Horseback Riding at Pere Marquette State Park

15780 IL-100
Grafton, Illinois
618-786-2156

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Pere Marquette’s stables are located 1 mile east of the main Park entrance on Route 100. The stables provide horseback riding, trails, horses for sale, hayrides and ponies for children. Children 8 and older can ride their own horses. There are generally 10 horses available. The stables are open daily (closed on Tuesdays) May through October (Call for the limited schedule during the months of March, April and November.)

Trail Rides: Experience clean air, natural sights and local wildlife such as deer, wild turkeys and red tailed hawks on a 45-50 minute ride through 2 1/2 miles of scenic trails through the park. Rides start at 10 am and continue every hour on the hour until 4 pm. Riders must be at least 8 years old (Sorry, no doubles) and there is a weight limit of 250 pounds.

Walk-ins are welcome, but reservations are recommended. Please give special notice if booking group parties, field trips, etc.

Children's Rides: The staff will lead children around the stable on a full sized horse. Horses can be rented for private parties at your location. Call for details.

Hay Rides: Take a leisurely 35 minute hay ride through the country side as your group takes in the sounds of crickets, frogs and owls. Following the ride, your group will be dropped off at the site of a roaring bonfire waiting for you to roast your hot dogs and marshmallows. The Park's wagons can accommodate approximately 25 adults and are offered by reservation only.

Equestrian Trails: The park maintains two trails for use by those who have their own horses. Due to closings for various hunting seasons, the trails are not open at all times. Please contact the park's Visitor Center at 618-786-3323 in advance to make arrangements to use these trails.

Prices: Call the stables for the current prices.