Travel Guide to Horse Drawn Sleigh Rides in Northern Minnesota

If you should travel to northern Minnesota during the winter, you might want to make a reservation for a sleigh ride at one of the stables or resorts which offer this experience. Many of the sleigh trails go back through forests of pines with snow-laden boughs. Few activities are more romantic or fun. Let this travel guide to northern Minnesota's places offering horse drawn sleigh rides assist you. All prices in this guide are from winter 2010. Check the individual websites for current pricing for sleigh rides.

Buena Vista Ski Area
The trails taken by the horse drawn sleigh lead through forests and the historic Buena Vista village area. Private sleigh rides may be requested or you can come on the weekends when the ski slopes are open. After your sleigh ride, the Continental Café in the three story ski chalet serves sandwiches, pizza, hot drinks, and snacks. The ski area has been in operation since 1936.

Buena Vista Ski Area
19276 Lake Julia Dr. NW
Bemidji, MN 56601-7792
(218) 243-2231
bvskiarea.com

Outback Trail Ride Inc.
This riding stable offers horse drawn sleigh rides but the minimum which must be paid is $150. Each individual pays $7 if you can assemble a large group of more than eleven people. The rides go through the snow-covered Pillsbury State Forest which has been a preserved old growth forest since its establishment in 1935.

Outback Trail Ride Inc.
12210 Pillsbury Forest Rd. SW
Pillager, MN 56473-2336
(218) 746-3990
outbackranch.com

Positive Energy Outdoor Ed Ventures
Among the many winter adventures and activities offered are 45 minute sleigh rides. All rides are by reservation and can be taken any day of the week from around December 15 to around March 15. Two sleighs can accommodate groups of different sizes. Four adults can be comfortable in the back of the smaller sleigh for a price of $150. The larger bobsleigh accommodates up to twelve people. Pay $110 for the first two passengers and then $15 for each additional rider. A package which combines a dog sledding adventure with a horse drawn sleigh ride is available.

Positive Energy Outdoor Ed Ventures
4757 Datka Rd.
Duluth, MN 55803-5201
(218) 391-0147
outdooredventures.org

Happyland Tree Farm Sleigh Rides
The sleigh rides at this tree and elk farm are for the purpose of bringing customers back to select their own Christmas trees and see the elk at Grindstone Lake Elk Ranch. At the beginning and end of the sleigh ride a bonfire and hot cider and coffee await. Sleigh rides are done on the weekends.

Happyland Tree Farm Sleigh Rides
16706 Groningen Rd.
Sandstone, MN
1 (302) 245-5135 or 1 (800) 860-7819
happylandtreefarms.com

Duluth Sleigh Rides Without Websites
These three stables are listed as offering sleigh rides but do not have websites to tell more about their services. If interested, call the phone number to inquire about hours of operation and rates.

Trails End Stables
5254 Anderson Rd.
Duluth, MN 55803-9479
(218) 721-3156

Countryside Rides
4488 W. Lismore Rd.
Duluth, MN 55803-9357
(218) 721-3414

LC's Sleigh and Hay Rides
5672 River Ln.
Duluth, MN 55803-9389
(218) 590-0256

For a review of Okontoe Campground, Lutsen Winter Recreation Center, and Pinewood Stables, please see Lima's article Best Sleigh Rides in Minnesota
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Resources:
http://www.sledriding.com/horsedrawnsleighrides.html
http://maps.google.com/