Best Places For Horseback Riding In Chicago

When you think of things to do in the Chicago area, you likely envision running along Lake Michigan, exploring the city's world class museums or taking in a pro game or two. But did you know you can go horseback riding? Saddle up and hit the trails this summer by taking lessons or riding along the trails on a horse of your own. The Chicago area boasts a number of places where you can explore nature and learn how to ride a horse. If you'd like to go for a ride, then consider making reservations in advance. The following list of places for horseback riding are all within about one hour of Chicago. This article has additional horseback riding locations, too.

Glen Grove Equestrian Center
9453 Harms Road
Morton Grove, IL 60053
(847) 966-8032
www.glengroveequine.com
Price: $5 per pony ride
Hours: Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Let your child experience riding a pony through the pony rides at Glen Grove Equestrian Center. Held through the spring and into fall, pony rides give children the opportunity to see the animals up close and go for a quick ride. The pony rides are available for children six years of age and younger. There are plenty of activities for older kids, too, including riding lessons for children seven years of age and up. Glen Grove is located a quick drive from Interstate 94 in the suburb of Morton Grove.

McHenry County Conservation District
18410 U.S. Highway 14
Woodstock, IL 60098
(815) 338-6223
www.mccdistrict.org

If you already have a horse of your own, then you might wonder where you can take your horse for a ride. That's where McHenry County Conservation District comes in, with more than 40 miles of trails located throughout its system. Trails vary in length, ranging from about one mile to more than eight miles, and wend through wetlands, prairies and more so you can take in the scenery as you go. The organization also posts updates on its website regarding trail conditions, so check in advance of your next ride.

Millbrook Trail Rides
8078 Whitfield Road
Millbrook, IL 60536
(630) 777-9308
millbrooktrailrides.com
Price: $30 for one-hour ride

Go for a short road trip and head out to Millbrook Trail Rides for some horseback riding. Located about 60 miles from Chicago's downtown, Millbrook Trail Rides offers horseback riding options starting with about an hour in the saddle. You can also kick back and enjoy the sunset through the organization's specialty rides, too. For a full list of prices, check out Millbrook Trail Rides' website. Customizable horseback riding experiences are available with options for scouts.

Related: Best Family Hikes Near Chicago

Palatine Stables At Palatine Park District
1510 W. Northwest Highway
Palatine, IL 60067
(847) 359-0009
www.palatineparks.org
Price: $7 per pony ride
Hours: Saturdays and Sundays from 9:30 a.m. to noon.

OK, so maybe you can't get a horse for your child. Consider doing the next-best thing and taking your child for pony rides at the Palatine Stables through the Palatine Park District. Located in Chicago's northwest suburbs, the stable offers pony rides on the weekends for children between one and 10 years of age. There's also a height restriction, as riders must be under 4'6" to ride the ponies. Pony parties are also available for children. The stable also offers group lessons and private lessons.

Tower Hill Stables
12N254 Tower Road
Hampshire, IL 60140
(847)464-1616
www.towerhillstables.net
Price: $45 per person for one hour

Located about an hour from Chicago, Tower Hill Stables in Hampshire offers guided trail rides all year. What do you need to do before you arrive? You can sign the release form in advance, and plan to wear long pants and shoes with heels, as noted on the organization's website. Keep in mind all riders must be at least eight years of age. Instead of the same-old, same-old when it comes to parties, consider booking your grout at Tower Hill. Lessons and riding camps are also available.

Related: Best Places For Horseback Riding Near Chicago

Megan Horst-Hatch is a runner, reader, baker, gardener, knitter, and other words that end in "-er." She is also the president of Megan Writes, LLC. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.