Horseback riding is a popular activity for several families in the Wright and Cromwell area. Many of the Riverside Drifters Saddle Club members and other local riders head to one of the many regional horse trails that exist in Minnesota.
Minnesota has about 1,000 miles of trails, and according to the Minnesota Horse Council the trails remain relatively uncongested, but horse campgrounds are frequently overcrowded at the most popular sites in the spring and fall weekends.
Jim and Karen Dahl are just a couple of the local folks that trail ride throughout the summer. They will often take trips with Bill and Michelle Hendrickson and Rick and Sue Olesiak. The group has grown up to as many as 30 people, including their children and other friends. They have a few favorites, and each year they try a new park.
Looking back at the many trail rides, Karen said that it is hard to pick their top spots to ride. “It’s really hard to come up with favorites, because we have gone to so many beautiful places,” said Karen. “If I were to pick three, it would be Pillager, Pillsbury State Forest; Medora, North Dakota; and Chippewa National Forest.
Karen’s friend Michelle Hendrickson shared that she likes the St. Croix State Park near Hinckley. “My fondest memories are at that park,” said Michelle. “It was our first ride with the Dahls, and we went on a long ride that we will always remember.”
The ride was memorable for a number of reasons. “Bill (Michelle’s husband) has a tendency to extend rides farther than we planned,” Michelle recalled. “On this particular ride, it started to rain and we got lost. We were frozen.”
Karen recalled the ride as well. “It rained at 4:00, we got lost at 4:15, and we got back to camp at 7:30,” Karen shared. “We were out there for eight and a half hours. We took the road back, and everybody we met told us it was just 15 minutes back to camp. Others said it was just a mile. It was three and half hours later when we arrived at camp. We had to pry our hand from the reins it was so cold.”
Karen and Michelle also shared they really enjoy the hilly terrains, sandy trails, rivers to cross, and beautiful scenery. There are so many nice campsites in the State Parks and National Forests. “Our trail rides have brought an appreciation for the beauty of the land all around us, along with an appreciation for the foresight of the people before us to preserve these areas for everyone’s enjoyment,” added Karen.
Sue Olesiak agrees. She noted that her favorite trail rides are at Kathio State Park near Mille Lacs and St. Croix State Park.
ADVENTURES FOR FRIENDS AND FAMILY
Jeanne Smith and her daughter Julie have gone on trail rides for the past six years. “Trail rides have become a fun, adventurous time for our families and friends,” they shared. “We have explored many of the State Parks in Minnesota. Our favorite, so far, is the Chippewa National Forest.
Jeanne and Julie shared that trail riding is so enjoyable because the whole family can be involved no matter what the riding skills are. “The time is relaxing, the scenery is beautiful, you meet many new and interesting people, and a good time is usually had by all,” they added. “We have made a few trips out of state also and have more planned. We have been to the Black Hills in South Dakota and to Medora, North Dakota.
“Medora was breathtaking for its scenery and challenging for the type of trails it offered,” Jeanne and Julie both agreed. “While there, we camped at the BAR X RANCH, which provided many activities for all the children that were with us.”
Jeanne and Julie would recommend trail riding to anyone looking for fun, relaxation, and great companionship.
MORE TRAIL RIDES
Barb Dahl likes St. Croix State Park and Kathio State Park and Chippewa National Forest.
“St. Croix State Park has beautiful trails and a nice camp ground with indoor showers and facilities for grilling,” said Barb. “A person is never too old to ride and enjoy the outdoors. It’s a great way to meet people.”
Judy Kahara enjoyed her trips to St. Croix State Park, Wild River State Park and Medora, North Dakota.
“I enjoy areas that are clear as well as treed areas,” said Judy. “It is so relaxing, and I enjoy the camaraderie.”
Mary Jo Stenson picked her top three trails—Wild River State Park, Pillsbury State Forest and Chippewa National Forest.
“At Wild River State Park the trails go through a variety of landscapes,” said Mary Jo. “There are evergreens, hardwoods and prairie. Horseback trail riding and camping is very relaxing and fun. It is something a person can do with their grandkids.”
MORE INFORMATION
For those interested in getting started horseback trail riding, check out the State Parks and National Forests’ Web sites for horse camps and trails. There are also fliers and pamphlets available that give all the information that is needed. Karen noted that once a place is determined, bring lots of warm, dry clothes, and never leave camp after 3:00 p.m. unless you know exactly where you’re going. “Use saddlebags wisely,” she concluded. “Always have a “survival” kit with you, and never leave camp without your rain gear.”
Karen’s advice stems from experience, and she noted that Bill is not the only husband to get the group lost. Her husband, Jim, was responsible on the last ride.
