Cedar Creek Ranch

My husband took me here as an anniversary surprise. And it was totally awesome! I was very nervous at first, but the guides are great and the horses are very tame. The staff was all very friendly and made us fell very comfortable as it was a first for us both. We will be back soon!

Went for a trail ride there recently. Prices were about half what I pay in California. The horses were the best-​behaved horses I’ve ever seen – had a little spunk so we weren’t just following nose to tail, but they were very open to suggestion. The ride was through some of the prettiest country in Illinois (nearby Starved Rock was THE prettiest country in Illinois – voted Ilinois’ best attraction). We went through a little stream, and through a civil war cemetery.
I was especially impressed to hear that all the horses were rescue animals.
The place has a little bar and grill, and they host concerts. Looks like a very sincere place to knock back a few.

I searched the Chicago suburbs for somewhere to take the grandkids for a trail ride to no avail. Found Cedar Creek ranch by searching but then it was recommended by some friends. We enjoyed ourselves tremendously, my grandkids can’t wait to go back! Even this old Grandma got on a horse (with a whole lot of help) and although I was scared, Paul matched each of us up with the right horse. Skeeter didn’t even need coaxing, he just knew what he was supposed to do and did it well, leaving me extremely relieved. I didn’t catch their names but there were two young staff members that were walking the trails or riding the jeep keeping close tabs on all of us since this was a first ride for many in the group. Knowing I was afraid, one of them was always there as we went down a hill or crossed the water, explaining to every rider when to lean forward or backward to make it easier on the horse. After the ride we went to Gunsmoke Grill for a snack before heading home. Awesome experience for everyone, even those who did not ride enjoyed Gunsmoke Grill. Had a great afternnon!

My boyfriend and I recently went for a morning ride. It was just the two of us and they were happy to accommodate us. We had the best experience ever. As soon as we parked, we were greeted to with waves and hello’s by the staff working around the premises, as well as the barn dogs who were also pretty excited to say hello. The ride was an hour or so and Mark was so friendly and knowledgeable, and just fun to have along. The land is beautiful, the horses are so great and the place is just awesome. I highly recommend this place to anyone looking for a great trail ride at a friendly place! I hear their food is great too but we had to get on the road so didn’t get a chance to try it. WE WILL BE BACK!!! :)

The trail and the horses were great. The owner, on the other hand, was kind of a jerk. He was really rude to my friend, who had back problems flare up halfway through and who needed to get off. He also yelled at me a lot for things I would think most people who have never ridden a horse before wouldn’t know.
He was so adamant about staying calm and not freaking the horses out, yet he was yelling and swearing and generally making us all stressed out and uncomfortable.
There has to be better places to do horseback riding around Starved Rock. Please visit those businesses instead.

We were there this past weekend for Fall Colors at starved rock. This was the biggest waste of my time. They charge 30 $ a person for a 45minute horse walk. They put my three year old son in an ATV behind us to follow. The «guide» kept leaving my son alone in the ATV for up to ten minutes at a time, yes, my three year old son ALONE in the woods. What an idiotic lady.
Following the horse back ride, they charged me 10 $ for the ATV ride, then my son got a guided horseback riding lesson — for 8 minutes. Yep, I kept track of time.
I kid you not, they charged me 15 $ For a 8 minute walk with my son.
The owner, Paul, has the nastiest mouth on him you will ever meet. He swears left and right, and in front of children. when I asked him to stop swearing in front of my son he responded that he didn’t care. My husband then had to step in and tell him to watch it.
These folks are pretty trashy and unprofessional. Will NEVER come here again.

Great folks on this ranch! Wish we had come when the longer trails were open. Will come back here next year.
They have Gun Smoke Grill onsite that we wanted to try but we had just had breakfast. The restaurant, small it may be, has a modern feel to it and is run by the ranch’s brother.

This place is so fantastic! My friend and I came here for a trail ride and we had an amazing time. The ranch itself is absolutely stunning and the price can’t be beat. Paul, the owner, was really friendly (and patient as we city folk tried to learn our way around a horse) and a great tour guide. There was even someone who took pictures for us — we walked away with a ton of great shots!

My husband and I had a great experience horseback riding with Paul in the lead. We stayed at the Starved Rock Inn, and it was about a 15 minute drive to the ranch. We experienced a nice ride on the horses through the trees and creeks. Would highly recommend. Also had a great lunch at a restaurant on the ranch — Gunsmoke.