There’s nothing quite like the thrill of dog sledding. The sound of paws pounding the snow, the quiet glide of a sled, and the rush of cold winter air combine to create an experience that’s full of joy. For many, it’s a bucket list adventure!
At Adventures in Good Company, we’ve found that you don’t need to travel to Alaska or Scandinavia to live this dream. Minnesota’s North Shore of Lake Superior offers the perfect setting for dog sledding.
If you’ve ever wondered how dog sledding works, where it comes from, or why Minnesota is the ideal spot to try it, this guide is for you.
A Brief History of Dog Sledding
Dog sledding wasn’t always a sport; it was a way of life. For centuries, Indigenous Arctic communities depended on sled dogs for transportation, hunting, and survival in the unforgiving northern climate. These dogs weren’t just workers; they were trusted companions and family.
One of the most famous demonstrations of their importance came in 1925, during the “Great Race of Mercy.” When a deadly diphtheria outbreak struck Nome, Alaska, 20 mushers and more than 150 sled dogs delivered life-saving serum across 674 miles of frozen wilderness in just five and a half days. Their heroic effort forever cemented sled dogs as legends of the north. The world’s most famous long-distance sled dog race, the Iditarod, was later named after the trail they traveled.
Today, dog sledding remains a cherished cultural tradition and a beloved winter adventure. Races are held around the world, from Alaska’s Iditarod to Canada’s Yukon Quest and Norway’s Finnmarksløpet. Here in the United States, Minnesota has its own rich mushing tradition with the John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon. And it’s right here, along Minnesota’s snowy North Shore, where our AGC travelers get to experience dog sledding for themselves.
Meet the Dogs
Sled dogs are incredible athletes. While many people picture the striking blue eyes of Siberian Huskies, the most common sled dogs today are Alaskan Huskies, a mixed-breed type carefully developed for strength, endurance, and speed. Other breeds, like Alaskan Malamutes (powerful and built for heavy hauling), Greenland Dogs, and even Samoyeds, have long histories as working sled dogs. Each brings unique traits to the trail.
Each dog on a team has a role:
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Lead dogs respond to the musher’s commands.
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Swing dogs guide turns.
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Team dogs provide steady power.
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Wheel dogs anchor the sled close to the runners.
What makes sled dogs unforgettable is their energy and eagerness. The moment the harnesses come out, these dogs leap with excitement. Once they’re running, the noise fades to stillness as they enjoy the peaceful rhythm of their paws on snow.
How Dog Sledding Works
From the outside, dog sledding looks simple: a musher, a sled, and a team of dogs. But there are many moving parts that make it both fascinating and challenging.
Here’s a closer look at what goes into the experience:
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The Sled: Traditional wooden sleds are still used, but many mushers rely on lightweight modern sleds for smoother rides and easier maneuverability.
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The Dogs: Teams are made up of anywhere from 6 to 16 dogs, depending on the terrain and distance. Dogs are positioned based on their strengths: leaders up front, power dogs near the back, and swing dogs in the middle to guide turns.
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The Gear: Lines, harnesses, and a central “gangline” connect the team. Booties are sometimes used to protect dogs’ paws on icy or abrasive snow.
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Commands: Mushers guide the team with short cues like “gee” (right), “haw” (left), “whoa” (stop), and “hike” (go).
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Your Role: On AGC trips, you’ll experience both sides of mushing, snuggled in the sled as a passenger and standing on the runners to steer and balance with your own team.
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The Trail: Conditions change constantly. Fresh powder, icy patches, and narrow forest paths all require different handling.
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The Experience: Once the dogs hit their stride, the noise fades into stillness. All you hear is the steady rhythm of paws, the swish of the sled on snow, and the vast winter wilderness.
Is Dog Sledding Ethical?
Many first-time travelers wonder: Do the dogs really like it? The answer is yes, when done responsibly. Sled dogs are born to run. Their excitement before a run is undeniable, and their endurance is unmatched.
