Seward: Turning Heads Kennel Tour & Dog Sled Ride

If you’re heading to Alaska and want to get a real taste of its iconic dog sledding culture, the Turning Heads Kennel Tour & Dog Sled Ride in Seward is a solid choice. This experience promises a mix of outdoor adventure, close-up animal encounters, and insider knowledge from seasoned Iditarod racers. While I haven’t tried it myself, I’ve looked into what makes it a standout and what you should consider before booking.

What I really like about this tour is how accessible it makes the world of dog sledding for visitors—you don’t need to be a pro musher to enjoy it. Plus, the chance to meet 50 sled dogs and cuddle adorable puppies is a rare treat you won’t find just anywhere. On the flip side, a potential drawback is the requirement to arrange your own transportation to the kennel, which might be inconvenient if you don’t have a rental car or private transfer.

This experience is especially well-suited for travelers who want a hands-on look at dog mushing, enjoy animals, or are curious about Alaska’s outdoor traditions. Families with older children will likely find it particularly engaging, thanks to the interactive nature of the tour.

Key Points

• Hands-on experience with a dog sled ride on a scenic trail
• Meet and learn about IDITAROD sled dogs from experienced mushers
• Cuddle puppies and see them up close
• Learn commands used in dog mushing and watch demonstrations
• Visit an active eagle’s nest during your visit
• Small group setting for a more intimate experience

You can check availability for your dates here:

What Makes This Tour Stand Out

This isn’t just a quick ride—it’s an immersive look into the life of sled dogs and their mushers. You’ll visit the home of Iditarod racer Travis Beals, which adds a personal touch, making the experience more authentic. The tour combines outdoor activities with engaging educational content, making it a perfect blend of adventure and learning.

The scenic 1.5-mile trail you’ll ride on offers a glimpse of the Alaskan wilderness, with chances to see wildlife like eagles. The multi-media presentation about dog sledding adds context, helping you appreciate the sport’s history and the dogs’ incredible strength and intelligence.

The Itinerary: What to Expect

Once you arrive at the kennel, you’ll be greeted by Travis Beals and Sarah Stokey, the owners and Iditarod racers. Their passion for sled dogs is contagious, and their knowledge makes the experience all the more compelling. They’ll begin by introducing you to their 50 sled dogs, sharing stories about their training, personalities, and roles within the team.

Next, you’ll learn the commands used to control the sled—Gee and Haw (left and right turns)—which are fascinating to watch in action. The handlers will demonstrate a lead dog performance, showing how these animals work together seamlessly.

Afterwards, you’ll get to ride the dog sled yourself, pulled along the trail by a trained team. It’s a surprisingly peaceful experience, with the excitement of the dogs’ energy and the quiet beauty of the wilderness around you. Many reviews highlight how spectacular the ride is and how much fun it is to see the dogs in their element, pulling with strength and enthusiasm.

Following the ride, you’ll have the chance to cuddle adorable husky puppies—a highlight for many visitors. These puppies are friendly, fluffy, and irresistible, giving you a chance to learn about the breed and see firsthand why huskies are such good sled dogs.

A stop at an active eagle’s nest adds a unique wildlife viewing opportunity, making this experience more than just about dogs. The multimedia presentation further deepens your understanding of the sport, history, and the dogs’ roles in Alaskan culture.

The Practicals: What You Need to Know

The tour lasts about 75 minutes, making it a manageable and well-paced introduction to dog sledding. The cost is $89 per person, which, considering all that you get—meeting the dogs, riding, cuddling puppies, and educational content—offers solid value.

Keep in mind that transportation to and from the kennel isn’t included, so you’ll need to arrange your own way there. The tour is conducted in small groups, ensuring a more personal experience and better interaction with the guides and dogs.

What to bring? Warm outdoor clothing, water, and comfortable shoes are essential, especially since you’ll be outside for parts of the tour. Weather can change quickly in Alaska, so layers are always a good idea.

Children 12 and under get a discount, and infants under 24 months can join for free, making it family-friendly for those with slightly older kids. However, it’s not suitable for children under 2, pregnant women, or anyone with allergies to animals.

Authentic Experiences and Honest Feedback

Looking at reviews, it’s clear that most visitors walk away genuinely pleased. One traveler called it “amazing”, highlighting how much they learned and enjoyed petting the dogs and puppies. Several reviewers praised the knowledgeable guides and the passion they showed for their animals and sport.

A guest from Germany loved the ride in the cart pulled by the dogs, describing it as an “amazing experience”. Many appreciated the interactive moments—the opportunity to meet and pet the dogs and puppies, which really enhances the connection to these animals.

Some noted the smell in the kennel was less pleasant, which is worth considering if you’re sensitive to odors. But overall, the positive reviews far outweigh the negatives, with many saying it was their favorite part of their Alaska trip.

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The Value Factor

At $89, this tour offers more than just a quick ride. You’re getting a comprehensive, hands-on experience in dog mushing, learning from experts, and bonding with the animals. The inclusion of a multi-media presentation and wildlife viewing adds educational value that many other tours lack.

Given the reviews, it seems most agree that this experience is worth the price, especially if you’re keen to see and understand Alaska’s sled dog culture firsthand. It’s a chance to connect with the animals, learn their stories, and enjoy the wilderness scenery—all in a relatively compact timeframe.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is particularly good for animal lovers, outdoor enthusiasts, and those with an interest in Alaska’s traditions. It’s family-friendly for kids over 2, but not suitable for very young children or anyone with allergies. If you’re looking for a small-group, authentic insight into dog sledding, with plenty of opportunities for interaction, this tour hits the mark.

It’s perfect if you want a memorable, educational adventure that balances outdoor activity with animal companionship, but keep in mind the need to arrange your own transportation.

FAQ

Is transportation to the kennel included?
No, transportation isn’t included. You’ll need to organize your own way there, whether by rental car or shuttle.

How long is the tour?
The experience lasts approximately 75 minutes, which includes the ride, demonstrations, and interactions.

What should I bring?
Dress warmly in outdoor layers, bring water, and wear comfortable shoes suitable for outdoor walking.

Can children participate?
Yes, children 12 and under get a discount, and infants under 24 months can join for free. However, the tour isn’t suitable for children under 2 or those with allergies.

Is this tour suitable for pregnant women?
No, it’s not recommended for pregnant women due to the outdoor activity and animal interactions.

What’s included in the price?
The tour includes the dog sled ride, demonstrations, puppy cuddling, wildlife viewing, and educational multimedia.

Are the dogs well cared for?
Based on reviews, the dogs are loved and well cared for, with many participants noting how happy and excited the dogs appear to be when pulling the sled.

Do I get to pet the dogs?
Absolutely. You’ll have multiple opportunities to pet and interact with the sled dogs and puppies.

Final Thoughts

The Turning Heads Kennel Tour & Dog Sled Ride in Seward offers a genuine, engaging look into the world of Alaskan sled dogs. It combines outdoor adventure, animal interaction, and educational elements, making it a well-rounded experience. Most visitors come away with a deeper appreciation for the dogs, the sport, and Alaska’s wilderness.

If you enjoy animals, are curious about dog mushing, or want a memorable outdoor activity in Seward, this tour is likely to be a highlight of your trip. Just remember to plan your transportation in advance and dress warmly—you’ll want to fully enjoy every moment of this unique experience.

Whether you’re a seasoned outdoor lover or a first-time visitor eager to see Alaska’s iconic sled dogs, this tour delivers a mix of fun, learning, and stunning scenery that’s worth considering.

You can check availability for your dates here: