The Horse-Drawn Carriage Company began offering carriage rides downtown Anchorage in the fall of 1983 offering a unique experience with a truly Alaskan flavor.
In 1984, the company received a Beautification Award for Anchorage and in 1995 received a Heart of the City Award for cultural/ arts/ recreational events.
The Carriage Wheel Ranch, the home of the "Gentle Giants", is next to a rushing glacier stream called Peters Creek, just off North Birchwood Loop in Chugiak.
When visiting the home of the "Gentle Giants" you can personally meet Bob, one of our tallest and heavest horses. Bob comes fro Dawson Creek, the beginning of the Alaskan Highway in Canada. Also met Barney, Bud, Bill, Tom and Dick.
The company has a sleigh which can seat 2 to 4 adults and two bob sleds that seat from 12 to 20 adults. The sleigh rides travel through the Birchwood countryside and over a one lane wooden bridge that crosses Peters Creek, adding excitement, romance and nostalgia. Wagon rides are also available with seating for 20 to 30 people. These offer an experience for group outings or neighborhood parties. Following the ride there is an area for an after-ride bonfire and old time wiener roast along side a glacial stream. Longer rides travel into the Chugach Mountains offering inspirational and panoramic views of Cook Inlet and the magnificent Talkeetna Mountains, Mt. Susitna and Mt. McKinley.
For a more formal experience, carriage rides are regularly scheduled in downtown Anchorage. The company has five carriages. Two carriages are antiques, the Falling Front Brougham, built in 1893 and the Landau, built in France in 1879. The standard size carriages will seat up to 6 adults, or just a couple for a romantic evening ride. A group may choose the Limousine style carriage, that can seat up to 12 adults. Always available to celebrate a special occasion, or for transporting the wedding party in a style that only a horse drawn carriage can offer. In 1984, the company received a Beautification Award for Anchorage and in 1995 received a Heart of the City Award for cultural/arts/recreational events.