Ethical kennels ensure:
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High-quality food and veterinary care
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Rotating teams so no dog is overworked
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Warm housing and plenty of rest
Respectful training that builds on natural instincts
AGC carefully vets its partners to ensure the highest standards of animal care. When you travel with us, you can feel confident that your adventure supports both the dogs’ well-being and the traditions of responsible mushing.
Why Minnesota’s North Shore is Perfect for Dog Sledding
While Alaska and Scandinavia are often associated with mushing, Minnesota’s North Shore is one of the best-kept secrets in the dog sledding world. Here’s why:
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Authentic Winter Wilderness: With heavy snowfall each year, the North Shore’s quiet boreal forests and frozen lakes create a landscape that feels pristine yet accessible.
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Heritage and Culture: Minnesota is home to the legendary John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon, one of the premier sled dog races in the U.S. The tradition here runs deep.
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Easy to Reach: Getting there is fairly simple. You can fly into Minneapolis and enjoy just a few scenic hours’ drive north to the North Shore.
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Adventure + Comfort: With AGC, your day of mushing is paired with evenings at a cozy Lake Superior resort, complete with saunas, hot tubs, and hearty meals.
For women seeking a bucket-list experience without the logistics of faraway travel, the North Shore strikes the perfect balance for our Dog Sledding adventure.
What It’s Like to Go Dog Sledding
AGC travelers often say dog sledding is the highlight of their trip. Here’s how they describe it:
“This trip fulfilled a childhood dream of mine of always wanting to go dog sledding, and what better time than when it occurred in my state of Minnesota. I love the North Shore area and it was perfect for all the activities. The guides, Deb & Adele, were amazing, so accommodating, great chefs, fantastic guides and so much fun. Thank you AGC for an awesome adventure!” - Reina W,
“I’ve been to the North Shore many times, but I’m amazed I can still go back and have new experiences. On this trip, I experienced so many firsts: I hiked Oberg Mountain in the snow, stayed at Bluefin Bay, skied meaningful miles for the first time, and most importantly, went on a dog sledding adventure! The 22-mile ride through the Superior National Forest, emerging onto frozen Surprise Lake, was absolutely unforgettable. I feel so lucky this trip offered so many ‘firsts’ in a place I thought I already knew." - Lindsay Y.
“The guides were outstanding, accommodations were 5-star condos right on Lake Superior, weather was sunny and unseasonably warm, hiking, skiing, and snowshoeing were great activities in beautiful places but the dogsledding was totally awesome and the trip highlight! It could not have been a better trip. Beautiful morning sunrises over Lake Superior are the icing on the cake.” -Kathy E.
Whether you’re steering the sled yourself or snuggled into the basket as a passenger, the feeling is unforgettable. And you, too, will want to mark it off your bucket list. We can make it all possiblewith a small group of adventurous women and expert guides.
Common Questions About Dog Sledding
Do I need experience?
Nope! Beginners are welcome. Your guides will teach you everything.
Is it hard?
It takes balance, but most people find it accessible. You can always ride in the sled if you prefer.
What should I wear?
Think warm, layered, and windproof: insulated boots, gloves, hats, and outerwear. Many kennels also provide extra gear. We provide our travelers with a full packing list.
Do the dogs tire out?
Sled dogs are conditioned athletes. Teams are rotated and distances are tailored so the dogs remain healthy and happy.
Say Yes to Dog Sledding
Dog sledding isn’t just another winter activity; it’s an adventure that stays with you forever. The rush of the dogs taking off, the quiet glide across snowy trails, and the bond you feel with both the team and the landscape create an experience unlike any other.
With Adventures in Good Company, you’ll share this bucket-list adventure on Minnesota’s North Shore alongside a small group of women, guided by experts, and supported by a community that celebrates connection, joy, and discovery. Explore Our North Shore Dog Sledding and Winter Fun Trip.
