DogSled Tours
Season of Operation:
December - March
Locations:
Superior National Forest near Grand Marais, MN
Duration:
2-hour experience
Pricing:
Starting at $195/adult with Student and Child age pricing available
Experience winter like you have never done before! Take a magical ride through the snow covered boreal forest of Northern Minnesota pulled by Alaskan Huskies! Step back in time and experience the beauty of winter the way people travelled on snow before ATVs and snowmobiles.
To make this experience possible, Border Lakes Tour Company is partnering with Sawtooth Racing Kennel! Matt and Erin have owned Sawtooth Racing Kennel since 2011, and have done numerous races in Minnesota, Michigan, Maine and Alaska. In past years, they have done tours at Bearskin Lodge and YMCA Camp Menogyn. Now they are excited to run tours closer to home in the Superior National Forest near their property in Grand Marais, MN. Matt and Erin, with the help of their handler and lead guide Kendra, spend many hours of the winter running hundreds of miles to train their dogs for speed and endurance. Their dogs are well behaved and full of personality, and many will be excited to say hi and some may even want to give you a hug!
Your experience will begin with a short and informative "musher talk," learning a bit about Alaskan Huskies, safety on the trail, what makes the dogs unique, and what to expect. Your guide will make sure you have all the right gear to stay warm and answer any questions. Then watch and, if interested, possibly help as your guides harness and hitch up the team before taking off on the trail for a thrilling ride through the woods. Trail time will vary depending on conditions but on average it will be a 45-minute ride. Your expert guide will be with you along the way, navigating the dogs and sled through the trails. Upon return to the kennel there will be time to greet the dogs, love them, and say good-byes.
Check out Sawtooth Racing kennel here and to learn a little bit more about the dogs check out this amazing video made by our local radio WTIP about Erin getting ready for the famous Iditarod Dog Sled Race.
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Your booking will include a dog sled ride through the Superior National Forest, a chance to greet and pet the dogs, and, an expert guide and dog musher who will navigate your sled, keep you safe and teach you all about the culture and history of dog sledding and anything you'd like to know about dogs!
All guests will ride in the sled that will include sleeping bags for insulation to help try to keep you cozy and warm.
Mugs and hot drinks like tea and hot chocolate will be available to enjoy before your ride.
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Being a winter activity, dog sledding is inherently cold. The average temperature range for Grand Marais in the winter is between 5°F and 25°F with the potential of getting much colder. Our cut-off temperature for both our guests and the dogs is negative 20°F wind chill, emphasizing the need for being prepared for the cold! We recommend dressing in layers, avoiding cotton materials when possible, instead striving for wool and synthetic materials, and always over preparing.
The following is our recommended packing list.
Hats
Buffs, neck gaiters and/or scarves
Mittens and/or gloves
Base layer shirt
1 or 2 sweatshirts, sweaters, fleeces or hoodies
Winter jacket
It can be helpful to include wind layers like a wind shirt or a rain jacket and down puffy if they fit under your outer winter jacket
Base layer pants or long underwear
Insulated pants layers like sweatpants or lined pants
Snow pants or snow bibs
Warm socks (multiple layers can possibly make your feet warmer but they should not be constricting or too tight, especially when wearing boots)
Insulated winter boots
Water bottle (non-glass)
Snacks
Camera
Extra Layers to leave in your vehicle
Cash to tip your guide (if desired)
If you would like to read further about proper layering please checkout this REI article or this article. If you have any concerns about having the right layers or staying warm please reach out. We have a limited supply of gear and clothing for loaning and may be able to get you what you need.
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Once your tour is booked, the following policy applies. Tour cancellations within the specified time frames below will be refunded the corresponding amount, minus any booking or processing fees.
14+ days prior to tour date: full refund
3-13 days prior to tour date: 50% refunded
0-48 hours prior to tour date: no refund
NOTE: Day tours can be rescheduled in advance given availability. Please contact us for the possibility of rescheduling. If no availability, the cancellation policy applies.
We reserve the right to cancel a tour at any time prior to or during the tour for any reason, including weather or safety.
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We will not operate a tour if conditions are dangerous. -20°F (-29°F) wind chill is the lowest temperature possible for running the dogs. High winds and severe storms can also prevent a tour from being safe.
It will be at your guide’s discretion whether or not to operate a tour based on weather conditions.
If conditions are too cold or dangerous we will try to reschedule your tour. If we are unable to reschedule, you will receive full refund for your tour.
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Dog sled rides last approximately 45 minutes. Each tour time has a maximum of 2 dog sleds with 2 guides. Each sled can hold one adult or one adult and one child weighing approximately 100 lbs or less. This means that a group can book a maximum of 2 adults, each of which can have a child ride with them for a total of 4 people per tour time. Children 8 years old and younger are required to ride in the sled with an adult. The maximum total weight for guests is 275 lbs. per sled.
Note there are no public bathrooms on site.