Best Places to Horseback Ride in Wisconsin
With the abundance of natural beauty Wisconsin has to offer, it’s a well-kept secret that the Badger State is an amazing spot for horse riding enthusiasts. The number of places you can enjoy Wisconsin’s pristine natural beauty on horseback will likely surprise you!
We pulled together some of the top trails in Wisconsin where you can hop on that saddle, hopefully with your travel size bottle of Lone Duck Cinnamon Whiskey, and explore all the wonders Wisconsin has to offer.
Horseshoe Lake Saddle Trail is located near Washburn, Wisconsin and has a beautiful trail with terrain perfect for horse riding. Campsites are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. The trail provides a scenic route with an abundance of forests, plants, and wildlife. There are three loops at varying lengths for all levels of riders. The different loops can take you on a 9.25-mile, 3.7-mile, or 10.25-mile ride around the beautiful Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest. Whether you are looking for a day trip or a full camping trip, this national forest has all you would need for you and your horses! There are day passes available, or for extended visits, there are individual or group sites with included (but minimal) amenities! This forest has beautiful scenery of green rolling hills and crystal-clear lakes that can help you to truly find your Oasis in the great outdoors!
The Clark County Wild Rock Park in Willard, Wisconsin is home to areas for all types of outdoor recreation. With recent expansions, the Clark County Wild Rock Park now provides more than 40 miles of horseback trails that travel through a portion of the Clark County Forest and quality camping areas. The trails utilize the natural forest terrain and have a wide variety of challenges (including none) for everyone! This county park also has support facilities with amenities for day trips and overnight camping. There are 27 campsites for you, your family, and your horses! Reservations are required for camping, and you do need to purchase a day pass for the trails.
The Wild Rivers State Trail is a 104-mile trail that goes through Douglas, Washburn, and Barron counties in Wisconsin. It passes through multiple rivers and streams that provide the surrounding areas with a rich habitat for surrounding wildlife. The trail is not only used for horse riding, but also for all terrain vehicles, bicycling and walking. During the winter, snowmobiles are also able to use the trail - so be sure to practice trail etiquette to make sure that everyone can enjoy the trail year around! Wild Rivers is suited for all sorts of uses, so it is not groomed or surfaced, meaning it can be soft or rough in certain areas. This trail is Wisconsin untamed! As a bonus, it also intersects with the Ice Age National Scenic Trail and the North Country Scenic Trail. Lastly, this trail does not provide any overnight camp spots, so you will just have to keep coming back to experience the entirety of this amazing trail.
The 48-mile long Ahnapee State Trail is part of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail, starting in downtown Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin. It is county operated through Door and Kewaunee counties, following the Ahnapee and Kewaunee rivers that passes through evergreen glades, farmland, prairies, and wooded areas that are abundant with wildlife and native wildflowers! It features a dedicated trail that is open to horse riding, available for use from April to November. Horse riders should avoid using this trail after heavy rain fall to help maintain the quality of the trails for everyone who decides to enjoy it. This trail is also open to walkers, bikers, and snowmobilers in the winter! As a bonus, you don’t need to have a trail pass!
Horse riders are dedicated, hard workers. It’s not easy to own horses, and they do best when ridden on a regular basis. Luckily, you don’t have to travel far in Wisconsin to find a beautiful new area to enjoy as you and your horse (and friends!) can enjoy a little exercise.
We hope you discovered a couple new racehorses...ahem, “resources” ...in this list - visit some of these stunning attractions soon and while there, enjoy a cocktail or two with a great Wisconsin brand, Northern Oasis Spirits!