EUREKA SPRINGS LODGING FIELD GUIDE
Perched 15 Feet Above the Refuge: Tree House Bungalow at Turpentine Creek
A cozy stilted bungalow with a wraparound deck overlooking a tiger habitat and the Ozark foothills, with unlimited refuge tours and Discovery Area access included during your stay.
Perched 15 Feet Above the Refuge: Tree House Bungalow at Turpentine Creek.
The Tree House Bungalow at Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge is a compact, raised cabin reached by a short stairway and set roughly 15 feet above the ground. Its wraparound deck places you close to a tiger habitat on one side and the Ozark ridgelines and Freedom Field on the other, and guests commonly hear the calls of lions and tigers through the night — a deliberate part of the refuge stay that supports the nonprofit’s care of its animal residents.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Decks over Habitat and Ozark Ridges
A wraparound deck looks directly toward a tiger habitat on one side and the Ozark Mountains and Freedom Field on the other, giving guests a literal treetop vantage over the refuge grounds.
Sleep with the Calls of Big Cats
Part of the appeal of staying on-site is hearing lions and tigers calling to each other through the night and waking to the sounds of the refuge as the cats begin their day.
A Cozy, Elevated Retreat with Refuge Access
The Tree House is a small stilted unit intended for an adventurous, comfortable stay: it includes amenities and comes with unlimited tours and Discovery Area access for registered guests during business hours.
What the day feels like
What the Stay Feels Like
You climb a short stairway onto the wraparound deck, settle into a compact bungalow 15 feet above the ground, and spend evenings with the sounds of big cats beyond the trees. During your stay you have access to unlimited tours and the Discovery Area (during business hours), and mornings and nights are punctuated by the refuge’s animal activity that gives this lodging its distinct character.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this lodging suits — and who should look elsewhere.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The Tree House is open March through November; daily refuge tour times are 9:00 AM–4:00 PM (9:00 AM–3:00 PM mid‑November through March).
Complimentary Wi‑Fi, a queen bed downstairs and a loft with two twin pads, a compact restroom with single‑person shower, a 40" smart TV, mini‑fridge, microwave, Keurig and complimentary bottled water and small breakfast items upon arrival; toiletries such as shampoo, conditioner, body wash, lotion and soap are supplied.
Check‑in is at 3:00 PM and check‑out by 10:00 AM. If you arrive early you may tour the Discovery Area at no extra charge while your room is prepared; the refuge can send check‑in instructions by email or text.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
What are the check‑in and check‑out times?
Check‑in is 3:00 PM and check‑out is no later than 10:00 AM.
Are children allowed in the Tree House?
Children above the age of 5 are welcome; children under age 5 are not allowed due to the pull‑down ladder and insurance liability.
Can I bring my pet?
Non‑service animals, including emotional support animals, are not allowed in the Tree House; other on‑site suites (Siberian and Bengal) are pet‑friendly if you need to travel with a companion animal.
Do I get tours included with my stay?
All registered guests pay a one‑time discounted entry fee to receive unlimited tours and Discovery Area access during their stay (during business hours); members do not need to pay this fee.
What is the cancellation policy?
Cancellations made 14 or more days before arrival receive a full refund. Cancellations 2–13 days before arrival incur a $50 fee and the balance is refunded. Cancellations within 48 hours are charged one night with the remainder refunded; cancellations at least 24 hours before arrival may opt for a full-value lodging gift certificate instead of a refund.
When are tours scheduled?
Daily tour times are 9:00 AM–4:00 PM, and from mid‑November through March tours run 9:00 AM–3:00 PM.
What safety or weather policies affect openings?
The refuge may close during extreme weather (lightning, tornadoes, fires, extreme temperatures, blizzards, freezing rain, icy roads and other hazardous conditions); announcements are made the day of a closing and the team will monitor conditions to decide.