Experience one of Alaska’s most celebrated traditions, with culture, sport, and history intricately woven into the sport of dog sledding. From the famous annual 1,150 mile-long Iditarod race and intense training for what it takes to be a musher, dog sledding in Alaska has long been integral to life here.
Racing through the stunning wilds of Alaska is a must-do while visiting the state. Check off your bucket list in some of these amazing places to go dog sledding in Alaska.
Seavey Homestead, Seward
Dog sledding in Alaska
Venture to Seward for one of the most well-loved dog sledding tours, run by Mitch Seavey, a renowned Iditarod champion. In fact, his father was one of the original Iditarod founders and his son has set impressive records.
This family-run operation spans three generations and gives visitors a well-rounded and unforgettable dog sledding experience. Meet the stars with paws as you tour the racing kennels, getting a glimpse into their daily routine.
Be regaled with enthralling stories from the sled trails that weave through Alaska’s unforgiving and frozen tundras, as you explore along a two-mile ride, led by a team of champion huskies.
Seavey Homestead, Seward
Marvel at the scenery, a mix of Alaskan mountains, lush forest, and canyons as you glide along a well-trodden path on a sled with wheels. Or kick things up a notch with an exciting helicopter ride that will drop you on a glacier for your dog sledding ride.
As one of the oldest sled dog racing kennels in the whole world, a visit to Seavey Homestead is one of the best things to do in Seward.
Paws For Adventure, Fairbanks
Dog sledding in Alaska
Get up-close and personal with the pups at Paws For Adventure in the northern city of Fairbanks.
This year-round kennel offers exciting tours in a beautiful backcountry setting, and a chance to interact with the furry athletes, including their adorable puppies. In addition to dog sled rides through the stunning scenery, Paws for Adventure offers mushing schools as well.
Learn about what it takes and master techniques for running your own team of sled dogs while getting hands-on experience as you embark on a cart ride during the summer season. The skills are the same, even if there’s no snow on the ground.
Dog World, Mendenhall Glacier, Juneau
Mendenhall Glacier, Juneau
Hop aboard an exhilarating helicopter ride where you’ll land on Juneau’s Mendenhall Glacier for the ultimate dog sled experience.
During the flight, you’ll soar over the Tongass Rainforest and get a unique perspective from above the stunning glacier, crafted by Mother Nature herself.
Mendenhall Glacier, Juneau
Visit Dog World, an authentic dog sled camp, and meet the huskies that will lead your ride. Slide on special glacier boots and prepare for your thrilling dog sled experience.
Glide along the massive glacier, absorbing the pristine scenery that Alaska is known for, including dramatic peaks and vibrant shades of blue in the cracks of the ice sheet. It will be hard to believe your eyes as you race along the vast glacier surrounded by sheer beauty.
Try your hand at assisting the musher with driving the sled, or just sit back and enjoy the ride from the comfort of the cozy perch. Meet the future athletes; adorable puppies who will be just as excited to greet you as you are them.
Make memories of a lifetime with the dog sledding team on top of the famed Alaskan landmark, Mendenhall Glacier.
Sled Dog and Musher’s Camp, Skagway
Sled Dog and Musher’s Camp, Skagway
Experience one of the state’s most authentic dog sled camps in the southeastern Alaskan city of Skagway.
At the summer training camp, you’ll have the opportunity to learn about the sport from Iditarod mushers with first-hand experience, as well as embark on a thrilling sled ride, powered by huskies.
Meet and even cuddle some of the cute puppies, enjoy the awe-inspiring mountain-top scenery, and listen to stories about the grueling races that span over 1,000 miles.
Dyea, Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park
The tour is rich with history as well, taking place in an old Gold Rush town. Imagine what Skagway must have been like during the Gold Rush era; a vibrant center buzzing with hope.
As you zip through the verdant Tongass National Forest, it’ll be hard to believe that this Alaskan adventure is real life. Enjoy views of the Dyea tidal flats, wildflowers, and soaring mountain peaks dusted with snow.
Keep an eye out for Alaskan wildlife such as bears and eagles too.
Husky Homestead, Denali National Park
Husky Homestead, Denali National Park
Learn about the sport of dog sledding in the midst of the state’s most famous destination, Denali National Park. Run by four-time Iditarod champion Jeff King, Husky Homestead is a premier tour operator and immersive training camp experience.
Jeff hosts this once-in-a-lifetime Alaskan experience within the natural splendor of the national park. Tour the racing kennels, getting a glimpse of what goes into training the dogs.
Interact with the stars of the future, the young husky puppies, and learn about the fundamentals of racing as well as the keys to being successful.
Husky Homestead, Denali National Park
During summer in Alaska, you can play with the puppies as they learn to socialize, watch some of the training exercises, and be regaled by enthralling stories from the trail by the experienced mushers.
