One Michigan sleigh horse was born on the very farm where he still works, back on June 25, 2008. His name is Danny, and he pulls sleighs with a newer teammate named Ruby. I love that a winter tradition can have a family tree with hooves.
Other sleigh teams in the state have names too, like Zeke and Zoey, Beau and Knox, and Rocky and Charlie. One ride ends at a bonfire in the woods. Another winds past Rocky Mountain elk or along a river valley.
That got me hooked. A sleigh ride is slow on purpose, and that’s the charm. You get cold cheeks, jingling bells, and a cup of cocoa that tastes better because you earned it.
Which ride fits your winter? A tiny two-person sleigh, or a big one packed with your whole crew? I can’t decide, and I’m not sure I want to.
17. Antler Ridge Farms
Danny the Percheron was born right here on June 25, 2008, so he knows these woods better than any map. His newer partner, Ruby, joined the farm in the summer of 2025.
Horse-drawn sleigh rides have been part of life at this Williamsburg farm since 1982. That’s more than four decades of jingling through northern Michigan snow.
Your ride is private, and the sleigh holds up to 12 people. That makes it a smart pick for a family reunion, a birthday crew, or a group of friends who love winter.
The best part waits in the woods. Each trip heads out to a bonfire with hot chocolate and marshmallows ready for roasting.
Bring your own blankets if you like to stay snug. The farm welcomes them, and your knees will thank you.
Before or after the ride, you can feed reindeer and alpacas. Two farm dogs, Gracie and Ellie, also call the place home.
For the 2026/2027 season, rides begin Saturday, December 19th, plus Christmas Eve day. From December 26th through January 1st, rides run daily, then switch to weekends only.
Ride times are noon, 1:00 PM, 2:00 PM, and 3:00 PM. You’ll need an appointment, and the weather gets the final vote.
One small heads-up: there’s a porta-jon but no indoor restroom. Plan your hot chocolate refills with that in mind.
Address: 6259 M-72, Williamsburg, MI
16. Thunder Bay Resort
Most sleigh rides offer snowy trees and maybe a squirrel. Here, the wildlife list includes Rocky Mountain elk.
That’s right, elk in Michigan. Thunder Bay Resort sits in Hillman, in the northeast part of the Lower Peninsula, and its sleigh ride rolls through the woods with elk viewing on the menu.
Keep your eyes on the tree line. Elk are big animals, and spotting one from a moving sleigh feels like a winter jackpot.
Hungry after all that fresh air? You can add a five-course gourmet meal at the Elk Antler Cabin after your ride.
Five courses is a serious upgrade from a granola bar in the car. It turns a fun outing into a full evening you’ll talk about for weeks.
This combo works well for anniversaries, holiday dates, or a special night with parents. Kids might love the elk part even more than dessert.
Timing is fairly flexible for a winter trip. Sleigh rides run on weekends from December through March.
There are also extra dates from December 28th to December 31st. That’s handy if your family has a free stretch between holidays.
Dress in layers, since you’ll be outside watching for wildlife. A hat that covers your ears is never a bad idea up north.
Address: 27800 M-32, Hillman, MI 49746
15. Ranch Rudolf
With a name like Ranch Rudolf, you’d almost expect a red-nosed reindeer at the reins. Instead, two Belgian horses named Beau and Knox do the pulling.
The ranch sits just outside Traverse City in the Boardman River Valley. Your ride follows the Boardman River and loops along seasonal roads.
River views in winter are something special. Snow piles on the banks, and the water keeps moving while the land stays still.
Trips last about 40 to 45 minutes. That’s long enough to settle into the rhythm of hooves without your toes turning into ice cubes.
Rides start and finish at the main lodge. You won’t need to hunt for a meeting spot in the dark.
Here’s a fun twist about snow. Depending on conditions, your ride may be a horse-drawn hayride or a sleigh ride.
Michigan weather can be moody, so that backup plan is a nice touch. Either way, Beau and Knox still get to show off.
The season stretches from the first week in December through the first week in March. That gives you plenty of chances to squeeze in a trip.
Traverse City is a popular winter stop, so pair your ride with a day in town. A river ride and a stroll downtown make a pretty sweet Saturday.
Address: 6841 Brown Bridge Rd, Traverse City, MI 49696
14. Fantail Farm Wagon & Sleigh Rides
Want a sleigh built for two? Fantail Farm actually has one, and it might be the most romantic seat in Benzie County.
This Benzonia farm has been family-owned since the 1960s. That’s a long run of horses, fields, and winter guests.
Rides travel through open fields and forests on the farm’s land. Expect to spend about 45 to 55 minutes out on the trail.
The open fields give you big sky views. Then the forest closes in, and the whole mood shifts to quiet and snowy.
