Where to take horse-drawn sleigh rides in Michigan
Looking to take a magical Michigan horse-drawn sleigh ride this winter? Here are 10 spots to book an intimate or group ride—and yes, hot chocolate is included.
Michigan is the ideal place to experience all the magic of a horse-drawn sleigh ride in the winter months. From the cold weather to the abundance of natural fields and trails to travel across, opportunity abounds for a sleigh ride here in the mitten.
If you grew up reading “Little House on the Prairie” books, you might have longed to experience the holiday scene of Laura and her family bundling up and traveling across snowy plains in a horse-drawn sleigh to visit family. The scene was depicted as magical, with the sleigh occupants tucked in, cozy and warm, under blankets while the sleigh bells rang and the stars twinkled overhead in the dark night.
Now, you can make that dream a reality by choosing any of these places to enjoy a wintery horse-drawn sleigh ride in Michigan (and some options for horse-drawn carriage rides if snowy fields aren’t your thing).
1. Treetops Resort
Gaylord, MI
Gaylord guests staying at Treetops Resort—or anyone who fancies a sleigh ride—can enjoy a magical winter sleigh ride on a horse-drawn sleigh across the property. The sleigh ride will take riders across streams and fields, and for an added magical touch, hot chocolates (plus Irish Cream for the adults) are included. Plus, when the ride is over, you can warm up by the outdoor fire pit.
Tickets for the sleigh rides must be reserved in advance and cost $30/person, with guests 3 and under free. There are several dates and times for the sleigh rides, and they run from December 2024 through March 2025.
2. Cook Family Farm
Gaylord, MI
Cook Family Farm founders Tom and Waneta Cook are proud parents to 11 children, all of whom play a role on the farm. The Cooks raise poultry, beef, lamb, and other animals and, in the wintertime, offer sleigh rides across their property. Each ride lasts about 40 minutes and comes complete with hot cocoa and cookies. You can choose from a more intimate sleigh ride for 1-2 people or a larger group ride. Reservations must be made over the phone by calling (989) 731-1332.
3. Fantail Farm
Benzonia, Michigan
Located on the west side of the state, south of Traverse City, Fantail Farms specializes in wagon rides and sleigh rides both on-property or off-site. The farm is renowned for creating magical memories and is even home to many a romantic wintery proposal.
Time slots must be reserved in advance—and they fill up quickly, so don’t wait to book!—and all sleigh rides are groups, so your group will have a private sleigh ride all to themselves. There are four time slots each day, and the rides run every day through February or until trail conditions deteriorate. Rates vary based on the size of sleigh you want—you can book a private two-passenger sleigh or a group sleigh that holds up to 12 adults.
4. Wild West Ranch Horseback Riding
Fennville, MI
Also on the west side of the state, you’ll find Wild West Ranch Horseback Riding, a family-owned horse ranch that specializes in everything from horseback trail rides to wagon and sleigh rides. During the winter, couples or friends can enjoy a cozy two-person sleigh ride through the woods for $100. Each ride lasts about 40-45 minutes, and reservations can be made by calling ahead to 269-673-3539 1861.
5. Frankenmuth, MI
There is no more magical town in Michigan to visit during the holidays than Frankenmuth, home of the world’s largest Christmas store and many Christmas festivities like ice skating, Santa visits, and an indoor waterpark. Visitors can also partake in a horse-drawn carriage ride through town via the Frankenmuth Carriage Company to take in all the festive sights and sounds.
Don’t forget to warm up with a world-famous chicken dinner at Zendher’s or indulge in some treats at the bakery when you’re done.
6. White Horse Inn
Metamora, MI
Every year, the historical White Horse Inn—which holds the title of one of the oldest operating restaurants in Michigan and is rumored to have once been part of the Underground Railroad—hosts free horse-drawn carriage rides through the lovely town of Metamora. The carriage rides are first-come, first-served. This year, they are taking place on Dec 6, 7, 13, and 14 from 6 to 8 p.m.
Don’t forget to stop in for dinner (reservations are also accepted) before or after your ride at the White Horse Inn. I highly recommend the roasted tomato soup topped with grilled cheese croutons—it’s my absolute favorite to warm up with on a cold winter’s night, especially when enjoyed by the Inn’s roaring real wood fireplace. The White Horse Inn also has igloo reservations, where you and your party of up to 10 can enjoy lunch or dinner in an igloo, as well as free outdoor firepits to keep warm.
7. Triple D Ranch and Rodeo Bulls
Roscommon, MI
As one of the most affordable options on our list, Triple D Ranch in Roscommon offers seasonal sleigh rides for only $15/adult and $5/child. And even better? Complimentary cookies and hot chocolate are included with every ride.
When you’re done with your sleigh ride, you can also pick up a freshly-hewn real Christmas tree, fresh from the farm, to take home. For questions and to schedule a sleigh ride, call 989-429-8984.
8. Ranch Rudolf
Traverse City, MI
With a name like that, how could they not offer winter sleigh rides? Ranch Rudolf does not have real reindeer, but they still have plenty of winter magic with horse-drawn sleighs and hay rides that can accommodate up to 20 people. According to the ranch’s website, their beautiful Belgian horses Beau and Knox carry guess through the Boardman River Valley through December and February.
The ranch spans 195 acres in the woods of the Pere Marquardt State Forest and borders the banks of the Boardman River. And if you really want to extend the winter fun, you can even rent out the entire ranch to host you and your family.
9. Thunder Bay Resort
Hillman, MI
For a truly one-of-a-kind sleigh ride experience, head out to Thunder Bay Resort, located in the NE area of the lower peninsula. The experience starts with a sleigh ride through the woods led by draft horses, where guests can enjoy a premium elk viewing experience on the property’s elk preserve. You can take just the sleigh ride alone and marvel at the elk in their natural habitat, or add on a luxury 5-course dinner at the Elk Antler Cabin. The cabin welcomes guests to enjoy a menu that includes delicacies such as pear and apple dumplings, homemade soup, roast and potatoes, and white chocolate mousse—all prepared on 125-year-old wood cook stoves.
10. Four Green Fields Farm
Rodney, MI
This Irish heritage farm takes once-a-day groups for sleigh rides for an exclusive and unique winter experience. Guests can enjoy a sleigh ride over the farm’s 2.2 miles of trails and savor the ride without a rushed schedule. The $80 ride can hold up to 12 people and includes the use of the bonfire and warming house afterward. Plus, if there happens to be no snow on the day you’ve reserved, the farm can easily swap in the wheeled wagon instead so your group doesn’t miss out on the fun.
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