Historic Sled Dog Demonstrations

Each summer, the Denali National Park Sled Dog Kennels hosts working sled dog demonstrations for visitors from around the world to experience both a historic and modern view of dog mushing.

 

There are shuttle buses that leave from the Denali Visitor’s Center 40 minutes before each demonstration. The buses stay at the bus turnaround at the Kennels and transport visitors back to the Visitor’s Center after the demonstration. The Rock Creek and Road Side trails are also enjoyable routes to hike from the Denali Visitor’s Center directly to the Denali Kennels.

Please arrive for demonstrations on time, and ideally with a few minutes to spare. The gate to the Kennels area must be closed temporarily during part of the program while Kennels hook up dogs and run them around the track. If you arrive late, you will likely be shooed out of sight until the dogs finish their run.

Entertainment for the Ages

 

A summer demonstration in 1962

NPS Photo

 

Dog demonstrations originally started in the Park’s Headquarters area in 1940. From then until now, the passion the sled dogs exude during demonstrations has been a source of joy and excitement for visitors both young and old.

 

Prior to and after the demonstration, visitors are welcome to stroll through the historic dog yard and meet some of some of our hard-working dogs during their rest and relaxation season. Because their ideal temperatures fall around -10 to -20 degrees with their thick fluffy coats, their primary job in the summertime is to recouperate from their winter work. They love connecting with people and are some of the park’s best ambassadors. All visitors are welcome to pet the dogs if the dogs come over to them, but we ask that everyone respect their space by not going over the ropes or into the pens if a dog is enjoying its space and some quiet time.