Bigger groups have an option too. Larger sleighs hold up to 10 adults, so your friend group won’t have to split up.
When the ride ends, hot cocoa waits for you in a warming shed. Sometimes there’s a campfire as well, which feels like bonus points.
Bring your own lap blankets for the trip. A thick fleece throw is perfect for tucking around your legs.
Restroom-wise, there’s an outdoor Jon and no heated indoor bathroom. Good to know before you show up with a carload of kids.
Rides run on weekdays and weekends during winter, usually December through February. If the weather cooperates, you might catch one in March.
Address: 4700 Wallaker Rd, Benzonia, MI 49616
13. Fruit Ridge Hayrides
Zeke and Zoey sound like characters from a cartoon. In real life, they’re Belgian draft horses who haul sleighs up and over a spot called The Ridge.
Fruit Ridge Hayrides sits in Kent City, north of Grand Rapids. Winter rides here are for groups, and you’ll need a reservation.
Your ride lasts about an hour. It winds through wooded trails before crossing The Ridge.
That hour goes quickly when you’re bundled up with friends. Sing a holiday song, and see if Zeke and Zoey seem to enjoy the concert.
You can also add an hour-long campfire session. Do it before the ride to warm up, or after to wind down.
The extras are a big win for families. A picnic area, a play area, and a petting zoo come with your visit.
The petting zoo lineup includes llamas, miniature horses, pigs, goats, and chickens. Kids may forget about the sleigh for a minute.
Plan for one limit, though. Sleigh rides here are not wheelchair accessible, so keep that in mind when building your group.
Winter sleigh rides typically run December through February. Groups such as scout troops, church friends, or coworkers can make a real event of it.
Address: 11966 Fruit Ridge Ave NW, Kent City, MI 49330
12. Cook Family Farm
Cookies at a place called Cook Family Farm? The name practically promised it, and the farm delivers.
Rides here last about 40 minutes. When you finish, complimentary hot chocolate and cookies are waiting.
You get a choice of sleighs. The full sleigh fits 1 to 12 adults, while a cutter sleigh holds 2 to 4 adults.
A cutter is a small, classic sleigh style. It’s a lovely pick for a couple or a tiny family who wants a quieter ride.
The farm sits in Gaylord, a snowy northern Michigan town that takes winter seriously. That makes it a natural home for sleigh rides.
Don’t rush off after your cocoa. The farm shop sells homemade syrup, jams, jellies, honey, eggs, natural meats, and soy candles.
A jar of syrup makes a great souvenir. It also turns the next morning’s pancakes into a sequel to your trip.
Rides run Monday through Saturday by appointment only. The farm is closed on Sundays, so plan around that.
One more tip: reservations are made by phone. Old-school booking fits a horse-drawn sleigh pretty well, honestly.
Address: 4282 Hayes Tower Road, Gaylord, MI 49735
11. CJ’s Stable
Every great story needs a hero, and this stable started with a woman named Cassandra Joy and her horse, Buster. That’s where the CJ comes from.
CJ’s Stable opened in 2020 in Manton. It’s one of the newer spots on this list, but the idea is pure tradition.
Rides follow private trails across more than 110 wooded acres. That’s a lot of snowy forest to explore.
Pick your ride style. Bobsleds fit 2 to 12 people, and vis-a-vis sleighs work for smaller groups.
A vis-a-vis sleigh has seats facing each other. It’s great for chatting, giggling, and taking goofy photos.
You won’t need to pack much. Blankets, hot chocolate, and coffee are provided for riders.
You can also bring your own drinks and snacks, as long as nothing is in glass. A thermos of cider and some cookies would fit right in.
Weekday rides start at 4:00 PM, which means fading light through the trees. Weekend times are flexible, and holiday weeks get extra openings.
The season runs December through February and sometimes into March. A porta-potty sits near the check-in barn, and reservations are required.
Address: 7216 W. Walker Rd, Manton, MI 49663
10. Post Family Farm
Sleigh bells aren’t just a song lyric at Post Family Farm. They jingle along as your horse-drawn sleigh crosses the farm’s 80 acres.
This Hudsonville farm sits in West Michigan, close to Grand Rapids. That makes it an easy pick if you don’t want a long drive north.
Hot chocolate comes with your ride. Donuts are available to buy too, and they’re served warm.
A donut and cocoa after a snowy ride? That’s a pretty strong argument for winter.
Private group rides are offered with advance reservations. Think class parties, family gatherings, or a holiday outing with neighbors.
Every ride here is by appointment only. Call ahead or book early, especially around the holidays.
Weather plays a big role in West Michigan. If there isn’t enough snow, you’ll ride in a horse-drawn wagon instead.
