Horse Sleigh Rides Near Wisconsin Dells: Your Complete Winter 2025-2026 Guide

Planning a magical winter sleigh ride near Wisconsin Dells? Book early, dress warmly, and prepare for an unforgettable snowy adventure.

Red Ridge Ranch

Located just 20 minutes from Wisconsin Dells in Mauston, Red Ridge Ranch Riding Stable offers the most accessible and reliable sleigh ride experience for Dells visitors. This family-owned operation on 250 acres of rolling woods along the Lemonweir River has been creating winter memories for decades.

Essential Details:

• Address: W4881 State Road 82 East, Mauston, WI 53948

• Phone: (608) 847-2273

• Email: redridge@redridgeranch.com

• Website: www.redridgeranch.com

Pricing for Winter 2025-2026:

• Adults: $35.00 per person

• Children 8 and under: $15.00 per person

• Private/guaranteed tours: Add $50.00

Each 40-minute ride takes you through snow-covered woods and rolling fields behind a two-horse team. The ranch operates five sleighs, each accommodating 10-15 people comfortably, making this ideal for both intimate family outings and large group celebrations of up to 450 guests.

Amenities included: Hot chocolate comes complimentary with every ride. Bonfires are available Saturday and Sunday only—a key detail for families hoping to cap their adventure with fireside warmth. Warm blankets are provided during the ride.

Booking requirements: Reservations are absolutely required—no walk-ins accepted. Book online through their FareHarbor system or call directly. During the peak December 15 through January 5 period, the ranch operates every day by reservation only. Off-season hours (November through March) limit operations to Thursday through Monday, closed Tuesday and Wednesday, all by reservation.

Critical policy: Red Ridge maintains a strict no-refund policy. If snow conditions are insufficient, you'll receive a wagon ride instead—same scenic route, same horses, same duration, just on wheels rather than runners. Call ahead if you're concerned about conditions.

Woodside Ranch

Just down the road from Red Ridge sits Woodside Ranch Resort, a historic 1,000+ acre dude ranch with over 100 horses. While historically known for winter sleigh rides, their current winter 2025-2026 status requires verification.

Contact Information:

• Address: W4015 State Road 82 E, Mauston, WI 53948

• Phone: (608) 350-1213

• Website: woodsideranch.com

The ranch's website currently indicates cabins are closed for winter, with trail rides, wagon rides, and pony rides available daily with 24-hour advance notice. Previous seasons offered sleigh rides at approximately $15 per person for 45-minute excursions, pulled by their beautiful Percheron draft horses.

Recommendation: Call (608) 350-1213 directly before planning your visit to confirm whether sleigh rides are operating this winter, current pricing, and specific availability windows. Their petting zoo (featuring llamas, goats, chickens, and even buffalo), Trading Post Bar & Grill, and extensive property make this worth exploring if sleigh rides are confirmed available.

The Dells Trolley Winter Wonderland

For families who want a turnkey experience without driving themselves, Dells Trolley's Winter Wonderland Tours provide heated transportation plus multiple activities in one package.

Contact:

• Phone: (888) 598-8778

• Email: dellstrolley@gmail.com

• Website: dellstrolley.com

Winter Wonderland Express Tour Pricing:

• Adults: $70.95

• Children: $60.95

• Lap children (2 and under): FREE

This 4-hour experience includes trolley transportation from Wisconsin Dells, the sleigh or wagon ride at Red Ridge Ranch with bonfire and hot chocolate, a stop at Baraboo Candy Company for samples, and wine tasting at Fawn Creek Winery. The Full Winter Wonderland Tour adds lunch at Trapper's Turn Golf Club. All ages welcome aboard the heated trolley, and guests can bring their own food and beverages.

Seasonal availability and the snow question

Wisconsin sleigh rides typically operate from early December through late February or early March, entirely dependent on snow conditions. Red Ridge Ranch begins sleigh operations December 1st when snow permits.

The critical snow threshold: Most operators need at least 4-6 inches of packed snow base for sleighs. Here's what happens when Mother Nature doesn't cooperate:

Sleigh rides convert to wagon rides with the same horses, same route, and same duration—just on wheels instead of runners. This substitution is standard across Wisconsin; Red Ridge Ranch explicitly notes "sleigh rides are dependent on snow with a wagon ride substitute in the absence of snow." No refunds are issued for weather conditions, but you still get a charming horse-drawn experience.

Peak booking periods include Christmas Eve, Christmas week, New Year's Eve, New Year's Day, and Valentine's Day weekend. For these dates, book 2-4 weeks minimum in advance; some popular operators take Christmas reservations up to a year ahead. General winter dates benefit from 7+ days advance booking for best selection.

What to wear for your Wisconsin sleigh ride

Thirty to forty minutes behind horses in Wisconsin winter demands serious layering. You'll be stationary in open air, which makes you feel colder than actively playing in the snow.

