Illinois is famous for the vibrant cityscapes of Chicago and St. Louis, but the State also has some wonderful and less known rural areas to explore, particularly in the south of the State. Illinois is one of the most northern USA States, set on the Great Lakes and is adjoined by Indiana, Wisconsin, Iowa and Missouri.
Visit the southwest for an Illinois dude ranch vacation based at a traditional horse farm. Combine western horseback riding with activities like mountain biking, hiking, fishing and swimming. Enjoy scenic trail rides across wildflower meadows and woodland. Have cowboy camp fires in the evening or eat together in the main ranch, tasting delicious home made ranch cuisine. Maybe opt to stay at a bigger resort ranch for a horseback riding holiday in Illinois with additional organised group activities and luxury accommodation.
The Shawnee National Park area is a particularly good location to visit for an equestrian vacation in Illinois. There are several guest ranches in this area offering horse riding holiday packages to suit people of all different riding abilities and ages. You can choose to have structured horse riding lessons, have short hour long horse treks, or opt for longer half and all day rides with a picnic lunch out on the trail. Many ranches tailor the riding pace to suit individual guests with faster riding for experienced riders. Explore the Shawnee forest paths from horseback, ride alongside streams and waterfalls and past high rocky bluffs, looking out for wildlife as you go. Some Illinois ranches provide overnight pack trips, camping out in the wilderness.
Throughout Illinois there are local equestrian centres, which with prior notice often allow visitors to come for a lesson or short trail ride if you are staying nearby. Many have western style riding, although a few specialise in English style riding.
We are always looking for new riding destinations and regularly update the information on this site. If you have information about horse riding or trail rides in Illinois please do contact us.
Most international visitors to Illinois fly via Chicago and it is well worth spending a few days either at the start or end of your horse riding holiday exploring the city sights. There are some excellent museums and theatres, lots to do at the Navy Pier and Millennium Park, plus stunning views from the top of Willis Tower, not forgetting the fantastic restaurants.
Riding Holiday
Riding Holidays | Illinois