It’s Lovely Weather for a Sleigh Ride Together Up North

Image courtesy of Dean Acheson.

If your travels bring you Up North this season, you’ll be treated to a festive atmosphere: evergreen boughs topped with sparkling snow, small towns donning their holiday decorations, businesses opening their doors for special holiday open houses and events, and twinkling lights illuminating idyllic villages and rural neighborhoods. If you want to add something special to spark your holiday cheer, we suggest bundling up and going on one of these enchanting horse-drawn sleigh and wagon rides in northern Wisconsin.

Special Events Featuring Horse-Drawn Sleigh and Wagon Rides

Christmas in Minocqua

Downtown Minocqua, November 30

On November 30, you’ll take in the sights of picturesque downtown Minocqua on a horse-drawn wagon ride as part of the Christmas in Minocqua celebration. Santa and Mrs. Claus will arrive on a horse-drawn wagon at Gaslight Square Shoppes at 1 p.m. to visit with children before leading the way to Veterans Park at 4 p.m. for carols and the lighting of Minocqua’s Christmas display. Stick around the island to shop at the town’s many unique stores, many of which will be featuring festive activities and sales for the event.

The Christmas Mouse Open House

Main Street Oconto Falls, December 5

On Thursday, December 5, from 4 to 7 p.m. on Oconto Falls’ Main Street, wagon rides will be part of the fun during the Christmas Mouse Open House event. In addition to the wagon rides (which start by Antique Bar), you will be challenged to find the hidden mice in the Main Street businesses. Write down their names and enter your submission into a contest for a chance to win cash and prizes. In addition to the mouse hunt and the wagon rides, M.K. Photography will be offering opportunities to get your picture taken with Santa; and there will be a live nativity scene candlelight walk at 7 p.m., a hot chocolate tent, carolers, and more fun activities at the Main Street businesses.

Eagle River Sleigh Rides

Downtown Eagle River, December 7, 14, 21, and 28

While you are in downtown Eagle River this season, take a break from your holiday shopping and hop on the free horse-drawn sleigh ride, which will take you through this iconic Northwoods town’s streets. Rides are offered on December 7, 14, 21, and 28, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Rocking W Sleigh Rides

Rocking W Stables – Eagle River, December 13 to January 1

During your summer and autumn visits to Eagle River, you may have enjoyed Rocking W Stables’ three-mile scenic equestrian trail during guided trail rides and children’s pony rides. But if you travel to the area during the holiday season, you’re in for a special treat. From your seat on Rocking W’s horse-drawn sleigh ride, you’ll marvel at the beautiful woodland scenery. At the halfway point, you’ll warm up with a bonfire and hot cocoa before beginning your return trip. Sleigh rides are offered from December 13 to January 1. Call (715) 617-6779 or visit www.northwoodsattractions.com for more information or reservations.

Marvel in Manitowish Waters

North Lakeland Discovery Center – Manitowish Waters, December 27

Horse-drawn sleigh rides will be offered as part of the Marvel in Manitowish Waters event, sponsored by Manitowish Waters Chamber of Commerce, to be held on Friday, December 27, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Other drop-in activities will include winter scavenger hunts, snow critter building, and crafts. Snowshoes will be available to use for free on North Lakeland Discovery Center’s scenic property. If dashing through the snow works up an appetite, a chili cook-off lunch will be available for $5. While registration is not required, it is helpful for planning purposes. Please register by calling (715) 543-2085.

Other Enchanting Places Offering Sleigh Rides This Winter

On Twin Lakes – Birchwood

O’er the hills, winding through 300 acres of woods, and skirting the shores of frozen lakes and ponds, you will go during your 90-minute sleigh ride On Twin Lakes. Along the way, you just might spot deer, squirrels, owls, turkeys, and bald eagles—as well as On Twin Lakes’ own cows. When the horses take a break to catch their breath, you’ll stop by the cozy fire for a cup of hot cocoa before you return. Bundle up for this fairytale-like ride. Pricing starts at $85 for up to four riders. Each additional rider is $10. Sleighs can accommodate up to 10 adults (and more children, depending on their size). Book online or call (715) 354-3210 to reserve your sleigh ride for a weekend this winter.

Palmquist Farm – Brantwood

Tucked away in the rural community of Brantwood, between Tomahawk to its east and Prentice to its west, is the 800-acre farm resort, Palmquist Farm. While cattle are raised at the farm, the owners’ true passion is for providing guests with impeccable Finnish hospitality. Since the farm’s beginnings as a subsistence farm in 1902, the Palmquist family has expanded and transformed the property into a charming getaway with fun activities for guests to enjoy all year long. In the holiday and winter season, you can enjoy a horse-drawn sleigh ride in the big or small sleigh over fields and through forests to tour the farm. When riding in the big sleigh, you and your group will sit atop soft hay and snuggle in warm blankets as a team of Belgian draft horses pull the sleigh, and you’ll stop along the way to sip apple cider, tea, or hot chocolate as your warm your hands. For those seeking a cozy, romantic experience, contact Palmquist Farm to ask about a private sleigh ride in the small sleigh for you and your loved one. Big horse-drawn sleigh rides are free for overnight guests; for day visitors, the adult rate is $18, the child (4–12 years old) rate is $10, and infants (0–3 years old) ride free. Small horse-drawn sleigh rides are $100.

Starwood Farm – Ringle

If you and your group are looking for an exciting activity to add to your Up North itinerary, add a winter sleigh ride at Starwood Farm to the list! Starwood Farm’s large sleigh holds approximately 16 adults and is pulled by two Percheron draft horses. Along the way, you’ll take a break to warm up by a toasty bonfire and savor your choice of refreshments (picnic tables, roasting sticks, and rustic restrooms will be available). After the bonfire, ride back to the farm, where you can pet the farm animals and take photographs to capture this unforgettable experience. Enjoy the glistening white snow during a daytime sleight ride, or become spellbound by the quiet beauty of the farm during an evening candlelit sleigh ride. Call Starwood Farm at 715-446-2485 to make your reservation.