Hi, Beth. Not sure I can give a perfect answer to your questions, but I will tell you my experience, I was only at Rainbow Ranch once. I have owned my own horses so using a riding facility wasn't necessary until recently as I sold my horse a few years ago, My grandchildren were coming in town from Cleveland and one of the things they really wanted to do was go horseback riding. I looked online, as well as, called lesson facilities that might offer something. There aren't many places doing trail rides anymore, I settled on Rainbow Ranch because it has been in operation for many years and seems to have a good reputation, If you check my previous review, you will find more in depth information about our ride. But, to briefly answer your question. I would recommend Rainbow Ranch and would go again, They did a nice job and the horses were safe. The trails were pretty and the guide very personable. The only negative I have to say was the amount of trotting we did on our walk trot ride. Due to various riding abilities, I thought the walk/trot ride would be the best option. The pony my youngest grandson was on needed a crop to encourage him. My grandson had no clue about the fine points of crop encouragement, so his pony didn't move out and because he was right behind the guide, the rest of us didn't get to trot much. We requested additional trotting and there were ample areas on the trail that we could have done so, but the guide did not honor those requests. Other than that, we had a wonderful time. You are encouraged to interact with the horses while waiting for your ride to leave and when you return. All in all, we had a great time. If you Google Rainbow Ranch in New Era, you will find driving instructions, I am not sure which way to answer your last question as to other places in the state. Are you strictly referring to riding facilities or places of interest in general? I only know of Rainbow Ranch and JJ Resort that offers trail rides locally. There may be others in the state if you check online. Mackinac Island is a horse lovers dream. No motor vehicles are allowed on the island making it a mecca for equestrians. As to other activities, Michigan has may opportunities for enjoying every season. Locally, in the Muskegon/Grand Haven/Grand Rapids area we have numerous museums, beaches, Meijer Garden, Country Dairy, Lewis Farms, Michigan Adventure, Sports Complex, ice arenas, more restaurants than you can count, Silversides submarine, fishing charters, downhill and cross-country skiing, luge run, bike trails, various musical festivals, Broadway quality theaters and many other wonderful possibilities to fulfill any and all activities your heart desires.. Hope this helped, Beth. If you are from out of state, welcome to Michigan! We truly have a beautiful state with so much to see and do. There is a season and something for everyone here.

I did and thank goodness I did. They had a large group come before us. Very busy place.