Where To Go Horseback Riding In Wisconsin – Locations And Trails

Wisconsin might be known as the nation’s dairy state, but where can you go horseback riding in Wisconsin?

The state is also home to numerous state parks, forests, and trails, making it the perfect starting point for any adventurer. 

Whether you’re looking for a stable that offers lessons and horse rentals or a state park that offers miles of bridle trails where you can bring out your horse.

You have come to the right place, and we hope this list helps you on your Wisconsin journey. Here are 8 locations to let free and enjoy all Wisconsin offers.

Paluso Guest Ranch 

For the authentic Wisconsin experience, consider heading down to Paluso Guest Ranch.

Located in Kewaskum, the ranch is surrounded by the northern unit of the Kettle Moraine forest, making it the perfect getaway for families.  

Whether you’re driving in for a couple of hours looking to get away from the noise and ride or stay at the B&B.

The owner, Bob, ensures you’re well taken care of, even making a delicious breakfast for the overnight guests.

From first-time riders to more experienced ones. The ranch provides a herd of 20 well-trained horses, from which each rider is assigned one according to their ability to explore the 50 miles of trails available. 

Offers 

  • Children horse camps 
  • Riding lessons 
  • Horse breeding and horse sales 
  • Weddings 
  • Birthday parties 
  • Children and adult horse camps 

Pricing 

  • 1 ½ hour ride -$65 per horse 
  • 2-hour ride – $80
  • 3-hour ride – $110
  • 4-hour “Half day “ride – $150, includes a trail lunch 

Note 

  • Riding is by appointment only 
  • The ranch requires a 50% deposit of the total payment. However, the fee is non-refundable 

Website: https://palusoguestranch.com/pages/trail-rides

Address: W727 Mill Rd, Kewaskum, WI 53040

Phone: 414 418 0526

Email: [email protected]

Grassy Creek Ranch

Experienced guides, exceptional horses, and miles of wooded trails are a glimpse of what you can expect when you arrive at Grassy Creek Ranch.

As a family-operated establishment, whether you’re an experienced rider looking for the opportunity to canter and gallop.

If your novice rider looking for a ranch that teaches riding techniques on the trail, Grassy Creek’s commitment is to provide the experience of a lifetime. 

The ranch has quarter-breed horses of different shades that riders are paired with according to riding ability for some of the best riding experiences.

All riding groups have 2-6 riders, enabling your guide to create a memorable experience. 

Pricing 

  • 40-minute (walk-only ride) – $35 per person
  • One hour (walk-only ride) – $45 per person
  • Walk and trot ride for one hour – $45 per person
  • One hour and 30 minutes ride – $65 per person

Note 

  • Rides are by appointment only and leave on time. No texts, only calls 
  • The maximum weight limit is 240 lbs 
  • Credit cards aren’t allowed 
  • Riding times are 9:00 am, 10:30 am, 12:00 pm,1:30 pm and 3:00 pm

Website: https://grassycreekranch.com/

Address: 6350 County Highway M, Boulder Junction, Wisconsin 54512, United States

Phone: 715-892-1438

Wild 3 L Ranch 

Wild3 L ranch ensures you feel safe and comfortable on your horse and the trail, whether a beginner or an expert rider.

Riding through Moraine State Park, you will find yourself immersed in nature and connecting with your horse like never before.

In addition, for more experienced riders looking to canter with their horse, Wild3 L Ranch provides the opportunity.

The ranch also offers horseback lessons and overnight camps for adults. 

Rides 

  • 1 1/2 Hour Kettle Moraine Ride – $65

Perfect as an introductory ride, this ride is the ideal way to experience the Kettle Moraine!

  • 2 Hour Kettle Moraine Ride – $85 

For riders looking for more time in the saddle, enjoy the serene tranquility of the park on this 2-hour ride.

  • Half Day Adventure – $160

Halfway through an excursion in the park, the ride stops at a local pub for a bite. After which, the ride continues through the woods. In addition, kids should be 12 or older. 

  • All Day Adventure -$225

The perfect ride for the more experienced adventurous rider begins with a 3-hour ride through Kettle Moraine and into the historic town of Eagle for a quick bite.

Afterward, you will mount back up and finish through the state park. 

Total time in the saddle is 5-6 hours, and available Monday through Friday.

Note 

  • Riders must be seven years and older to participate 
  • The weight limit is 240 lbs 
  • Double riding is not allowed 

Website: http://wild3lranch.com/

Address: County Rd S, Eagle, WI 53119, United States

Phone: 920-251-1989

Big Horn Ranch 

Located in Arkdale, 15 minutes from Wisconsin, Big Horn Ranch offers trail rides, day camps, and riding lessons for the whole family.

