Horseback Riding in Wisconsin: Trails, Lessons and Rides

Wisconsin packs an enormous amount of horse country into its borders, from the glacial hills of the Kettle Moraine just outside Milwaukee to the forested peninsulas of Door County and the broad bridle trails of the Driftless Area.

This guide pulls together where to ride, where to learn, where to board, and where to camp with your own horse .

Horseback Riding in Greater Milwaukee

The southeastern corner of Wisconsin is the densest cluster of equestrian businesses in the state, anchored by the Southern Unit of the Kettle Moraine State Forest and a tight network of family-run lesson barns.

Wild 3L Ranch — Eagle (Kettle Moraine)

Wild 3L Ranch is the only commercial outfitter that runs guided trail rides directly into the Southern Kettle Moraine, and it consistently earns the strongest reviews of any trail operator in the Milwaukee area. Owner Lisa Lisowe meets riders at the Eagle trailhead and tailors rides to skill level — meaning you can actually walk, trot, and canter rather than plodding nose-to-tail. Published rates from wild3lranch.com: the 1.5-hour Kettle Moraine ride runs $70 per person, the 2-hour ride is $95, the Half Day Adventure (3 to 3.5 hours plus a pub stop) is $185, and the All Day Adventure is $300 for experienced riders only. Cash or local check is preferred; credit cards and Venmo add $4 per rider. Riders must be 7 or older and under the 240-pound weight limit. Reservations are required and best booked by texting 920-251-1989.

Highland Ridge Stables — Concord (Waukesha County)

Highland Ridge sits on 37+ acres just off I-94 and specializes in saddle seat English lessons and American Saddlebred training under owner Sarah McClintock, who has more than 18 years of teaching and training experience. Lake Country Family Fun notes that Highland Ridge does not offer daily trail riding but does run a Pony Experience designed to introduce young children to horses, plus 10-minute pony rides for kids 8 and under at $10 per child. Day-use riders 16 and older need a $5 cash trail pass. Cash or check only. Call to schedule. Website: highlandridgestables.com.

Sun Fire Stables — Waterford (Racine County)

A family-owned barn run by Jennifer Gaudes-Raemisch and Dean Raemisch since 1984, Sun Fire Stables sits three miles west of Waterford on Highway 20 and is one of the most-recommended lesson barns in the greater Milwaukee area. They offer personalized lessons for all experience levels, Girl Scout troop visits, birthday parties, summer day camps, schooling shows, and full-service boarding. Reviews repeatedly praise their work with first-time and timid riders and emphasize that even children's birthday parties include real instruction rather than just a pony walk. Website: sunfirestables.com.

Hillside Farm Riding Academy — Southeastern Wisconsin

Margie at Hillside Farm runs one of the largest lesson programs in the region, with more than 30 lesson horses across Polo, Horse Ball, Polocrosse, Pony Club, Eventing, Hunter/Jumper, and Dressage disciplines. Hillside is explicit on its site that it does not offer trail riding or boarding — it is purely a riding academy with a horse-lease program. The barn is well-regarded for older beginner riders and for affordability in an expensive sport. Website: hillsidefarmllc.com.

Iron Horse Stables (Joy Farm Polo Club) — Waukesha County

Iron Horse Stables offers English and Western lessons plus basic Dressage and Saddleseat starting at age 5, with lesson packages and the option to lease riding horses or polo ponies. The Stevens family carries on the three-generation Joy Farm Polo Club tradition established in Milwaukee in 1946, making this one of the only places in southeastern Wisconsin to experience polo. Website: ironhorsepolostables.com.

The Mukwonago and Lake Country Cluster

Mukwonago and the surrounding lake country host a dense cluster of lesson and boarding barns that appear consistently on Yelp's top-ranked horseback riding lists for Milwaukee, Mequon, and Mukwonago. Stonehedge Farm in Union Grove is a dressage, jumping, and eventing training and boarding facility located between Chicago and Milwaukee at 935 172nd Avenue (262-859-2853; stonehedgefarm.net). Knollwood Farm draws repeat families whose children start lessons as young as 4. The Horse Emporium doubles as a regional tack and equipment shop alongside lessons. Kettle Moraine Ranch offers one-hour guided trail rides inside the Kettle Moraine State Forest along with pony rides, wagon rides, and a "Mining for Gold" attraction popular for birthday parties; reservations are required. Other names worth contacting in this cluster include Meinpferde Farm, Miller Equestrian Center, Fox Hollow Farm Equestrian Center, and Sorensen Equestrian Park.

