Spotlight on Glamping Structures - Covered Wagons
THE COVERED WAGON WAS INVENTED OVER 400 YEARS AGO IN PENNSYLVANIA, AND WAS THE MAIN MODE OF TRANSPORTATION FOR 500,000 FOLKS DURING THE WESTWARD EXPANSION OF THE UNITED STATES. TODAY IT’S ONE OF THE MORE POPULAR GLAMPING STRUCTURES USED WORLDWIDE. WE’LL HIGHLIGHT SOME OF THE BEST GLAMPTUARYS THAT OFFER THIS ICONIC CONVERTED VEHICLE AND FEATURE SOME SPECIFIC STYLES THAT QUALIFY AS A COVERED WAGON.
Location - Capitol Reef Resort - Torrey, Utah
Covered wagons are synonymous with the early years of the United States of America. This vehicle made it possible to carry large loads and groups of people over large (and small) distances, often times with the help of a horse or other willing animal…or human, for that matter, depending on the size of the wagon.
It’s generally accepted that Americans were the inventors of the ‘covered wagon’ which came into existence in the late 1700’s thanks to a group of Pennsylvanian Germans. The Conestoga Wagon was invented to improve transport of materials between Pennsylvania and Ohio and was the main mode of transporting materials before the steam engine was invented.
Rendering of a horse-drawn Conestoga Wagon - Source - Wikipedia
While credit for the addition of the cover goes to some innovative German settlers, credit for the invention of the wagon itself dates back to roughly 3,500 B.C. somewhere in Poland. A clay pot was unearthed during an archaeological dig in the 1970’s with drawings that depicted a wagon.
Bronocice Pot - Source - Wikipedia
I can’t say for certain that nobody thought to place a cover over a wagon for over 5,000 years. Sometimes innovation moves at a slow pace.
“Slow and steady” was the motto of the covered wagon and it’s a welcomed addition to the glamping industry as a reliable and versatile glamping structure. It’s mobility offers flexibility too as a non-permanent structure which is a nice option as glampsites grow.
Fittingly, Conestoga Wagon Company is a leading manufacturer and provider to glampsite owners who are looking to provide the covered wagon experience. You can also acquire shower houses and luxe glamping tents from this provider for continuity purposes. I’ve seen these structures first-hand and will say they are all very impressive.
Conestoga Covered Wagon - Source - Conestoga Covered Wagon Company
Aside from the Conestoga Wagon design, you could also try a ‘Sheep Herder’ or ‘Shepards’ Wagon, which can provide a more sturdy and durable structure for weather challenged locations.
Sheepherder Wagon - Shash Dine in Page, AZ
Shephard’s Wagon - Avalanche Ranch in Redstone, CO
One of my favorite types of covered wagon designs is the ‘Gypsy Wagon.’ These are by far the most artistic inside and out and this type of covered wagon is what you’ll often find outside the U.S. (but don’t worry…there are some within the U.S too).
Gypsy Wagon options - Fisherton Farms in Atherington, Devon, England
Interior of Gypsy Wagon - Salmon Bed and Breakfast in Salmon, Idaho
The diversity of designs means you’d be hard-pressed to get bored with this glamping structure. Of course, what you do outside the wagon is of equal importance and below are a few Glamptuarys offering covered wagons + amazing on-site experiences that are on our bucket list:
Rooterville Animal Sanctuary - Melrose, Florida
Chico Hot Springs Resort - Pray, Montana
Conestoga Ranch - Garden City, Utah
The nostalgia and design of the covered wagons make this glamping structure one of my favorites. Be sure to rustle one up on your next Glamptuary adventure.
Safe travels everyone!
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