With over 11 beautiful, well-trained horses, the guides ensure everyone in the riding group is paired with the ‘correct’ horse. 

The ranch utilizes the snowmobile trail that goes through the forest, and during spring, riders can cross the creek that forms.

If holding the reins seems daunting, consider the 1-hour wagon ride.

It provides the perfect opportunity to take in the sights of the towering pine trees as you’re led by a team of Belgian Morgan sisters, Tilly and Sage. 

  • 1-hour trail ride $30
  • 1.5-hour trail ride -$45
  • 2-hour experienced ride -$60
  • One-hour Horse-drawn wagon rides -$200

Offers

  • Horse Boarding and training 
  • 7-hour full day camps, 3 hours half day camps 
  • Horseback riding lessons

Note 

  • Helmets are required for minors 
  • All ages are welcome to participate 
  • Arrival at the stable is 15 minutes before ride time.

Website: https://www.bighorn1ranch.com/

Address: 1183 Bighorn AveArkdale, WI 54613

Phone: 608.778.5551

Email: [email protected]

State Parks

If you’re looking to get out of town, visit one of the numerous state parks home to some of the most beautiful trails in Wisconsin.

Here are some trails that will get your heart racing and adrenaline high.

High Cliff State Park 

This park is the only state-owned park on Lake Winnebago, with over 8.5 Miles of bridle trails. High Cliff State Park features an array of scenic nature and historical figures.

In addition, High Cliff park is an easy and beginner-friendly trail, varying in terrain and length, perfect for bird watching, biking, and hiking.

What To Expect

  • Open 6 am to 11 pm year-round 
  • Well-marked trails, marked with orange dots
  • The park features a marina, an observation tower, historic sites, a campground, picnic areas, restrooms, and a beach.
  • Horse trails are open May 1 through November 15, depending on the weather. 

Phone Number : +1 920 989 1106

Address: N7630 State Park Rd. Sherwood, Wisconsin 54169

Meadow Valley, Lost Canyon, Woodland, And Cave Trail 

A moderately challenging route with lots of elevation gain and varied terrain, the Meadow Valley trail offers visitors the chance to get out and experience a different side of nature.

Characteristics

  • 12.6 km loop trail
  • Dogs are welcome but must be on a leash.
  • The trail is well marked and features views of the lake, wildflowers, and rock formations. 

Pine Cliff Trail

Located in Governor Dodge State Park, Pine Cliff trail is a moderately challenging 2.2mile loop trail.

In addition, it’s full of many nature and animals, birders, anglers, and hikers who frequent the trail.

Features 

  • The trail is an open year-round 
  • Dogs are welcome but must be on a leash.
  • Features lots of elevation gains of up to 410 feet with views of Cox Hollow lake 
  • The trail is well marked, although certain areas are a little tight with a couple of overgrown poison ivy plants. 
  • A fee is required for the park.

Bugline Trail 

The bug line trail features lots of scenery and shade throughout a fully paved end-to-end course.

Located along the Bark River, the 15.6mile trail is perfect for anyone and takes an average of 5 hours to complete.

Characteristics 

  • Dogs are welcome but must be on leash in some areas. 
  • Has numerous road crossings 
  • The trail travels through tree canopies that provide shade, farm fields, a couple of working quarries, and wooden bridges. 

Kettle Moraine State Forest Northern Unit 

For equestrians looking for a more challenging trail, the kettle Moraine State Forest provides 41 miles of bridle trails that pass through thick woods filled with many animals and plants.

With different tracks passing through the forest, varying in length and terrain, you can be sure that you will not visit the same place twice.

In addition, the forest offers horse camping for overnight visitors. 

Features 

  • The trails are open from April to November. 
  • A state trail pass is required for horseback riders and bikers aged 16 and older.
  • There is a picnic area. 
  • Mileage markers that help riders measure their distance 
  • Three swimming beaches, both with playground equipment  
  • Certain areas are off limit for pets, while others require they be on a leash. 

Address: N1765 Cty Rd G, Campbellsport, WI 53011

Phone: +1 262 626 2116

Conclusion 

Wisconsin allows you to explore the wild west, and you will find yourself calling it home in no time.

Exploring horseback or on foot, you will have a great time. Don’t forget to have fun, tip your guide and bring home a couple of cheeses.