GRAND RAPIDS — The Forest History Center in Grand Rapids starts a tradition Saturday, Nov. 25, with its horse-drawn sleigh rides.
New draft horses have joined the center and will be leading visitors on tours of the site grounds, including a stop for hot cocoa and a bonfire along with a sledding hill.
John Beltman, program supervisor, said the seasonal experience provides people the opportunity to connect with the Northern Minnesota forests around them.
"And in ways that not are just informative," Beltman said Tuesday, Nov. 21, "but leave them wanting more up close, hands-on experiences — things they can't do every day. And horses (are) a really good way to do that. ... They're a very unique experience to help you envision what life in earlier times might have been like."
But in case you haven’t noticed, there’s no snow on the ground quite yet. Beltman said that won’t stop the horses or the experience — minus the sledding, of course.
"We do have a a wheeled vehicle, a rubber tire trolley, and if the weather doesn't cooperate, we'll continue with that vehicle," he said. "And then just as soon as we have snow, we'll use the sleigh."
Every Saturday now through Feb. 24, four rides will take place between 10 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Groups can also arrange private rides during the week.
For more information, visit mnhs.org/forest-history-center-sleigh-ride.