Barry Ridge Equestrian Center — Germantown (Washington County)

Barry Ridge is a premier dressage-focused boarding facility on 70 scenic acres in Germantown, run by Kathy and Brianna of the Pausch/Barry family with in-house trainer Nicole, who joined in 2013. The center specializes in traditional and Western dressage, with heated stalls, an indoor arena, a viewing lounge, and large grass pastures for daily turnout. Barry Ridge offers year-round boarding, training, and lessons, with clinic and show opportunities. Located at N132W18350 Rockfield Road; (262) 677-0515; barryridgeequestrian.com.

Hidden View Farm — Mequon (Ozaukee County)

Hidden View Farm has served Mequon since 2012 with horse boarding, training, and lessons in hunter, jumper, and eventing disciplines. The farm hosts year-round clinics with elite trainers including Sinead Halpin and Dom Schramm. Located at 8104 W Highland Road, Mequon. Website: hiddenviewfarmmequon.com.

Appy Orse Acres — Fredonia (Ozaukee County)

Bernadette Ruckdashel founded Appy Orse Acres and has been teaching since she was 14 — more than half a century of horsemanship. The farm covers more than 100 acres with 40 horses and offers lessons, trail rides, boarding, summer camps, scout events, birthday parties, and even weddings. The associated Willow Hill Riding Club, a non-profit, runs community-service events and provides college grants to young members. Reservations are required for all lessons, trail rides, camps, and special events. Located at 1360 Willow Road, Fredonia; (262) 692-9144; appyorseacres.com.

Pine Ridge Riding Center — Slinger (Washington County)

A woman-owned business founded in 1992, Pine Ridge has more than 33 years of experience teaching riders ages 7 and up. They offer 45-minute private lessons, group lessons at $60 (for two or more riders), horse day camps, scout day events, and birthday parties. Trail-riding skills are taught only during the Advanced Day Camp week in August. Located at 4371 Arthur Road, Slinger; pineridgeponies.com.

Stepping Stone Farms — Franksville (Racine County)

A non-profit since 2004, Stepping Stone Farms School of Horsemanship offers riding lessons, day camps, team-building workshops, and Equine Assisted Psychotherapy and Learning. The organization specifically focuses on at-risk youth outreach. Volunteers are welcome. Address: 1439 92nd Street, Franksville. Website: steppingstonefarms.org.

Diettrich Farm — Southeastern Wisconsin

Owned and operated by Lynn Diettrich since 1987, Diettrich Farm offers horseback riding camps, lessons, and an on-site bed-and-breakfast. Reviews emphasize a nature-focused, animal-rich environment with horses, frogs, chickens, dogs, cats, and birds. Website: diettrichfarm.com.

First Class Horse Complex — Kenosha County

First Class Horse Complex offers group, semi-private, and private lessons for all styles and levels, both children and adults. The focus is rider-centric training rather than horse competition. Website: firstclasshorsecomplex.com.

Hidden Trails — Kenosha County

A full-care boarding facility with 19 stalls, indoor and outdoor arenas, on-site wooded trails, plus options for co-op, self-service, and overnight boarding. Hiddentrailswi.com.

Holy Hill Stables — Richfield

Located just north of Holy Hill Road at 2392 Highway 164, Holy Hill Stables offers full-service boarding, an indoor arena, wash bay, and 10 acres of outdoor pasture.

Horseback Riding in Door County: Kurtz Corral

Door County draws Milwaukee families every summer, and Kurtz Corral in Sturgeon Bay is the headline equestrian experience on the peninsula. Founded in 1960 by Lloyd Kurtz and now run by grandson Jimmy Kurtz, the corral sits on the original family homestead and uses 500+ acres for its trail rides.

Per the official rates page at kurtzcorral.com/rates: the Wooded Walk Trail one-hour guided ride is $75 per rider for ages 6 and up, winding through old Door County orchard and forest. The 30-minute Arena Ride is $40 per rider, designed for younger children not yet ready for the trail — an adult parent or guardian must be present at all times. The 240-pound weight limit is firm. Jeans and sturdy closed-toe shoes are required; flip-flops and sandals are not permitted. Reservations are online-only.

