Construction and Opening

The David Wenzel Tree House opened on Friday, May 25, 2007, in Nay Aug Park. Forever Young, Inc. built the structure using a combination of public and private donations. It stands 150 feet above the Nay Aug Gorge, making it one of the more dramatic park attractions in northeastern Pennsylvania.

The project was the first treehouse of its kind built in Pennsylvania. A pedestrian footbridge was completed the same year, connecting the treehouse area to previously isolated sections of parkland on the far side of the gorge.

The Namesake

Mayor Chris Doherty proposed naming the treehouse after David J. Wenzel, Scranton’s 27th mayor. Wenzel served from 1986 to 1990 and was a Vietnam veteran who lost both legs and his left arm after stepping on a land mine in 1971. As mayor, he pushed for curb cuts, ramps, and enforcement of disabled-space parking. He also earned Scranton its first Tree City USA designation. Wenzel was initially skeptical of having the treehouse named after him but came to appreciate the honor.

Full wheelchair accessibility was a core requirement of the project, fitting for a structure named after a mayor who made accessibility a priority during his administration. Handicapped-accessible parking is located across the road from the treehouse entrance.

Design and Features

The structure was built around and supported by living trees above the gorge. It includes a hidden door that visitors are encouraged to find during their visit.

Within about a year of its completion, the treehouse was named the number one parks project in America, according to the Times-Tribune. The City of Scranton’s official website notes that the project inspired similar treehouse constructions in other U.S. cities.

2017 Closure and Current Status

In 2017, engineers inspected the structure and found that the living trees supporting it were decaying. The treehouse was closed to the public. Roadside America listed it as closed following the engineering assessment.

The official Nay Aug Park website continues to promote the treehouse for visits, events, small weddings, and private rentals. Visitors should note that Nay Aug Avenue is partially closed for a PennDOT bridge project through fall 2026, which may affect access to the park.

Admission to the treehouse is free. Nay Aug Park is open from dawn to 8:00 PM daily.