Rocking W Stables launches holiday sleigh rides

With early snowfall setting a festive tone across the North Woods, Eagle River’s Rocking W Stables has begun its annual horse-drawn sleigh rides for the holiday season. Daily rides are offered now through Jan. 3, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Rocking W Stables and Kartway owner Dean Nolan is preparing for a busy season with the help of his daughter, Josey, and more than a dozen drivers and staff members welcoming both returning guests and first-time visitors.

The sleighs, equipped with traditional bells, take groups through scenic wooded trails just north of Eagle River. The one-hour ride along a three-mile route offers visitors a chance to experience the winter beauty of the North Woods. Midway through the ride, guests stop to gather around a bonfire and enjoy hot chocolate.

Shared sleigh rides are $20 per person. Private sleighs are available for groups of one to five people for $150 per group and for groups of six to 10 people for $200 per group. Groups of 10 or more may reserve a private sleigh at the $20 per-person rate.

In addition to regular rides, Rocking W Stables provides sleighs for private and public events, including proposals, holiday parties, and family gatherings, with staff assisting in planning and coordination.

The operation has expanded in recent years, adding more sleighs, horses, and drivers. This season’s drivers include Bennie, Melvin, Dylan, Freddie, Perry, Julia, Russ, Carissa, Devin, Chris, and Morgan, Rocking W’s first female sleigh driver.

Many staff members come from Amish backgrounds and travel from across Wisconsin to work during the season. Bennie, the property manager, has been with the operation for many years and is considered part of the Nolan family.

The horses featured this season include teams named Curly and Moe, Buzz and Woody, Ruth and Reba, Rusty and Dusty, and Doc and Wyatt.

Rocking W Sleigh Rides began 25 years ago with just two sleighs, two horse teams, two drivers, and Nolan himself. What was once a slower period between Thanksgiving and Christmas has grown into one of the busiest times of the year, drawing visitors from throughout the Midwest and beyond.

Reservations are required and can be made by calling 715-617-6779. Rocking W Stables is located at 1890 Pleasure Island Road and accepts cash or check only. More information is available at rockingwstables-kartway.com.