Editor’s note: This story was originally published in 2017. It has been updated and republished as part of our fall coverage.
There are only so many and carousels and coin-operated ponies kids can ride before they long to experience the real thing. Luckily, Indiana is home to many places where they can do just that.
But horseback riding isn’t just for kids. Hit the trails at a state park, romance your partner on a sunset ride, or challenge your skills on a running trail. Here are 8 of the best places to go horseback riding in Indiana.
Turkey Run State Park
8121 E. Park Rd., Marshall, (765) 597-2280, turkeyrunstatepark.com.
Turkey Run is a favorite getaway for many families because of the variety of activities it offers—fishing, swimming, boating, camping, and other outdoor adventures. The saddle barn is open April through October and offers guided rides on trails specifically made for the horses. Cost is $25 for a 50-minute ride and they’re open daily.
One thing to note is they only take cash or checks!
Nature Valley Ranch
6310 E. County Road 350 North, Brownsburg, (317) 852-6615, hendrickscountytrailrides.com.
Ride for 30 minutes for $30 per person, or 60 minutes for $45 per person on its 78-acre property along White Lick Creek. Rides are by reservation only and limited to 6 people per trail ride, so be sure to reserve your spot online before you go. Also, no sandals or open-toed shoes allowed and no riders under 4-years-old.
Fort Harrison State Park
6000 N. Post Road, (317) 591-0904, facebook.com/hoosiertrailrides.
Fort Harrison offers so much to do year-round for visitors. But spring through fall is all about enjoying the trails. Adults and children 8 years old and older can choose to do a 30-minute or one-hour guided trail ride. The shorter distance is $30, and the longer one is $35.
Crooked Creek Trails
7187 W. County Road 250 North, Royal Center, (574) 643-9395, crookedcreekhorsebackriding.com.
Located about 20 minutes northwest of Logansport, Crooked Creek Trails sits among scenic woods and ponds in northern Indiana. The trails are open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. (last ride out at 5 p.m.)
They offer a wide variety of ride lengths and even pony rides for small children.
Brown County State Park
2400 S. Brown County State Park, Nashville, (812) 988-8166, browncounty-saddlebarn.com.
Riding through Brown County State Park means riding through some of the most picturesque scenery in Indiana. The saddle barn offers guided 2.2 or 3.3 mile rides, along with ponies or hay rides for all ages.
K-Trails Equestrian Adventures
11949 Koteewi Dr., Noblesville, (317) 770-8835, ktrails.com.
If you need a way to woo your partner, look no further than the sunset ride. K-Trails sets up the perfect date night with watching an Indiana sunset on horseback, and the option to stick around after to groom and feed the horses before they’re off to the pasture for the night. Daytime 90-minute trail rides through Strawtown Koteewi Park are also available.
Salt Creek Horse Ranch
21040 U.S. Highway 52, Laurel, (317) 765) 698-2044, saltcreekhorseranch.com.
You’ll find more than 100 horses and 700 acres to work with on this ranch. With so many horses, staff do their best to match each rider to the appropriate horse. Ride the trails for one hour for $30 per person or a two hour ride for $50 when available. They are cash only! You can also rent the rustic cabin for $95 per night, it sleeps up to 18 people.
Shilo Ranch
6900 Ainsworth Road, Hobart, (775) 691-7723, shiloranchhobart.com.
Shilo Ranch offers private rides, group rides, and also hosts weddings or birthday parties. Standard trail rides are $50 per person, per hour. The Ranch is open year-round, and reservations are required.
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: 8 best places to go horseback riding in Indiana before the cold weather hits
Reporting by Joe Mutascio and Camille Hayes, Indianapolis Star / Indianapolis Star
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