You’ll also get a lesson in mushing yourself, where you can learn the ins and outs of the sport. A visit to the famous Husky Homestead is sure to be one of the most unforgettable experiences during your time in Alaska.
Trailbreaker Kennel, Fairbanks
Trailbreaker Kennel, Fairbanks
Visit one of the longest operating kennels in Alaska, situated on the idyllic banks of the Chena River in Fairbanks. The family-owned and operated kennel was started by the champion racing couple, Susan Butcher and David Monson.
Throughout their years racing, the pair have collectively represented four Iditarod wins as well as the Yukon Quest title. The Trailbreaker Kennel was opened in 1976 to educate visitors on the importance of dog sledding in the Alaskan Interior, as well as the lives of mushers and huskies.
Ride a dog sled cart along the trails in the summer months, simulating an authentic sled ride where you can catch a thrill before greeting the adorable puppies.
Tour the kennel and learn about the history of the sport, how the professional mushers prepare for races, as well as enjoy the opportunity to watch the excited dogs participate in one of their training runs.
Musher’s Camp, Juneau
Musher’s Camp, Juneau
Glide through the lush Tongass National Forest in Juneau on a dog sled with wheels in the summer season. Enjoy the stunning scenery of one of the most beautiful places in Alaska as you venture through the towering spruce and hemlock trees with your team of powerful huskies.
Learn the commands and balance of mushing as you try to navigate the one-mile-long trail with the aid of a professional.
After, mingle with the friendly dogs and expert mushers, while listening to the riveting stories from racing. An educational presentation is also offered, where you can learn about the history and unforgiving nature of the famed Iditarod race that takes place every March.
Musher’s camp combines the best of dog sledding with first-hand experience and informational opportunities.
AK Sled Dog Tours, Talkeetna
Experience the excitement behind mushing your own dog sled team in Talkeetna, Alaska at an Iditarod champion’s kennel. AK Sled Dog Tours offers both summer and winter dog sled experiences, with “dryland mushing” in the warmer months.
Alternatively, it’s possible to get a taste of the winter mushing experience atop a glacier during the summer, with a helicopter transfer to a nearby snowfield.
Iditarod Trail, Talkeetna
One of the best things to do in Talkeetna is to learn how to mush in the dry rigs while riding through the rugged Alaskan landscape or through the birch forest surrounded by glistening snow, where you’ll also have the chance to stop at a real Iditarod checkpoint.
In addition to professional instruction and first-hand experience, you’ll hear stories from the Iditarod race, and enjoy interaction with the racing dogs and brand new puppies, potentially the next champions.
After, take photos of the gorgeous dogs to capture memories of your time spent enjoying Alaska’s state sport.
Girdwood Summer Sled Dog Adventure
Chugach Mountain
Situated just outside the city of Anchorage, Girdwood Summer Sled Dog Adventure is a hands-on experience on a portion of the actual Iditarod trail.
Run by legendary Ryan Redington, grandson of the Iditarod co-founder, Joe Redington Sr, his entire family has been an integral part of the sport. This traditional dog sled experience is one of the best and is located near Anchorage, making it easily accessible if you’re short on time.
The Alaskan adventure begins by venturing to the trail in an exciting off-road vehicle where the scenery will astound. Meet the skilled mushers and amazing dogs before heading out on your summer dog sled cart ride through the Chugach National Forest.
Learn dog-handling techniques, mushing commands, and hear stories from the trail. After, head to the famous “puppy pavilion” where you can snuggle up to future furry stars.
Black Spruce Dog Sledding, Fairbanks
Enjoy an interactive dog sledding experience in Fairbanks, Alaska run by a well-known Iditarod musher, Jeff Deeter.
Open year-round, Black Spruce Dog Sledding offers a hands-on tour, including harnessing the dogs and mushing as you speed through the state’s natural beauty across the tundra. Listen to stories from the long-distance races, mingle with the dogs, and get a behind-the-scenes look at the training and life at the kennel.
Embark on a dry sled ride equipped with wheels in the summer months. You can experience both roles in the sled, as passenger and driver for a well-rounded perspective on the sport. Marvel at the unbelievable scenery surrounding you as the thrill of this bucket-list activity warms your soul.
The Alaska Dogstead Mushing Company, near Anchorage
Visit the 160-acre homestead, host to champion sled dogs led by “Team Petit” and amazing tours with the Alaska and Chugach mountain ranges as a backdrop. Located approximately an hour from Anchorage, the Alaska Dogstead Mushing Company is known to be a premier kennel with excellent, interactive tours.
Spend time with the dogs and enjoy a memorable ride through the backcountry terrain with an experienced Iditarod musher, on his home terrain. Rides range from between one and three miles long, although you’ll get the best experience on the longer journey.
Husky Homestead
Go dog sledding in Alaska and embark on the adventure of a lifetime while visiting the 49th state. Browse our cruises to Alaska and book your unforgettable vacation today.
