Kennel Tour & Mushing Cart Ride Fairbanks

Get up close and personal with real Alaskan sled dogs—and experience the magic of mushing, no snow required! This hands-on, heartwarming experience blends education, interaction, and a thrilling summertime demo of these incredible canine athletes in action.

  • Where Alaskan sled dog tradition meets hands-on fun for the whole family.

    Escape the ordinary and step into the heart of sled dog country—Two Rivers, the mushing capital of the Alaska! This family-friendly, interactive tour is your chance to connect with real working Alaskan Huskies, learn about the legendary sport of mushing, and witness the excitement of a team in motion—even without snow.

    Set against the backdrop of spruce forests and fireweed, our kennel tour gives visitors a rare glimpse into the life of a musher and their devoted team of canine athletes.

    Dog Meet-and-Greet

    • Take a guided stroll through the dog yard and meet each Alaskan Husky by name.

    • Learn about their unique personalities, jobs on the team, and how we care for them year-round.

    • Cuddle with our affectionate dogs and take “husky selfies” with your favorites!

    • Learn about pack dynamics, working dog temperaments, and how we select, train, and pair dogs for peak performance and happiness.

    History & Education

    • Hear captivating stories about the Yukon Quest, Iditarod and the canine athletes who have raced thousands of miles across Alaska’s wilderness.

    • Learn how mushers and their teams prepare for 1,000-mile races, the gear they use, and what life is really like out on the trail.

    • Understand the daily routines, care, and deep bond between dog and musher—plus insights into dog health, nutrition, and summer off-season routines.

    Dryland Mushing Demo

    • Although it’s too warm in summer for traditional sledding, our dogs still love to run!

    • Watch as they’re harnessed with excitement, then hop aboard our UTV (utility terrain vehicle) for a short “mush around the block.”

    • Experience the thrill of the team in action from the musher’s perspective as we cruise the trail in true Alaskan style.

    Note: Ride length is determined by the day’s temperature and is always at the musher’s discretion to ensure dog safety and comfort.

    A Look at Summer Life

    • Discover how our huskies beat the heat with shaded areas, water play, early morning training, and plenty of belly rubs.

    • Learn why summer is considered the “off-season” for our dogs, and how we keep them mentally and physically stimulated while they rest and recharge.

    Who It's For:

    • Families with kids of all ages

    • Animal lovers and aspiring mushers

    • Visitors looking for a hands-on cultural experience

    • Summer travelers curious about winter sports and sled dog life

    This immersive tour is a celebration of the bond between dogs and humans, the heritage of Alaska, and the joy of learning through experience.

    Whether you're a curious first-timer or lifelong dog lover, you’ll leave with a full heart, unforgettable memories—and likely some fur on your shirt.

  • TIME OF YEAR: June 1st - August 31st
    CAPACITY PER TIME SLOT: 10
    CAPACITY PER SXS: 5
    MINIMUM BOOKING: 2 Guests
    TIME SLOTS: 9 AM & 11 AM
    SCHEDULING: Availability is listed in real time. If you do not see availability online, this means it is either booked or not available for that date and/or time slot.

  • TOUR DURATION: 1.5 Hours
    TRAIL MILEAGE: 1/4 Mile
    TRAIL TIME: 10 minutes

  • ADULT: $135
    CHILD: $115
    LAP CHILD: FREE

    Curious About Our Tour Pricing? Here's a Breakdown:

    Offering high-quality mushing tours requires significant investment. Below is an overview of the key costs involved in caring for our Alaskan Huskies—dedicated canine athletes who are the heart of what we do.

    1. Nutrition
    Alaskan Huskies are hard-working, high-energy dogs that require a large amount of food to stay healthy and strong. Mushers typically purchase food by the ton—between 2 to 6 tons annually, depending on the size of the kennel.

