“One look at that window and I knew I had to stay there.”
That’s what Erin O’Brien thought when she first glimpsed the Off-Grid Inn, a tiny house tucked into the woods of Fall Creek, Wisconsin, just east of Eau Claire.
Erin, a yoga instructor since 2003 and an aerial yoga instructor since 2012, lives in New Glarus with her family and teaches virtual classes at Kula Yoga and works at The House Café & Bakery.
She shares more about jumping at the chance to stay at the minimalist cabin.
Was a visit to the Off-Grid Inn a solo or family trip for you?
It was intended to be a solo trip, but at the last minute plans fell through and I ended up bringing my son with me, which was great actually.
Why did you choose to visit in winter?
I just stalked their Airbnb until some cancelations went through. They book out months in advance, so I just took what I could get!
What were your first impressions of the cabin?
It’s incredible to me how stunning a tiny home can truly be. From the outside it was certainly smaller than I imagined, but the design and windows made it feel much larger.
What was the cabin like?
Incredibly simple and stunning. The heated queen bed was cozy and comfortable, and honestly most of my time was spent gazing at the trees and the stars, which was the majority of my plans. I got some meditation time in; my son is used to keeping himself entertained during my meditations and earbuds are a technological blessing. We did a puzzle, I read and he admittedly got some extra Roblox playtime. And of course I had to take too many pictures.
When you visited, did you do any outdoor activities?
Nope.
What did you like the most about the experience of staying there? Were there any challenges to navigate?
I’ll sound like a broken record but that window, that view. The experience of feeling like you’re right in the woods was second to none.
It was incredibly easy to find and everything from where to park to how often to flush the toilet was explained very clearly.
What sort of mood or state of mind did staying here put you in?
It was very calming. I’m someone who needs nature to recharge, and that can get difficult during the winter months in Wisconsin. This was definitely the boost of serenity I needed.
Was there any music or poetry that especially spoke to you during your stay?
Yes. They have a guest book and I actually wrote this Mary Oliver poem as my entry:
When I am among the trees,
especially the willows and the honey locust,
equally the beech, the oaks and the pines,
they give off such hints of gladness.
I would almost say that they save me, and daily.
I am so distant from the hope of myself,
in which I have goodness, discernment,
and never hurry through the world
but walk slowly, and bow often.
Around me the trees stir in their leaves
and call out, “Stay awhile.”
The light flows from their branches.
And they call again, “It’s simple,” they say,
“and you too have come
into the world to do this, to go easy, to be filled
with light, and to shine.”
Does this part of Wisconsin hold special meaning for you?
I lived in the La Crosse area for over a decade, and Fall Creek and Eau Claire aren’t far from there. I also love the music scene in Eau Claire, so I have a great affinity for this area of the state.
What is typically your approach to travel?
Where I can, when I can.
– Katie Vaughn
Photos courtesy of Off-Grid Inn (top) and Erin O’Brien.
Katie Vaughn is the editor and co-founder of Northerly. She is a University of Wisconsin-Madison and Stanford University-trained journalist with experience as a writer, reporter, editor, blogger and author. She lives in Madison with her husband, daughter and son, and is always up for an adventure.