Turning Heads Kennel Dogsledding Experience & Tour

If you’re dreaming of getting a real taste of Alaska’s famous sled dog culture without the winter chill, the Turning Heads Kennel Dogsledding Experience in Seward offers a pretty neat way to do just that. While we haven’t personally strapped into the sled, reviews and details paint a picture of something both fun and educational, perfect for anyone curious about the world of mushing or simply wanting to hang out with adorable huskies.

What really appeals to us about this tour is how it combines hands-on interaction with the dogs—you get to meet the team, cuddle puppies, and then experience what it’s like to be pulled in a wheeled cart. It’s a rare chance to see the real work behind a professional dog kennel involved in the iconic Iditarod race.

One thing to keep in mind is that this experience is about summer mushing, so don’t expect snow or traditional sledding. It’s more of a summer rehearsal for the dogs and mushers, which might feel a little different for those used to winter rides. Still, if you’re okay with that, it’s a memorable way to learn about these incredible animals and the sport.

This tour suits travelers who love animals, are interested in outdoor adventures, or want a meaningful experience that’s rich in local culture. It’s particularly ideal for those who appreciate guides who are knowledgeable and passionate about their dogs and the sport.

Key Points

• Interactive kennel visit with plenty of opportunities to meet and cuddle the dogs and puppies.
• Scenic wheeled cart ride lasting a little over 1 hour, giving you a taste of what sled dogs do in the summer.
• Learn from passionate guides who are clearly enthusiastic about their dogs and the sport of mushing.
• Affordable compared to many cruise excursions, offering good value for the experience.
• Accessible for most travelers, with options for morning departures and a mobile ticket.
• A fun mix of education and outdoor activity suited for dog lovers and curious travelers alike.

An In-Depth Look at the Experience

Getting Started at Turning Heads Kennel

Your adventure begins at the Turning Heads Kennel in Seward, a well-established operation run by people who clearly love dogs. The first part of the tour involves meeting the more than 50 huskies that make up this professional kennel. Don’t expect just a quick peek—you’re encouraged to interact, cuddle puppies, and really get to know these energetic dogs.

A highlight, according to many reviews, is the staff’s evident love and care for the dogs. One enthusiastic reviewer mentioned, “Everyone had a fantastic time interacting with the dogs and puppies. The ride was a highlight. The care and love the staff has for the dogs and racing was apparent.” This genuine affection comes through and makes the experience feel honest and unpretentious.

Learning and Multimedia Insights

After some petting and photos, the tour includes a short multimedia presentation about the Iditarod Trail. This helps put into context the incredible endurance and skill needed to race these dogs across Alaska’s rugged terrain.

The guides’ knowledge shines here, as they share personal stories and answer questions. One reviewer pointed out, “Jordan was an excellent and knowledgeable guide. He answered a lot of questions about the dogs and mushing the Iditarod.” We love that it’s not just a petting zoo—there’s a real educational component that elevates the experience.

Puppies and Playtime

A big hit with visitors is the chance to hold puppies. Many reviews mention how adorable and friendly the puppies are, and how this moment makes the whole visit memorable. One visitor said, “Cuddling the puppies was great,” which sums up how many people feel about this part of the tour.

The Scenic Wheeled Cart Ride

After the animal meet-and-greet, it’s time for the highlight—an approximately 1.5-mile (2 km) ride pulled by huskies in a wheeled cart. While it might not be the icy sled ride you see in winter, it’s a fun way to see the landscape and experience the energy of the dogs in action.

Expect views of the wilderness, an active eagle’s nest, and the lively dogs pulling your cart. Multiple reviews describe the ride as “fun,” “fascinating,” and an “excellent” way to appreciate the team’s effort. One reviewer noted, “The dogs are so excited to be picked up for a ride; it’s like for your dog to go for a walk!”

End of Tour & Extra Dog Time

Once the ride concludes, there’s a little more time to hang out with the dogs and puppies. The staff goes out of their way to make visitors feel comfortable and appreciated, which many reviews praise highly.

