Summer Kennel Tour

Dogsled

Big Lake, Alaska

Summer Kennel Tour

All Ages Welcome • 1.5 Hours • Meet the Dogs!

Select participants and date

Date

Fri, Oct 3

Travelers

2

About This Adventure

Experience the thrill of an Iditarod sled dog kennel with a veteran guide. Enjoy a captivating video journey along the Iditarod trail, witness a lively dog sled demonstration, and cuddle adorable puppies in a heartwarming finale. This unique tour offers an unforgettable glimpse into the world of sled dog racing and care.

Experience the Workings of an Iditarod Championship Sled Dog Kennel

Mushing Demo
Tales from the Iditarod Trail with an Iditarod Veteran Tour Guide
Informative Video
Pet famous Alaskan Huskies & Cuddle Puppies

Duration

1.5 hours

About

Arriving at the kennel, you will be greeted by between thirty and sixty sled dogs resting comfortably on their houses in the dog lot.

Your tour begins with a welcome and a brief introduction to Happy Trails, with some guidelines for appropriate behavior with our dogs. They are all friendly -- almost too. They love being petted and snuggled, but are high energy!!!

In our Visitor Center, your virtual trip along the Iditarod trail begins. Via a twenty-minute video, you travel from Anchorage to Nome. Martin’s narration includes anecdotal stories from his thirty-nine years of racing, as well as a great deal of Iditarod history.

The next stop on your tour is the log amphitheater. The campfire and wall tent, a mockup of the checkpoint at Cripple, set the stage for a description of life on the trail. The presentation includes an in-depth look at how the real athletes -- the dogs – are cared for and outfitted for the elements, complete with a "runway" model wearing the latest trail fashion.

A dog sled demonstration run is the noisy part of the tour. A team of six lucky dogs is harnessed to the gang-line. You will see and can photograph them as they pull an ATV on a short, highly visible loop. During the harnessing, the uproar of barks of “take me” prohibits any discussion, and the smiles on the dogs’ faces show visitors what our sled dogs love the most ~ running. During this demo your Iditarod veteran guide will explain the nuances of the training process.

Puppy time is the GRAND FINALE and most visitors’ favorite part of the tour! You will get to hold puppies and be a part of our socialization program, since a major goal at Happy Trails is to raise happy dogs!!!

We maintain a small Gift Shop with a large selection of unique HTK (Happy Trails Kennel) items.

Your tour can be as long or short as your interest. Some folks have to pet every dog before leaving. We feel fortunate to have and share our life with dogs.

More Info

We are Located 90 minutes north of Anchorage
Minimum booking of 2

Adventure Tips

Dress warmly and comfortably

Layers are essential to stay cozy during the outdoor segments and demonstrations, especially in the summer months when temperatures can fluctuate.

Arrive early for the tour

This ensures you get the best seat for the demonstration and enough time to interact with the dogs and puppies afterward.

Bring a camera or smartphone

Capture the adorable puppies and action shots of the dog sleds in motion—these moments make great keepsakes.

Respect the dogs’ space

Follow guidance from the guides to ensure the animals are treated gently and with care during interactions.

Local Insights

Wildlife

Bald eagles
Moose

History

The region played a pivotal role during the Gold Rush era, and sled dogs have been a vital part of Alaska’s transportation and sporting history since the early 20th century.

Conservation

The kennel practices sustainable training and animal care, aiming to reduce environmental impact and preserve local wilderness for future generations.

Sled Dog Kennel Tour with Martin Buser's Happy Trails in Big Lake

Difficulty

Duration

Fitness Level

Overview