Beavers Bend Resort Park

While on vacation in Beavers Bend State Park, we were looking for a riding stable to take the kids on a trail ride. It was hard to find an option for our kids since they are both under 6. Beavers Bend Depot was one of the few places to offer ride alongs for younger kids as well as a single ride for my 5 year old.
The Depot have both horseback riding and a small train to tote you and the kids along their land within the park. They also offer concessions and have an ice cream and candy shop on the premises. It is the perfect location for parents with little ones. I can tell you between the train and the horseback riding, it was probably the highlight of the vacation for my kids.
The staff did a great job of getting everyone matched with a horse appropriate for their experience level and had us headed on the trail in a reasonable amount of time. Since we were with a large group, the manager of the stable made sure to send plenty of stable hands along on the ride to handle any difficulties that might arise. The teenage boys weren’t particularly talkative and didn’t try to engage the riders. However, as soon as any rider was having trouble keeping their horse from stopping to graze or any other issues, one of the staff members were there to assist.
I would probably give Beavers Bend Depot more stars, but they have one large weakness in my opinion. Their audience is limited to younger children. Their trail rides are short, uncomplicated and frankly dull. This isn’t real horseback riding either. If you have one of the more experienced horses, you don’t even need reins. They will walk the trail on autopilot. The services they do offer are superb. I just feel their overall offerings are directed at a small demographic.