Summer office hours (June through October) are 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. seven days a week; winter hours (November through May) shrink to 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Friday through Sunday. Kurtz also runs winter trail rides through snow-covered woods, with hot cocoa, cider, or wine in the Kurtz Corral Studio warming house afterward. Address: 5712 Howard Lane, Sturgeon Bay; (920) 743-6742. Note that Lee Lake Riding Stable in Pound, WI is permanently closed per their official Facebook page — disregard older directory listings that show it as active.

Horseback Riding in the Wisconsin Dells Area

The Dells region has the highest concentration of drop-in family trail rides in the state. Most outfitters operate seasonally and accommodate first-time riders.

Beaver Springs Fishing Park — Wisconsin Dells

Beaver Springs combines a trout-fishing park with guided trail riding through forest, meadow, and stream crossings. Per beaverspringsfun.com, rides are $35 per adult and $19 for a child riding with a parent; children 6 and older typically ride on their own horse. No reservations are needed or accepted — trails depart approximately every hour, first-come first-served. There is no strict weight limit, though the trail guide makes a final call on arrival. Address: 600 Trout Road, Wisconsin Dells; 608-254-2735.

Red Ridge Ranch Riding Stable — Mauston

Twenty minutes from the Dells in Mauston, Red Ridge Ranch is open year-round and runs guided one-hour trail rides through 250 acres of woods, river, and rolling fields. Current rates from redridgeranch.com/rates.htm: one-hour trail ride is $45 per person (walk and trot, 350-pound limit), Ultimate Pony Rides are $25 per person (pony led in a controlled area), Advanced Rides are $80 per person, Private Rides are $100 per person, and horse-drawn wagon or sleigh rides are $35 per person ($15 for children 5 and under). The ranch also offers Halloween activities in the fall and "ranch round-up" camping weekends with horses in May. Reservation-only. Address: W4881 State Road 82, Mauston; (608) 847-2273.

Canyon Creek Riding Stables — Lake Delton

Canyon Creek runs one-hour guided trail rides through a themed landscape that includes a 200-foot tunnel, a waterfall, and a "main street" set piece, plus a free petting zoo on-site at 60 Hillman Road, Lake Delton; (608) 253-6942.

Big Horn Ranch — Arkdale

A short drive from the Dells, Big Horn Ranch offers trail guides who specialize in beginners; visitors are encouraged to bring apples and carrots for the horses. (608) 778-5551.

Woodside Ranch Stable — Mauston

Woodside Ranch books private group rides and pony rides for younger children alongside its broader Western-themed dude-ranch programming.

Horseback Riding in Central and Northern Wisconsin

Wild West Campground & Corral — Amherst

Wild West Campground sits on 70 acres in Amherst and runs daily guided rides every hour on the hour from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., June through August, plus weekends in the shoulder seasons. Published rates from wildwestcampground.com: the 2-mile trail ride (approximately 45 minutes) is $45 per person, hand-held pony rides (about 15 minutes) are $20 per person, adult-and-child tandem rides for ages 4 to 6 are $60 per person, and the signature Steak Ride (45-minute trail ride plus steak dinner) is $80 per person. Weight limit is 240 pounds; riders 7 through 17 may ride alone with a guardian-signed waiver. Reservations are required for pony rides — call (715) 824-5112. Wild West also runs all-girl horse camps and women's weekends. Address: 9495 WI-54, Amherst.

Wilderness Pursuit — Neillsville

Family-run since 1982 in central Wisconsin, Wilderness Pursuit offers steak dinner rides, picnic rides, multi-day pack trips, and overnight horse-camp adventures through the Clark County Forest with 30+ gentle, well-trained horses. This is real backcountry trail riding, not a circular ring loop. Website: wildernesspursuit.com.

Holiday Acres Resort — Minocqua

Holiday Acres pairs trail rides with go-karts, mini golf, and ice cream — a Northwoods family-package destination. Per holidayacresminocqua.com/prices, 45-minute horse trail rides are $45, pony rides are $10, and the child-double-up add-on is $10. Cash or ATM only — no credit cards. Reservations are appreciated. Open May through October. Address: 7994 US Highway 51 S, Minocqua; 715-356-4400.

