Limited Time Horseback Riding Promotion- Save $18 on a two-hour ride! Regular $118 per rider, Promotional Price $100!
Horseback Riding Trails in Southern Illinois
If you enjoy horseback riding and being around others who love horses, you will fall in love with Heartland Lodge! Nestled between the Mississippi and Illinois Rivers, and overlooking the Missouri river bluffs, Heartland’s unique setting is perfect for a family friendly horseback riding vacation. Rolling hills, scenic views and incredible trails make Heartland one of the premier equestrian centers and stables in the Midwest.
Heartland has miles of horseback riding trails on 1,200 rolling acres. You will ride through forest, creeks, prairies, and be in awe with the incredible outdoors that surround you! If you are looking for a place to ride, but are not able to spend the night, you are welcome to join in on the fun for a day. A day pass lets you enjoy all the beauty and splendor that Heartland has to offer with your own horse.
New is our special “Romantic Ride for Two.” This is a two-hour horseback ride that must be reserved in advance and is limited to couples only. One of our professional guides will lead you and that special someone on a picturesque ride through some of our most breathtaking scenery. You will then break out into a quaint meadow with a surprise waiting just for you – a linen-covered table with flowers and a wicker basket of fruit, sandwiches and sparkling grape juice with wine glasses. Toast the one you love amid the fragrance of the prairie wildflowers and enjoy a moment of quality time like no other. This special package is available by advance reservation only. Call 217-734-2526or E-mail to inquire today!
Horse Lover’s Vacation
For those who want a horseback riding vacation, Heartland is the perfect spot. If you have your own horses, you can board them in our stables or use our outdoor arena. For those who don’t have their own horses, we are just the place for you. You can help our expert wranglers feed and water our horses, then brush and saddle the horses before the ride. You can even help clean out the stalls if you would like. After the day is over you can also help unsaddle the horses, wash them off and brush them down.
During your horseback riding vacation, you can also take advantage of all the other activities and amenities that the lodge offers, including:
We have a variety of lodging options for your horseback riding getaway. You can reserve an individual luxury suite in one of our lodges or a private luxury cabin!
For a large family or group horseback trail riding vacation getaway, we have several different lodging packages. For a large group, we recommend renting out an entire lodge or cabin. Below are some of the different lodging options for buyouts or individual rooms.
Sunset Valley Lodge- Great for Large Family & Group Horseback Vacations
Sunset Valley. The name of this lodge says it all. The view from the expansive rear deck as the sun sets over the horizon of the Mississippi River bluffs will take your breath away. This 10,180 square foot luxury lodge features seven suites and rooms. This lodge has a great outdoor entertainment area along with a game room downstairs. Perfect for relaxing after a day on the trails!
Prairie Ridge Lodge – Luxury Suites with Hot Tubs and Fireplaces
Prairie Ridge Lodge, named after the prairie grasses that surround the resort, is also known as our luxury Lodge. Prairie Ridge is located within walking distance to the horseback riding stables. This Lodge has over 10,000 square feet and features seven luxury suites. All luxury suites, each decorated to its own theme, feature an ultra-comfy, king-size, triple-sheeted canopy bed, private bath with Whirlpool, fireplace, daybed, comfy sitting area, mini-refrigerator and direct access to the expansive wrap-around decks. A Recreation Room, Dining Hall and easy access to our horseback stables and trails make this luxury lodge perfect for your horseback riding getaway
The Original Lodge- Great for Big Horseback Riding Groups
The Original Lodge is full of tradition and memories! This cozy lodge was the first lodge built at Heartland Lodge and has become one of the favorites among guests who visit each year. The Original Lodge is located within walking distance of our horse stables and trail head. At 9,500 square feet, it features eleven regular rooms, the Angler Room and the Whitetail Suite for thirteen total rooms. An incredible Great Room (where many of our spectacular photos are taken), Recreation Room, and front and back decks provide the perfect Illinois horseback riding vacation lodge rental for those looking for a great value and larger groups.
Luxury Horseback Riding Cabins -With Fireplace and Hot Tub!
Private Luxury Cabins Enjoy a private luxury cabin that was built with horseback riding couples in mind. Each romantic cabin is decorated with its own unique theme. All cabins are carefully crafted with knotty pine and cedar walls, fifteen-foot vaulted ceilings, hand-carved Old Hickory furniture, fixtures and appliances. Each cabin with hot tub and fireplace also features an ultra-comfy, king-size bed, large 4K HD television with 4K Blu-ray player, relaxing private deck with barbeque grill, kitchen, and private fire pit to roast marshmallows or to make your own s’mores. When staying at these horse lover’s cabins, the stables and trail head is just across the road. More information on Private Luxury Cabins
Secluded Horseback Riding Cabin – Perfect for Two – Ten People
Heavenly View is a luxury cabin with views that will take your breath away! Nestled near the top of the Mississippi River bluff, this cabin provides amazing views of the Mississippi River valley and the surrounding property. The cabin sits on 50 private acres which you can enjoy from the covered patios and screened-in porch that adjoin three sides of the cabin. Wake up in the morning with a cup of coffee and step outside to listen to the wild turkeys’ gobble around you or watch the whitetail deer feed in the meadow at the bottom of the valley. Savor the sunset and its beautiful colors across the Missouri hills. This cabin sits approximately 5 miles from our main horseback riding area.
Private Horseback Riding Group Cabin – Perfect for Two – Eight Guests
Quail Ridge Cabin – This quintessential cabin is located a few miles from the main resort on a quiet, dead-end road. It sits atop a beautiful knob overlooking gently rolling meadows, agriculture fields and forest. It offers 4-bedrooms, a fully equipped kitchen, large dining room and outdoor sitting area with a picturesque view. Perfect for a group of friends and family to enjoy!
There are horse stables with stalls available to board your horse while staying at our cabin rentals. A large outdoor arena is located adjacent to our main lodge. Clean stalls are provided when boarding your horse in our stables. We have several different lodging and cabin rental options. From Private Luxury Cabins to Luxury Suites we can accommodate your needs when staying with us on your horse-riding vacation.
Things to know and bring when you’re bringing your own horse:
Bring your own feed including hay.
Water bucket – Please bring your own water bucket.
We will have a clean stall with bedding ready. We do not clean stalls during your stay.
We recommend coming during the week if possible. Saturday and Sunday can be busy with ATV guests.
Horseback Trail Riding Rates
Heartland has hourly horseback riding trail rides available for those that don’t have a horse (during season). Our horses are calm, but not boring! You can enjoy a horseback ride and spend the night in our lodge or just ride for the day without staying. Horse riding reservations in advance are required. (Must be 10 years old or older to ride.)
Horseback trail riding is $59 per hour, per person.
Enter your Name and E-Mail below to automatically be entered into our Romantic Getaway Giveaway!! Win a 3 night, 2 day romantic getaway in one of our nicest romantic suites in the Sunset Valley Lodge! New winners are selected every year!
