sky and the sounds of wildlife provide an excellent backdrop for an unforgettable experience.

Bed and Breakfast at the Circle S Ranch & Country Inn

Located on 600 acres in Lawrence, Kansas, the Circle S Ranch & Country Inn experience uniquely blends rustic charm and modern amenities. This family and woman-owned ranch, inn, and wedding venue are hosted by the gracious and welcoming owner, Mary, whose hospitality made us feel right at home. We stepped away from the hustle and bustle and into a retreat reminiscent of a cowboy ranch.

Upon arrival at the Circle S Country Inn, we were greeted by the ranch pups and a welcoming entrance with a massive Great Room (the living room/common and dining area), a candy and snack bar, beverages, and friendly ranch hands. The inn is a bed and breakfast and serves a buffet-style breakfast every morning. 

Circle S is an inn, ranch, wedding venue, and spa.

The Wedding Garden is available for outdoor ceremonies and events, as well as an indoor Chapel and a 3,000-square-foot Party Barn. All are located on the ranch. The three-story inn has 12 individually decorated guest rooms, each with a distinctive theme. While the quaint rooms are void of televisions (this is a good thing), they offer comfortable beds, bathrobes, and private bathrooms for a quiet and restful stay. The rooms on the first floor are designed with accessibility in mind. In addition to the inn’s accommodations, the ranch has a rental opportunity with the Vintage Spartan Escape. This remodeled RV trailer has a cozy living area, fireplace, soaking tub, kitchen, and outdoor shower.

My stay at the Circle S Ranch

During my visit, I slept in the Blue & White Room, which features a king bed, a daybed, a clawfoot tub, charming mosaic sinks, and a shower. Here are some of the memorable amenities I loved about Circle S:

• Guests can enjoy an 8-person hot tub in a connected silo.
• The ranch features fireplaces, a wrap-around porch, bonfire areas, and hiking trails.
• The owner, Mary, took us on an ATV tour of the ranch to visit and feed the Longhorn cattle.
• We enjoyed the option of farm-to-fork cuisine, where the ingredients come straight from the ranch – it was a chef-prepared, five-course meal, complete with my first-ever tomahawk steak.
• For relaxation, the inn offers a spa room with a range of services. During my stay, I enjoyed a Swedish massage! Where else can you feed Longhorn cows carrots and follow it up with a luxury spa experience?

—> Book your stay at Circle S Ranch! <—

Covered Wagon Stays at Isinglass Estate Winery Resort

The Isinglass Estate Winery Resort in La Cygne, Kansas, is an unforgettable lodging experience for travelers seeking a unique “experience” stay. Spanning 600 acres, this family-owned and family-friendly estate and vineyard offers serene Midwest views.

Beyond its four covered wagon rentals, the Isinglass Estate offers an array of amenities and activities. The GastroPub serves food, while the Isinglass Tasting Room showcases the estate’s wines and live music. We enjoyed wine tastings and charcuterie boards. Celebrations can be had at the resort’s wedding venues, and nature enthusiasts can enjoy horseback riding and a petting zoo. For a hands-on experience, guests can tour the winery, go fishing, or play polo. Isinglass Estate also offers yoga classes, special events, and additional rental options, including a cottage and guest house.

A blend of modern comfort and historical charm.

The Isinglass Covered Wagons stand as a testament to the era of the Wild West, with their iconic canvas roofs and sturdy wooden frames. Each wagon was designed to take in the essence of Kansas’ past while incorporating modern comforts. The wagons can sleep up to two people, but a family wagon that sleeps up to four is available.

Modern comforts like electric heating and air conditioning, comfy beds, and private bathrooms with showers in every wagon ensured my stay was comfortable. My wagon was adorned with charming decor, cozy bedding, and furniture, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. Outside, each wagon has a covered outdoor kitchen and fire pit. The sunsets and sunrises are worth staying out for and watching! As night fell, the clear sky offered a vast view of the stars, and the sounds of coyotes howling in the distance added to the surreal experience – it was my first time experiencing anything like it!

Pin it for later!