Spider Lake Ranch — Hayward area

Long-established Northwoods outfitter near Hayward known for trails through dense pine and hardwood forests with glimpses of Spider Lake.

Rocky Acres Riding — Polk County

Beginner lessons for all ages plus 30-minute horse lead rides designed as a gentle introduction. The surrounding Polk County is also home to the Trade River Equestrian Trail System.

Wisconsin State Parks and Forests That Allow Horseback Riding

The Wisconsin DNR states verbatim that "Horseback riders can ride on more than 700 miles of trails in Wisconsin state parks, forests, recreation areas and unsurfaced trails on former rail lines… Six of these properties offer a total of 175 campsites where visitors can camp." Riders 16 and older need an annual or daily state trail pass for most horse trails. The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) requires testing of horses before certain activities on public lands — check current rules before trailering in.

Kettle Moraine State Forest — Southern Unit (Eagle/Palmyra)

The crown jewel for southeastern Wisconsin equestrians. The Southern Unit contains 87 miles of designated equestrian trails crossing 22,000+ acres of glacial hills, kettle lakes, oak savanna prairies, and pine plantations. The Horseriders Campground in Palmyra has 56 horse campsites (29 with electric hookups), a shower house with flush toilets, horse-wash and manure stations, picnic tables, fire rings, and 30-by-30-foot graveled tether areas. In 2025 the Southern Kettle Moraine Horse Trails Association installed 20 new 12x12-foot corrals — per The Freeman (gmtoday.com), "Through SKMHTA fundraising events, along with support from West 20 Ranch & Saddle Company, Wild 3L Ranch, and a $5,000 Trail Grant from the Wisconsin Horse Council, more than $20,000 was raised to complete the upgrades." Reservations required; vehicle stickers and trail passes required.

Kettle Moraine State Forest — Northern Unit

The Northern Unit covers about 30,000 acres across Sheboygan, Fond du Lac, and Washington counties. Per the Wisconsin DNR, "Equestrians enjoy 41 miles of bridle trail which are traditionally open late-April through mid-November." The main linear trail runs over 33 miles. Horse-trailer parking sits on County Highway H.

Governor Dodge State Park — Dodgeville

The park offers 22 miles of bridle trails and a Trails End Horse Campground for overnight stays. Day-use parking is available; rentals are not. The trail system includes the Interior Trail System (with 6.7 miles of connecting loops) and the 15.3-mile Outer Horse Trail loop. A state trail pass is required for ages 16+; horse trails are open May 1 through November 15.

Wildcat Mountain State Park — Ontario

The park has multiple looped horse trails (Red 1.7-mile, Purple 3-mile, plus Blue, Yellow, and Orange) covering hills and overlooks. The horse trails are open May 1 through November 14. The horse campground offers 24 sites that accommodate horse trailers with campers. Bicycles are not allowed on the horse trails.

Richard Bong State Recreation Area — Kansasville (Kenosha County)

The closest major state-managed horse trail system to Milwaukee. Horses are allowed on the main entrance road, the SUZ road, and the service road north of Highway 142, with horse-trailer parking in lots B, E, and J only. There is a vault toilet and hitching post next to Site D in the Sunrise Campground for day use (horses are not allowed in campsites themselves). All riders 16+ need a state trail pass.

Black River State Forest — Black River Falls

A 68,000-acre forest with three family campgrounds and miles of multi-use trails open to horses, mountain bikes, and ATVs depending on the segment. The forest sits at the Driftless Area edge with sandstone bluffs and pine-oak ecosystems. Castle Mound Campground is open year-round.

Brule River State Forest, Flambeau River, and the Northwest Wisconsin Trail Network

Northwest Wisconsin has hundreds of miles of horse-accessible trails: the Brule-St. Croix Snowmobile Trail, the Trade River Horse Trails in Polk County, the Tri-County Recreational Corridor from Superior to Ashland, the Tuscobia State Trail, and forest roads across the 278,000-acre Douglas County Wildlife Area and County Forest, where corrals and stables are available for public rental.

