Horse-driven half-hour hayrides will lead the activities available at Wheaton’s Danada Equestrian Center beginning on Sept. 17 and during its October fall festival, as well as at additional area farm fests slated for this season.
Scheduled regularly on upcoming weekends, the 30-minute horse-drawn rides will be offered to the public at 1:00, 1:45 and 2:30 p.m. from Sept. 17 through Oct. 2. Additionally, private groups can make reservations on weekend evenings.
The hayrides will also be available between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. on Oct. 9 during the Danada Fall Festival, which will sponsor pony rides, face painting, displays and equine demonstrations, food and more — including the facility’s own musical drill team.
Admission and parking for the Danada Fall Festival is free of charge; the fee for the hayrides is $5 per person, with children under age 5 free.
“We’re thrilled to offer a program like this year-round,” Forest Preserve District of DuPage County President Joe Cantore said. “Horse-drawn wagon rides are family-friendly and celebrate our equine heritage.”
Several other area venues promise rides for those who miss the Danada event. Kline Creek Farm in West Chicago will provide horse-drawn wagon rides at its Corn Harvest 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 15 and sleigh rides at its 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Dec. 10 holiday event; while Willowbrook Wildlife Center in Glen Ellyn will feature horse-drawn rides on Dec. 3. Warrenville’s St. James Farm will offer afternoon wagon or sleigh rides Wednesdays through Saturdays Dec. 21-Jan. 7, 2017.
“This is a great way to expand opportunities for recreation and education at these three beautiful preserves and aligns with our mission to connect people to nature,” Commissioner Al Murphy of District 6 said.
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