That swap keeps the fun going on bare-ground days. You still get the horses, the fresh air, and those donuts.
Wear boots that can handle a farm field. Snow or mud, your sneakers will be glad you made that choice.
Address: 5081 Bauer Rd, Hudsonville, MI 49426
9. Healey’s Outback Ranch
Quick and sweet might be the best way to sum up this ride. The trip through the woods takes about 35 minutes.
That shorter time is a gift for families with little ones. Small kids love sleighs, but their patience in the cold has limits.
Healey’s Outback Ranch is in Stanwood, in Mecosta County. It’s a fun stop if you’re exploring the middle of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula.
The sleigh holds up to 6 adults. That keeps your group small and your ride personal.
Six seats are perfect for a family of four plus grandparents. Or grab a few friends and call it a winter double date.
When you get back, hot cocoa is ready for you. You’ll also get a homemade treat to go with it.
Homemade anything tastes better after half an hour in the snow. It’s a simple reward that feels just right.
Rides run from December through February. The ranch needs a solid base of snow before the sleigh can head out.
So keep an eye on the forecast before you go. A good snowfall week is your green light.
Address: 12600 Buchanan Rd, Stanwood, MI 49346
8. Wild West Ranch Sleigh Rides
The name says Wild West, but the ride sounds more like a quiet snowy daydream. Picture cowboy spirit meeting Michigan winter.
Wild West Ranch Sleigh Rides is in Fennville, near the Lake Michigan shoreline. This corner of the state is known for orchards and small-town charm.
Rides go through the woods and last about 40 to 45 minutes. That’s plenty of time to spot snowy branches and hear the horse’s steady steps.
The big draw here is the two-person sleigh. It’s made for couples, best friends, or a parent and kid on a special outing.
A two-seater ride is great for proposals, anniversaries, or just a breather from holiday chaos. Nobody else is chatting in your ear.
The ranch asks you to dress for the cold. Bring a snug blanket too, since that’s part of the plan.
A wool or fleece blanket works well. Toss in hand warmers if your fingers get cold fast.
Rides are by appointment only. The weather also decides whether things move forward that day.
Fennville is a short drive from Saugatuck and Holland. You can easily build a lakeshore weekend around your ride.
Address: 1865 52 St, Fennville, MI 49408
7. Treetops Resort
Streams, fields, and a trail named Natural Springs set the scene here. Treetops Resort turns a winter getaway into a sleigh story.
The resort sits in Gaylord, one of northern Michigan’s snowiest spots. Its horse-drawn sleigh ride crosses the property along the Natural Springs Trail.
Crossing streams in a sleigh just sounds fun. Snowy fields open up between them for wide winter views.
After the ride, you’ll get hot chocolate and treats. An outdoor fire pit is there too, so you can thaw out your hands.
This is a nice pick if you’re already staying at a resort. You can mix a sleigh ride into a longer winter weekend.
Reservations must be made ahead of time. Don’t count on walking up and hopping aboard.
One key note for 2026-2027: sleigh ride dates haven’t been set yet. Check the resort’s website as winter gets closer.
That small wait might be worth it. Once dates go up, popular weekends may fill fast.
Gaylord is also home to Cook Family Farm on this list. If you love sleighs, you could plan two rides in one trip.
Address: 3962 Wilkinson Rd, Gaylord, MI 49735
6. Crystal Mountain Resort
Skiers zoom down the slopes at Crystal Mountain Resort. Meanwhile, a team of Belgian horses offers a much slower way to enjoy the snow.
This Thompsonville resort is a big name in northern Michigan winter fun. Its sleigh rides travel along snow-lined streets around the property.
Group rides last about 20 to 25 minutes. That’s a smart length if you’re squeezing it in between ski runs or a pool break.
Rides leave from the Crystal Center and come back there too. No guessing about where to meet.
After the ride, you get complimentary hot chocolate. A campfire waits as well, which is great for chilly fingers.
Feel free to bring your own blanket. It’s allowed, and it makes the ride a lot snugger.
You’ll also see horse-drawn surrey rides mentioned here. A surrey is a carriage style, so ask what fits your visit.
Reservations are required, and you’ll book online. Grab your spot early if you’re visiting on a holiday weekend.
Non-skiers in your group will love this. Grandparents and little kids get their own fun while the slope crowd heads uphill.
Address: 12500 Crystal Mountain Dr, Thompsonville, MI 49683
5. Four Green Fields Farm
Rocky and Charlie have a 2.2-mile commute, and they do it with style. These two horses pull sleighs and wagons at Four Green Fields Farm.
The loop winds through open fields, woods, and wetlands. That mix gives you three different winter views in one ride.
