Seward: Turning Heads Kennel Tour & Dog Sled Ride

Discover the Unique Charm of the Seward: Turning Heads Kennel Tour & Dog Sled Ride

For those seeking an authentic Alaskan dog sledding experience, the Seward: Turning Heads Kennel Tour & Dog Sled Ride offers a compelling option for $89 per person. This 75-minute adventure takes place in the wilderness surrounding Seward, Alaska, and combines hands-on interactions with expert demonstrations. The tour is perfect for visitors interested in learning about dog mushing, seeing active sled dogs in action, and cuddling adorable husky puppies. While transportation to the kennel is not included, the experience itself delivers a close-up look at 50 Iditarod sled dogs and the thrill of a 1.5-mile sled ride.

The tour is designed to be small and intimate, fostering personal interactions with the kennel owners, Iditarod racers Travis Beals and Sarah Stokey, and their beloved dogs. With a high rating of 5 out of 5 based on 9 reviews, this activity stands out for its knowledgeable guides, friendly environment, and educational content, making it a memorable part of any Alaskan itinerary.

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Key Points

• 75-minute tour featuring a 1.5-mile dog sled ride through the wilderness
• Visit the Home of Iditarod musher Travis Beals and meet 50 sled dogs
• Learn about dog sledding commands like Gee and Haw with live demonstrations
• Cuddle and interact with adorable husky puppies
• Multimedia presentation on dog mushing and an active eagle’s nest stop
• No included transportation; small group setting for a more personal experience

Meet the Iditarod Sled Dogs at Turning Heads Kennel

This tour begins at the Turning Heads Kennel, the home of Iditarod musher Travis Beals and Sarah Stokey. Here, visitors are welcomed into a caring and well-loved environment where 50 sled dogs are housed and trained. The experience emphasizes personal interaction, with opportunities to pet and cuddle the friendly huskies and learn about their daily care.

The kennel is a hub of activity, where dog lovers get an up-close look at the powerful, energetic dogs that race through the Alaskan wilderness in the Iditarod sled race. Guides are eager to share their passion and expertise, explaining how the dogs are trained and the commands used to steer the sleds, such as Gee and Haw. This personal connection to the dogs is a highlight that adds warmth and authenticity to the experience.

The 1.5-Mile Sled Dog Ride in the Wilderness

One of the most exciting parts of this tour is the dog sled ride along a 1.5-mile trail through the surrounding wilderness. Guests are seated in a sled pulled by the dogs, which is a real thrill for many. The guide leads the team, showing how the dogs respond to commands and demonstrating their strength and enthusiasm.

This hands-on mushing experience allows travelers to feel the power and agility of the dogs firsthand, with the active trail offering scenic views of the Alaskan landscape. The ride is suitable for all ages and provides a unique opportunity to see how dog teams operate during a race or recreational outing.

Learning the Art of Dog Mushing from Experts

Throughout the tour, guides demonstrate how to command a sled team, explaining common terms like Gee (turn right) and Haw (turn left). These live demonstrations are designed to give participants a better understanding of what it takes to mush a team of sled dogs.

In addition, a multimedia presentation is included to give a broader context of dog sledding history and its importance in Alaska. Visitors also stop at an active eagle’s nest, where they can observe birds in their natural habitat, adding an extra layer of excitement to the outing.

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Cuddle Puppies and Get Close to the Huskies

A major favorite aspect of the tour is the chance to cuddle adorable Alaskan husky puppies. The owners are happy to facilitate interactions with these playful pups, making this a highlight especially for families and animal lovers.

Guests learn about the breed’s characteristics—noted for their friendly nature and resilience—and see firsthand how these puppies grow into the powerful sled dogs that pull in races like the Iditarod. The puppy cuddling is also an excellent photo opportunity.

The Small Group Advantage and Expert Guides

Since the tour maintains a small group size, visitors benefit from more personalized attention. The guides, Travis Beals and Sarah Stokey, are passionate and knowledgeable, sharing stories of their racing careers and answering questions about dog care, training, and sledding.

Participants can expect a relaxed pace, allowing ample time for interaction, questions, and photos. The small group setting ensures that every guest gets a close-up experience with the dogs and the guides.

Practical Details and What to Bring

The tour lasts 75 minutes, with check availability for starting times. Since the activity involves outdoor exposure, guests should bring warm clothing, outdoor gear, water, and comfortable clothes suited to Alaskan weather conditions.

Transportation to the kennel is not included, so guests need to arrange their own transport. Children 12 and under pay a child rate, and infants under 24 months can join for free. The tour is not suitable for pregnant women or those with animal allergies.

What Sets This Tour Apart from Others

This activity is especially appealing for those interested in dog mushing or wanting an authentic Alaskan experience. The combination of hands-on interaction with dogs, an exciting sled ride, and educational content makes it stand out.

The active trail, informative guides, and adorable puppies are highly praised. The active eagle’s nest stop adds a scenic touch, giving a glimpse of Alaska’s natural wildlife. The high ratings reflect the quality of the guides and the authenticity of the experience.

Final Thoughts on the Seward: Turning Heads Kennel Tour & Dog Sled Ride

This 75-minute adventure offers an engaging and educational peek into Alaska’s sled dog culture. It’s ideal for families, animal enthusiasts, and anyone curious about the Iditarod. The personalized experience, with interactions with the dogs and guides’ insights, makes this tour especially memorable.

While transportation is not included, the well-organized activities and scenic outdoor trail make it a worthwhile addition to any Seward itinerary. The cost of $89 is reasonable considering the exclusive interactions and hands-on mushing experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is transportation included in the tour price?
No, transportation to the kennel is not included, so guests need to arrange their own.

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts approximately 75 minutes.

Can children participate?
Yes, children 12 and under pay a child rate, while infants under 24 months join for free.

What should I wear?
Guests should bring warm outdoor clothing, water, and comfortable clothes suitable for outdoor activity.

Is this tour suitable for pregnant women?
No, the tour is not suitable for pregnant women.

Are pets allowed on the tour?
No, pets are not allowed during the experience.

What will I see besides the dogs?
Guests view an active eagle’s nest and enjoy a multimedia presentation on dog sledding.

Can I cuddle the puppies?
Yes, cuddling adorable husky puppies is one of the tour’s highlights.

What is the main focus of this experience?
The tour emphasizes learning about dog sledding commands, seeing the dogs in action, and interacting with the animals.

Is this tour suitable for those with allergies?
No, the tour is not suitable for people with animal allergies.

How would I describe the overall experience?
Expect a personal, interactive, and educational look at Alaska’s sled dogs with plenty of hands-on fun and stunning outdoor scenery.

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