6 Wisconsin Spots for Horse-Drawn Sleigh Rides

What better way to experience Wisconsin's natural winter beauty than by a cozy sleigh ride with family or friends? Glide over fields and through forests while snuggled under a warm blanket listening to the jingle of harness bells and perhaps a carol or two. Whether looking for an adventure with friends, a quiet evening with your loved one or a family-friendly outing, sleigh rides are perfect for making magical winter memories with the people you love.

*No snow? No problem! The businesses marked by an asterisk also offer horse-drawn wagon rides with or without snow.

Northern Wisconsin

Palmquist Farm* – Brantwood

Complete with soft hay and warm blankets, enjoy a horse-drawn sleigh ride at Palmquist Farm. Enjoy the soft sound of hooves on snow while getting a winter tour of the farm and the surrounding forest. When you return from the ride, enjoy hot apple cider or hot chocolate by the fireplace in the Pickaroon, their Northwoods warming house. A ticket also gets you access to a sledding hill and an ice-skating pond, so you and your family can make it a whole day of winter fun. 

Twin Lake Trails – Birchwood

Over the hills and through the woods, Twin Lakes Trails will take you on a 90-minute ride through their wildlife-abundant woods and lakefronts. Keep an eye out for animals including deer, squirrels, owls, bald eagles and turkeys, in addition to their Oreo cows. The Haflinger horses typically need a rest during the ride, so you’ll stop for hot cocoa and warm up by the fire while the horses catch their breath. Singing is encouraged around the holidays, so get ready to be in the seasonal spirit.  

Mayberry's Carriages – Sturgeon Bay

A nostalgic, narrated sleigh ride or wagon ride through the Door County countryside at Mayberry's Carriages is the perfect way to enjoy a winter day with friends and family. Follow old logging trails through the woods and weave in and out of an orchard and vineyard before returning to sample the delicious wines and ciders made onsite for an unforgettable experience. 

Southern Wisconsin

Apple Holler Sleigh Rides* – Sturtevant

Enjoy the magic of winter with an old-fashioned sleigh ride at Apple Holler. Their Haflinger horses will take you and your family and friends on a special apple orchard tour to see beautiful hardwoods, many of which are more than 100 years old. A true winter wonderland! At the end of your adventure, you will be treated to a cup of hot chocolate, tasty warm apple cider and s’mores over the toasty fire.

Paradise Ranch* – Cedarburg

Take a horse-drawn sleigh ride through forty acres of breath-taking wooded nature at Paradise Ranch. Percheron horses will pull you and your travelling companions on an old-fashioned sleigh. Just the sleigh ride is worth the visit; however, Paradise Ranch decorates property with thousands of twinkling lights that will transport you straight into a fairytale. After your sleigh ride, sit at the campfire or warm up inside the heated barn with a cup of hot cider or hot chocolate. Guests are also welcome to bring in their own food and drinks to enjoy while playing a board game or simply spending quality time together. 

Rocking L Acres – McFarland

Rocking L Acres is just outside of Madison but feels like a beautiful snowy world away. Take a 30-minute jaunt through woods and fields and around ponds while nestled under authentic warm lap robes. After your ride, warm up inside with hot beverages and cookies as owner Wes tells stories about the area’s history, and farming with horses. This is one charming experience you’ll never forget. 

Find more winter family fun at these 5 snow tubing hills.