    • Annual food cost per dog: ~ $800

    • Annual food cost per kennel: ~ $19,000 – $38,000

    2. Veterinary Care
    As elite endurance athletes, Alaskan Huskies require top-tier medical attention. This includes everything from routine vaccinations and deworming to chiropractic adjustments and cold laser therapy.

    • Annual veterinary care per dog: ~ $500

    • Annual veterinary care per kennel: ~ $12,000 – $24,000

    3. Limited Operating Season
    These northern-breed dogs are built for cold weather and cannot work safely during the hot summer months. In Fairbanks, summer temperatures often exceed 90°F, making winter the primary season for tours—and the only time mushers can earn most of their income to support their kennels year-round.

    4. Total Annual Kennel Costs
    Below are estimates of total annual costs based on kennel size. These figures include food and veterinary care but do not cover other major expenses such as dog yard maintenance, specialized gear, race entry fees, and more.

    • 24-dog recreational kennel: ~ $31,000

    • 36-dog small racing kennel: ~ $46,000

    • 48-dog large racing kennel: ~ $62,000

    1. Is Dog Mushing Humane?

      Yeswhen done responsibly and ethically, dog mushing is a humane and deeply rewarding activity for both the dogs and their human partners.

      At our co-op, the health, happiness, and well-being of our dogs are our top priorities. Our team is made up of Alaskan Huskies, a breed specifically developed for pulling sleds over long distances. These dogs are not only physically capable of the work—they thrive on it. Mushing provides them with daily exercise, mental stimulation, and a strong sense of purpose, all of which are essential to their quality of life.

      Here’s how we ensure humane treatment:

      Veterinary Care: Our dogs receive regular check-ups, vaccinations, preventative treatments, and access to advanced therapies such as chiropractic care and cold laser therapy.

      Nutrition: We provide a high-calorie, protein-rich diet to meet the demanding energy needs of working sled dogs.

      Rest and Recovery: Dogs have scheduled rest days, personalized care routines, and cozy shelters designed for warmth and comfort.

      Choice and Enthusiasm: One of the most joyful parts of our day is watching our dogs choose to run—they get excited to be harnessed and eager to hit the trail.

      We believe that dog mushing, when approached with compassion and professionalism, represents a positive partnership between humans and animals. Our guides are deeply committed to the physical and emotional well-being of every dog in our care.

      We encourage guests to observe, ask questions, and spend time with our dogs—you’ll see firsthand how much they love what they do.

  • A full refund will be issued if the cancellation is received before 7 days of the tour. A 20% cancellation fee will be charged to cancellations inside 7 days. No refunds will be issued if the cancellation is less than 24 hours prior to the tour. Day of booking cancellations will not be refunded. No shows will be charged in full.

    Covid Cancellations: A positive covid test result with the date is required to issue a full refund. If no contact is made prior to the tour start time, no refunds will be issued.

    Emergency Cancellations: If guests have an emergent case, please notify us immediately to explain the situation. Proof may be requested to receive a full refund.

    Overdue Arrivals: Guests arriving 15-29 minutes late are subject to an altered tour to ensure guides remain on the schedule (this could result in a shorter trail time or less interaction with the dogs). Guests arriving in excess of 30 minutes late for a day tour will forfeit their tour and be charged in full. Guests arriving late for an aurora tour will still adhere to the time allotment of the original tour schedule and will not exceed the tour conclusion of midnight.

 

What to expect

INTERACTIVE: Learn how to harness the Alaskan Huskies.
EDUCATIONAL: Learn all about sled dogs, training & famous long distance races like the Yukon Quest 1,000-mile race & the Iditarod.

Included

BEVERAGES: Water
REPELLANT: Mosquito spray (natural) and DEET.
GEAR: Rain ponchos
GIFT SHOP: Shop for your Alaskan souvenir in our Alaska Made gift shop.

NOT INCLUDED

TRANSPORTATION: Guests must procure their own private transport.
RAIN GEAR:
Rain boots, rain gear.


 

Read what visitors had to say about us!

OPEN YEAR ROUND!