Horse-Drawn Hayrides, Sleigh Rides Coming to DuPage Co. Forest Preserve Sites This Fall, Winter

Enjoy cultural and natural history stories on guided horse-drawn hayrides at several Forest Preserve District of DuPage County locations, beginning on Saturday, Sept. 17 at Danada Equestrian Center in Wheaton, according to a news release.

Thirty-minute weekend rides are returning to Danada Equestrian Center on Saturdays and Sundays starting on Sept. 17 and continuing through Oct. 2. The rides will be held again on Saturdays and Sundays from Oct. 22 through Nov. 6. The rides will be held at 1, 1:45 and 2:30 p.m.

Rides are also in the lineup for the center’s “Danada Fall Festival” on Sunday, Oct. 9 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., according to the news release. Groups can reserve private rides at Danada by calling 630-668-6012.

All Forest Preserve District horse-drawn hayrides cost $5 per person and are free for kids under 5. Children under 13 years of age must be accompanied by an adult. Rides will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis--registration is not required, but the District will cancel rides if there’s severe weather, according to the news release.

Kline Creek Farm in West Chicago, the District’s 1890s living history farm, is hosting rides Oct. 15 and 16 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. during “Corn Harvest;” Dec. 10 and 11 at “Christmas on the Farm;” Jan. 21 at “Ice Harvest;” and Saturdays and Sundays in April and May, according to a news release. For details or to reserve a private group ride at Kline Creek Farm, call 630-876-5900.

Just in time for winter, St. James Farm in Warrenville will offer 20-minute sleigh rides Wednesday through Saturday on Dec. 21 through Jan. 7 at 2, 2:30 and 3 p.m., although it will use wagons if there’s not ample snow on the trails. The farm is also featuring hayrides at its “Family Field Day” on May 27. Private group rides at St. James Farm can be arranged by calling 630-580-7025.

Finally, to complement special events at other forest preserve locations, the District is bringing horse-drawn rides to “Talons and Claus” on Dec. 3 at Willowbrook Wildlife Center in Glen Ellyn and “Wonders of Winter” on Feb. 4 at Mayslake Peabody Estate in Oak Brook., according to the news release.

“This is a great way to expand opportunities for recreation and education at these three beautiful preserves and aligns with our mission to connect people to nature,” said Commissioner Al Murphy, District 6.

“We’re thrilled to offer a program like this year-round. Horse-drawn wagon rides are family-friendly and celebrate our equine heritage,” said Forest Preserve District of DuPage County President Joe Cantore.

Photo credit: DuPage County Forest Preserves District