Wetlands in snow look wild and quiet. Keep an eye out for animal tracks along the way.
The farm sits in Rodney, in Mecosta County. It’s also known for a corn maze that hit its 17th anniversary as of 2026.
Here’s what makes it feel special. The farm generally books just one group per day.
That means the place is basically yours. Groups of up to 12 people can ride together.
Blankets are provided, so you can pack light. After the ride, mugs of cocoa wait inside a warming house.
There’s also a bonfire area for s’mores or hot dogs. A full snowy cookout is totally on the table.
Private rides run from September through March. If there’s no snow, a wheeled wagon takes over, so your plans won’t melt away.
Address: 15693 Wilson Road, Rodney, MI 49342
4. Black Horse Farm
Hills make things interesting. At Black Horse Farm, Percheron draft horses pull sleighs through dense woods and up and down rolling terrain.
The farm is in Empire, a small town near Sleeping Bear Dunes. This part of Michigan gets plenty of lake-effect snow.
Percherons are strong, big horses. They make climbing a snowy hill look easy, even with a full sleigh behind them.
Sleighs here carry up to 12 people. Bring your whole crew and pack the seats.
Thick woods give the ride a tucked-away feel. You’ll mostly see trees, snow, and the horses ahead of you.
Hilly trails add a little extra thrill. Little kids might squeal on a downhill stretch, in the happy way.
Sleigh rides run throughout the winter season. That gives you more flexibility than some places with tight holiday-only windows.
Since you’re near Empire, plan a scenic drive too. The Sleeping Bear area looks beautiful under snow.
Dress in warm layers and waterproof boots. Woods and hills can hold on to snow longer than open fields.
Address: 11177 S Plowman Rd, Empire, MI
3. The Up North Lodge
Twenty people in one sleigh is a party on runners. The main sleigh at The Up North Lodge holds up to 20 riders.
This lodge sits in Gwinn, in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. The UP is serious snow country, so it’s a natural place for sleigh rides.
Rides travel along snowy trails. Big groups like office parties or family reunions can ride together in one go.
Prefer a little privacy? Smaller two-person rides are offered too.
Here’s a rare perk. Rides are available daily through March, and holiday rides run from December 18th to January 3rd.
Rides leave every two hours. Tuesdays through Fridays, they run from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM.
Evening rides in the UP sound magical. Snow glows in the dark, and the air feels crisp and clean.
Saturdays go from noon to 8:00 PM. Sundays run from noon to 6:00 PM, so daytime riders have options too.
You can book online, which makes planning easier. Gwinn is near Marquette, so you could add a lake visit to your trip.
Address: 215 S Co Rd 557, Gwinn, MI 49841
2. McCarry’s Clydesdales
Feathered feet and giant shoulders give Clydesdales a look you won’t forget. At McCarry’s Clydesdales, those famous horses pull the sleigh.
Clydesdales are one of the most recognizable horse breeds around. Their fluffy lower legs look almost like snow boots.
The farm sits in Copemish, a small community in northern Michigan. It’s not far from Thompsonville and Crystal Mountain.
Sleigh rides run from late December through New Year’s Weekend. Outside that window, rides are by appointment.
That holiday stretch is a fun time to go. School’s out, relatives are in town, and everyone needs fresh air.
For pricing and ride times, you’ll reach out through Facebook. It’s a simple, small-farm way to get the details.
Message them early if you have a date in mind. Holiday week can get busy, and small operations fill up.
Horse fans will love seeing Clydesdales up close. Bring your camera, because these horses are true showstoppers.
Dress well for the weather. A thick coat, gloves, and a hat will keep you comfy for the trip.
Address: 17271 Marilla Rd, Copemish, MI 49625
1. Triple D Carriage Company
Grandpa Dietrick started this ranch back in 1956. Today, the family still runs it, and the drivers share stories about the place as you ride.
That storytelling is the secret sauce. You’re not just riding, you’re hearing about a ranch with nearly 70 years behind it.
Triple D Carriage Company is in Roscommon, in the northern Lower Peninsula. The area is known for forests, rivers, and snowy winters.
Your sleigh ride lasts about 45 minutes. That’s a nice chunk of time to listen, laugh, and look around.
Each ride includes cookies and hot chocolate. No extra charge, just a sweet finish.
Here’s a bonus idea for the holidays. You can buy a freshly cut real Christmas tree from the farm.
Picking a tree right after a sleigh ride? That’s a holiday double feature most families would love.
Rides run seasonally from December through February. Book an early December trip if you want that tree for your living room.
Ending with this ride feels fitting. It’s got history, family, horses, and cookies, which is basically winter perfection on runners.
Address: 1086 N Everett Rd, Roscommon, MI 48653