AGA Connection Story: Lagom Retreat x Conestoga Wagons
When three AGA members—Conestoga Wagon Company and Lagom Retreats—first crossed paths (with help of architect and AGA member Zach Stoltenberg!) no one knew the partnership would spark one of the most talked-about new designs showcased at the Glamping Show USA. Read on to learn more about this collaboration between 3 incredible AGA members and glamping visionaries.
From Idea to Icon
The project began with a simple but bold idea: create a modern, hard-top wagon that maintained the charm of a traditional canvas wagon while offering greater durability and elevated design.
Leslie wasn’t interested in a standard canvas-top wagon. Instead, she challenged the Conestoga team to think differently. Together, they embarked on a discovery process that spanned several months—brainstorming layouts, finishes, interiors, and details that hadn’t yet been explored in wagon design.
Leslie and her team played an active role in shaping both the interior and exterior finishes, while Conestoga embraced the opportunity to develop something entirely new. The result was the Hard Top Lux Wagon, also known onsite Lagom as “The Nomad”—a structure that blends classic aesthetics with modern performance and guest expectations.
As Leslie puts it, the Conestoga team was open to “crazy ideas,” communicative throughout the process, and genuinely collaborative. “It was a fun project with team Conestoga,” she shared.
A Standout Design Moment
Every great collaboration has its memorable moments—and for this one, it involved wallpaper.
“When I told Jason I wanted to put wallpaper in the wagon, he was not thrilled!” Leslie laughed. Fast forward to today, and that very design choice has become one of the most complimented features of the wagon. The design debuted at the 2024 Glamping Show, where it was met with overwhelming enthusiasm—clear validation that the risk paid off.
Design Trends Shaping Glamping
From Conestoga’s perspective, one of the most enduring trends in glamping right now is the integration of in-unit bathrooms. While shared or detached bathhouses were once acceptable, today’s guests increasingly expect private—and ideally in-unit—bathrooms as part of the experience.
Leslie agrees that guest expectations are evolving but emphasizes that uniqueness will always be on trend. Whether it’s the structure itself or the way guests are welcomed and cared for, creating something truly special is what sets a property apart.
Choosing the Right Manufacturer
When it comes to selecting a manufacturer, Conestoga recommends working with teams that have real experience in the glamping industry. An experienced manufacturer should be able to explain why they build the way they do—and the reasoning behind every design choice.
That experience, combined with openness to collaboration, is what made this partnership such a strong fit.
Dream Glamping Structures (No Limits Allowed)
For Conestoga, the Hard Top Lux Wagon is already a dream project in motion—combining the timeless look of canvas wagons with the strength and longevity of a wooden roof.
Leslie, on the other hand, dreams big and boldly: underground structures, cave dwellings, tree-based accommodations, or units hovering over water. For her, the future of glamping lies in fully integrating nature, blurring the line between indoors and outdoors, and creating spaces that support wellbeing through deeper connection to the natural world.
This collaboration is a perfect example of what can happen when AGA members come together with curiosity, creativity, and a shared commitment to elevating the guest experience. We can’t wait to see what these two dream up next.
Do you have a story to tell? Send us an email at: info@americanglampingassociation.net
