The Minister’s Treehouse, a ten story towering local treasure that was nationally recognized as the “worlds largest treehouse” was closed down on this day five years ago, just before a usually busy Labor Day weekend.

Located in Cumberland County, the treehouse was closed to the public after safety inspections by the Tennessee State Fire Marshall’s office. The report said that officials sited the long-standing structure with several violations, including the lack of handrails in places, and short steps.

The treehouse, built years ago by carpenter Horace Burgess, has been a mainstay in the county for years, and had been open to the public for tours and worship services.  

While the Ministers Treehouse may be closed to the public, you can take an aerial tour here: