Horseback Riding 2022: Where To Find Trails In Illinois

ILLINOIS — As summer inches closer, most Illinoisans are itching to get outside and spend time in the sun and open air. With seemingly endless opportunities for activities, one option is to go horseback riding.

Multiple farms and equestrian centers in the Chicagoland area offer horseback rides, lessons and summer camps, making it an ideal summer activity for both kids and adults.

Whether you're looking to go on a casual ride through a forest or take your first — or 10th — riding lesson, here are spots throughout the area that offer the fun activities.

Is there another horseback riding location you love that's not on the list? Send an email with information to emily.rosca@patch.com and we'll add it to the roundup.

A Ranch 394

• Where: 1465 Glenwood Lansing Road, Chicago Heights
• Phone: 708-895-1810
• What: Boarding and pony ride services for birthday parties or special occasions.
• Price: Can be found by calling.
• Website

Chain O'Lakes State Park

• Where: 8916 Wilmot Road, Spring Grove
• Phone: 815-710-7210
• What: Trail rides for adults and kids 7 years and older. For kids under 7, the stable offers hand-led pony rides.
• Price: $38 for 40 minutes, $48 for an hour, $64 for 1.5 hours, and $75 for two hours.
• Website

Double J Riding Club

• Where: 10545 W. 74th St., Countryside
• Phone: 708-365-9741
• What: A variety of riding lessons, camps and party services.
• Price: Prices vary.
• Website

9 Acres Equestrian Center, formerly Fitzjoy Farm

• Where: 12211 S. La Grange Road, Palos Park
• Phone: 708-361-7977
• What: Full-service boarding facility that offers English and Western riding lessons, summer camps, public trail rides and training.
• Price: Prices vary.
• Website

Freedom Woods

• Where: 9501 Austin Ave., Morton Grove
• Phone: 847-967-9800
• What: Lessons for riders as young as five.
• Price: $65 for a half-hour private lesson or $130 for an hour.
• Website

Forest View Farms

• Where: 16717 Lockwood Ave., Tinley Park
• Phone: 708-560-0306
• What: Offers boarding, horseback riding and driving lessons, summer camp, trail rides, pony rides, among other seasonal activities.
• Price: Prices vary by activity.
• Website

Glen Grove Equestrian Center

• Where: 1181 Riverwoods Road, Lake Forest
• Phone: 847-966-8032
• What: Riding lessons, boarding, community lessons, summer camp.
• Price: $65 for half-hour private lesson; $60 for half-hour semi-private lesson; $80 for hour-long group ride (open to advanced riders only).
• Website

Memory Lane Stables

• Where: 8290 S. Kean Ave., Willow Springs
• Phone: 708-372-6472
• What: Horseback riding, trail riding, horse rental
• Price: $25 per hour of guided horseback trail ride
• Website

Sarah's Pony Rides

• Where: 8220 S. Kean Ave., Willow Springs
• Phone: 630-802-1316
• What: Personalized pony rides for children's parties, horse and pony camp.
• Price: Prices vary.
• Website

Tower Hill Stables

• Where: 12n254 Tower Road, Hampshire
• Phone: 847-464-1616
• What: Riding lessons, horseback trail rides, boarding, camp, pony rides and petting zoos
• Price: Prices vary by activity. $45 per person for trail rides.
• Website