Kickapoo Valley Reserve and Wildcat Mountain — Driftless Region

Per the official Kickapoo Valley Reserve website, "The Reserve offers approximately 40 miles of riding trails," making it one of the largest contiguous horse-trail systems in the Midwest. Willow and Mule Camp horse camping areas sit north of La Farge off Highway 131, first-come first-served. The Reserve shares a border with Wildcat Mountain State Park, adding more horse trails and the 24-site horse trailer campground noted above.

Clark County Forest — Wild Rock Trails

Per the Clark County government website, "Clark County is proud to offer some of the finest horse trails in Wisconsin. Enjoy more than 40 miles of trail that wind and loop through a portion of the nearly 135,000 acre Clark County Forest." Wild Rock County Park provides trail access plus 27 campsites with electric and water hookups, picket lines, and manure bunkers. A trail pass is required. The Circle T Saddle Club is the volunteer group that maintains the system. Nearby Rock Dam Campground offers showers, a beach, and dump station.

Ahnapee State Trail — Sturgeon Bay/Algoma/Casco

According to AllTrails, the Ahnapee is the longest horseback-friendly trail in Wisconsin at 41.2 miles, running along a former rail corridor from Sturgeon Bay south through Algoma and Casco to Forestville — a multi-day option for endurance riders.

Horse Boarding and Training Facilities Across Wisconsin

In addition to barns already covered, southeastern Wisconsin offers JPC Stable in Grafton (62 acres, 1.5 miles off I-43, multiple trails, with monthly board around $350 per a published listing), 5 Hills in Delafield (seven-plus acres, six rotational pastures, just off I-94), Holy Hill Stables in Richfield, Wild Wind Equine Center south of Waukesha (multi-discipline including dressage, saddle seat/gaited, hunter/jumper, driving, halter, performance), Pepper Hill Farm in Oconomowoc, Whispering Willow Farm (Sport Horses and Miniature Horses with a CHA Certified Master Instructor on staff), and Grafton Equestrian Center.

Boarders looking outside the immediate Milwaukee orbit should investigate Double Lucky Ranch (57 heated stalls plus connection to Van Patten Woods and 37+ miles of Des Plaines River trails — straddles the Wisconsin/Illinois border), PineRidge Equestrian Center in Eagle River (boarding, training, lessons, leases, selective sales), Curtis Stables west of Madison, and ScotLyn Farm in southern Wisconsin (a slow-feed-net pasture operation south of Madison).

Practical Planning Notes for Wisconsin Riders

State trail passes: Riders 16 and older must purchase and carry an annual or daily Wisconsin state trail pass to ride on most public bridle trails. Daily and annual passes are available online, at park entrances, and at electronic kiosks.

Coggins and health requirements: DATCP requires negative Coggins test documentation and other health paperwork for horses brought onto certain public lands. Always check current requirements before trailering in.

Weight limits: Most commercial outfitters in Wisconsin enforce a 240-pound rider weight limit (Red Ridge Ranch is the exception at 350 pounds). Confirm before booking.

Reservations: With Lee Lake Riding Stable closed and the reservation-only model at Wild 3L Ranch, Red Ridge Ranch, and Kurtz Corral, walk-up rides are now uncommon. Beaver Springs Fishing Park is the main first-come, first-served operator in the Dells region.

Footwear and clothing: Closed-toe shoes with a hard sole and long pants (jeans preferred) are required at nearly every Wisconsin outfitter. Helmets are typically provided and required for minors.

In conclusion

• For a guided trail ride within an hour of Milwaukee: Book Wild 3L Ranch in Eagle ($70 for 1.5 hours through the Kettle Moraine).

• For weekly lessons and family-friendly camps: Sun Fire Stables in Waterford, Pine Ridge Riding Center in Slinger, or Appy Orse Acres in Fredonia.

• For a Door County summer ride: Kurtz Corral in Sturgeon Bay ($75 hour trail ride; $40 arena ride for little kids).

• For a Wisconsin Dells family trip: Beaver Springs Fishing Park ($35 adult, no reservations needed) or Red Ridge Ranch in Mauston ($45 hour trail ride).

• For overnight horse camping: Horseriders Campground in the Kettle Moraine Southern Unit (56 sites, electric hookups, 87 miles of trail).