The essential layering system:

Start with thermal underwear or long johns as your base layer. Add a wool sweater or fleece as your mid-layer. Top with an insulated, wind-resistant parka. For legs, snow pants are highly recommended, especially for children.

Footwear matters enormously: Waterproof winter boots with wool lining protect against both snow and the cold radiating up from the sleigh floor. Avoid cotton socks entirely—wool or synthetic moisture-wicking materials perform far better.

Accessories that make the difference: A warm hat is non-negotiable since significant heat escapes through an uncovered head. Choose mittens over gloves—keeping fingers together retains warmth better than separating them. Add a scarf or neck gaiter for wind protection. Consider bringing hand warmers for pocket backup.

What to bring: While operators provide blankets, bringing your own as backup adds comfort and warmth. Keep your camera or phone warm in an interior pocket between shots—cold rapidly drains batteries. Long carrots for feeding the horses after your ride delights children and adults alike.

Planning for families with children

Wisconsin sleigh rides welcome all ages, including infants. Children 2 and under typically ride free as "lap children." Parents or guardians sign waivers for all minors.

What kids will experience: The gentle pace—horses walk or trot rather than gallop—creates a calm, magical atmosphere rather than an exciting adventure. Sleigh bells jingle throughout. Most rides last 30-40 minutes, ideal for maintaining young attention spans. The post-ride bonfire and hot chocolate often become the highlight for children.

Preparing your kids: Show them pictures of sleigh rides beforehand. Explain that draft horses are large—breeds like Percherons can weigh 2,600 pounds—so they won't be surprised. Schedule earlier time slots when temperatures run warmer and daylight remains. Bring comfort items for anxious little ones; one family reported their child brought a toy horse to "show" the real horses.

Photography opportunities abound: Capture pre-ride photos with the horses and sleigh, candid moments snuggled under blankets during the ride, and campfire scenes afterward. The snow-covered landscape provides stunning natural backdrops. Just remember to keep devices warm between shots.

Accommodating large groups and special occasions

Red Ridge Ranch excels at group accommodation, capable of hosting up to 450 people for corporate events, family reunions, or wedding parties. With five sleighs holding 10-15 people each, groups of 50-75 can experience rides in reasonable succession.

For groups of 10-15: A single sleigh provides an intimate shared experience. Book a private/guaranteed tour (additional $50) to ensure your group rides together without strangers.

For groups of 25+: Contact the ranch directly well in advance—at least 2-3 months during holiday season—to coordinate multiple sleigh departures and any special arrangements.

Private vs. shared rides: Private bookings guarantee your party rides together, allow timing flexibility, eliminate strangers from photos, and create more personalized experiences ideal for proposals, anniversaries, or corporate bonding.

Combining with meals: The Dells Trolley packages include lunch options. For self-planned trips, the Wisconsin Dells area offers numerous restaurants for post-ride dining to warm up and extend the celebration.

Practical arrival and booking tips

Arrive 15-30 minutes early. Sleighs depart on schedule and won't wait. You'll need to walk approximately 40+ feet across snow to reach the loading area, so build in buffer time.

Reservations are mandatory at all Wisconsin Dells-area providers. Walk-up service doesn't exist for sleigh rides—this isn't like buying lift tickets at a ski resort.

Check conditions before departing. Call the morning of your reservation during marginal snow periods to confirm whether you'll get sleigh or wagon rides.

Weather cancellation policies vary: Most operators only cancel for dangerous conditions—lightning, freezing rain, or extreme cold below 0°F with wind chill. Cancellations for insufficient snow result in wagon ride substitutions rather than refunds. Customer cancellations typically require 24-48 hours notice for any credit or rescheduling.

Accessibility: Red Ridge Ranch indicates wheelchair accessibility according to some listings, but call ahead to discuss specific mobility needs and confirm accommodations.

Your planning checklist

Two months before:

• Decide your preferred date (weekends and holidays book fastest)

• Call Red Ridge Ranch or check Woodside Ranch availability

• Consider Dells Trolley packages for an all-inclusive option

Two weeks before:

• Confirm your reservation

• Check extended weather forecasts

• Plan your layered outfit

The day before:

• Call to confirm conditions and sleigh vs. wagon status

• Charge camera batteries

• Pack extra blankets and hand warmers

Day of arrival:

• Arrive 15-30 minutes early

• Dress in complete layers before leaving your vehicle

• Bring carrots for the horses and cash for tips

The Wisconsin Dells area may offer limited sleigh ride options compared to other regions, but Red Ridge Ranch delivers an authentic, family-friendly winter experience just 20 minutes from the waterpark capital of the world. Book early, dress warmly, and embrace the magic of horses pulling you through snow-covered Wisconsin woods—a tradition that transforms any winter visit into a lasting memory.