What to Expect: Logistics and Details

Duration and Group Size

The entire experience runs about 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes. The group size is limited to 18 travelers, ensuring a more personal touch. You can choose from several morning departure times, offering flexibility to fit your schedule.

Cost and Value

At $95 per person, this tour offers a solid value when you consider the amount of interaction, learning, and scenery included. Many reviewers highlight how this is a cost-effective alternative to pricier cruise excursions, especially considering the quality of guides and the personal interaction with the dogs.

Transportation and Meeting Point

The tour starts at the Turning Heads Kennel, located on Herman Leirer Rd in Seward. While the website mentions pickup is offered, some reviews caution that no shuttle service is actually available, and travelers may need to drive themselves. One reviewer shared, “We had to drive from A to B then to C locations because there was no service to pick us up.” So, plan ahead and confirm your transportation options.

Weather Considerations

Since this is a summer activity, weather won’t be a major issue. If the weather is poor, the tour might be canceled or rescheduled, and you’ll be offered a different date or full refund. It’s an outdoor experience, so some rain or cool weather might be expected—dress accordingly.

The Experience Through the Eyes of Past Travelers

A majority of reviews give this tour a perfect 5-star rating, with comments like:

• “Everyone had a fantastic time,”
• “Great to see young enthusiastic staff,”
• “The care and love for the dogs was obvious,”
• “A memorable, fun, educational experience.”

One reviewer summed it up as, “More than just playing with dogs,” emphasizing the educational and emotional value. Several quote the guides’ passion, noting guides like Jordan and Miguel as highlights. The enthusiasm and knowledge of staff are clear, which adds a lot to the experience.

A few practical tips emerged from reviews: make sure you’re aware of transportation logistics to get to the kennel, as no official shuttle service exists despite mentions of pickup. Also, the cost of souvenirs (photos) is not included, so bring your camera or be prepared to purchase photos if you want a keepsake.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is most suited to animal lovers, outdoor enthusiasts, and those curious about dog mushing. It’s perfect if you want to learn about the sport in a casual, friendly setting without the winter snow. Families with children are welcome, but note that children must be accompanied by an adult.

If you’re looking for a scenic, educational, and fun outdoor activity that introduces you to Alaska’s dog sled culture, this is a solid pick. It’s also a good choice if you prefer a shorter excursion that doesn’t require a full day or winter weather.

FAQs

Is transportation provided to the kennel?
While pickup is offered, some reviews clarify that no shuttle service is actually available, so you may need to drive yourself or arrange your own transportation.

How long is the tour?
The entire experience lasts about 75 minutes, including the kennel visit, puppy cuddling, multimedia presentation, and sled ride.

Can I see the dogs in action?
Yes, you’ll get a training ride in a wheeled cart pulled by huskies, giving you a real sense of what dog sled teams do in the summer.

Are puppies available to hold?
Absolutely, many visitors love the opportunity to hold and play with puppies during the visit.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, children are welcome, but they must be accompanied by an adult.

What if the weather is bad?
The tour relies on good weather; if canceled due to poor conditions, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Do I need to book far in advance?
Yes, on average, the tour is booked 78 days in advance, so it’s best to plan ahead.

What is the cost?
It’s $95 per person, which includes all taxes and fees.

Is the experience worth the price?
Many reviews agree it offers great value, with interactive and educational elements not often found in similar tours.

Can I buy souvenirs?
Yes, souvenir photos are available for purchase, but they are not included in the price.

Final Thoughts

If you’re after a fun, authentic look at Alaskan dog mushing without the winter cold, the Turning Heads Kennel tour in Seward offers a friendly, informative, and engaging experience. The guides’ evident love for their dogs, combined with the chance to cuddle puppies and enjoy a scenic ride, make this a memorable outing.

It’s especially appealing if you want an affordable, shorter activity that provides a good balance of education and outdoor fun. Keep in mind transportation logistics and weather considerations, but overall, this is a well-reviewed, high-rated experience that many travelers say is a highlight of their trip to Alaska.

Whether you’re a dog enthusiast or just curious about what it takes to race in the Iditarod, this tour offers a genuine slice of Alaskan dog sled culture—warm, friendly, and full of puppy love.