This week we're going back in time with a stage coach ride in Chippewa County. And if you ask the owners of Cabin Ridge Rides, they'll tell you all about the Irish history of the land.

Today we're wandering west of Cadott for for a horse drawn ride through the woods.

((INFO FROM CABIN RIDGE RIDES WEBSITE))
About Us Cabin Ridge Rides is a 400 acre recreational facility located in Cadott, Wisconsin owned and operated by Rusty and Judy Gilles. We provide a variety of year around activities with our horse drawn vehicles. There are activities for groups of all sizes. The gas light retreat provides a great get away along scenic Paint Creek.

Small groups can enjoy a ride in the 6 passenger stage coach. Cabin Ridge is located just north of the old stage coach route. It is easy to imagine being an early settler and arriving in the area by coach just as Judy and Rusty's relatives did. A 12 passenger authentic Amish built covered wagon is another way guests can relive the past. Judy's great grandfather drove a covered wagon from Illinois when he bought the first piece of property making up Cabin Ridge.

5 guests or less can take a spin in the wagonette. It closely resembles an Irish Jaunting cart. Quite appropriate since we are located in the Irish Settlement. Small cutters are available for winter sleigh rides.

In addition to wagon and sleigh rides groups of 16 or more can enjoy bonfires, picnics and meals in the woods. Two pavilions allow groups to sit around the bonfire to toast marshmallows and sip hot chocolate. If the groups prefers they can roast hot dogs and munch on potato chips along with the marshmallows and hot chocolate.

Groups may want to relax and stay longer in the woods. The Lodge seats 120 and the Chalet 35. As with the outdoor parties the Cabins are private. A wide range of catered meals are available for the Cabin parties.

All kinds of groups enjoy the pavilion and cabin areas. We host churches, 4-H clubs, businesses, families, motor coach groups, civic and social organizations, schools and sometimes just groups of friends. They are celebrating Holidays, reunions, anniversaries, birthdays, rehearsal dinners or just enjoying each others company.

Christmas is a popular time at Cabin Ridge. Families can ride through the woods to cut their own Christmas tree. The Cabins get decked out in Christmas finery. One has to be in a festive mood with the huge decorated Christmas trees and roaring fireplaces. It is a busy season with Christmas parties for businesses, organizations and families.

Rusty and Judy have a strong tie to the land. Rusty's great great grandparents were the first to arrive in the Irish Settlement and started to log Paint Creek in 1853. Judy's great great grandparents arrived in the Irish Settlement by the early 1860's. They enjoy sharing local history and stories with visitors.

Judy says everyone is welcome to come for a carriage ride, but you do need to call ahead. You can reach them at (715) 723-0960.