Turning Heads Kennel Dogsledding Experience & Tour

Discover the Turning Heads Kennel Dogsledding Experience & Tour in Seward

If you’re heading to Seward and craving an authentic taste of Alaska’s legendary sled dogs, the Turning Heads Kennel tour offers a memorable introduction to this iconic activity. For $95 per person, you get about 75 minutes of fun and learning, which includes a kennel visit, puppy cuddles, and a summer wheeled sled ride. The tour usually fills up well in advance — travelers typically book 78 days ahead, so planning is wise.

What we love most about this experience is the personal connection with the dogs and the insightful guides who share stories about racing in the Iditarod. The hands-on interaction with puppies is a heartwarming highlight, and the sled ride through scenic landscapes gives a real sense of what mushing is all about.

One thing to keep in mind: there’s no shuttle service included, so you’ll need to drive yourself or arrange transportation to the kennel. The tour suits those interested in dog racing, wildlife, or Alaska’s outdoor culture, especially if you want a family-friendly activity packed with adorable dogs and engaging stories.

Key Points

• Authentic experience of dog mushing with a professional kennel
• Interactive hands-on encounters with puppies and huskies
• Scenic wheeled sled ride passing eagle nests and beautiful landscapes
• Guides are knowledgeable and passionate, sharing personal racing stories
• Good value for the price considering the personal interaction and scenery
• No transportation included, so plan ahead for your arrival

An In-Depth Look at the Turning Heads Kennel Tour

What’s Included and How It Breaks Down

This tour offers a well-rounded glimpse into Alaska’s dog mushing culture, combining education, interaction, and fun. For $95, you’ll get all taxes and fees included, making it straightforward to understand the total cost. The experience lasts approximately 1 hour 15 minutes, with about 30 minutes dedicated to the kennel visit and interaction, and the remaining time for the sled ride and scenic views.

Meeting the Dogs and the Kennel

The tour begins at Turning Heads Kennel on Herman Leirer Road in Seward, where a friendly guide takes you inside the kennel with over 50 huskies. Here, you’ll learn about the training and gear that enable these dogs to race in events like the Iditarod. Multiple reviews emphasize how knowledgeable and passionate the staff are, with many noting how genuinely caring they seem for their dogs.

Travelers frequently mention the puppy cuddles as a highlight, describing the puppies as adorable and energetic. One review notes, “Cuddling the puppies was great,” while another says, “Everyone had a fantastic time interacting with the dogs and puppies.” This personal contact is a big draw, especially for families or animal lovers.

Multimedia and Personal Stories

As part of the kennel visit, a short multimedia presentation offers a richer understanding of the Iditarod Trail and what it takes for a team of huskies and mushers to compete. Guests appreciate hearing personal stories from mushers and guides, making the experience both educational and emotionally engaging.

The Training Ride in a Wheeled Cart

After exploring the kennel, you’ll hop into a dog-drawn cart for a 1.5-mile (2 km) ride, pulled by a team of huskies. This is where the experience becomes quite lively — you’ll get a sense of what it feels like to be on the trail in summer, with the dogs eager and excited.

Multiple reviews describe the ride as fun and scenic. Travelers pass eagle nests and enjoy a breathtaking view of Seward’s natural beauty. One reviewer remarked how they found the ride resembling the real mushing experience, despite the summer setup. Others were charmed by how happy and eager the dogs seemed, which speaks volumes about their well-being.

The Ending and Extra Dog Cuddles

The tour concludes with more time to interact with the dogs and puppies. Many reviews emphasize how friendly and well-treated the dogs are, with comments like “The dogs seemed happy,” and “Getting to pet and hold the puppies made the tour more special.” It’s clear that the staff’s passion for the dogs shines through.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is perfect for families, animal lovers, and anyone curious about Alaska’s rugged outdoor traditions. If you’re interested in learning about dog racing, want a memorable photo opportunity with puppies, or simply crave a fun outdoor activity that’s suitable for most ages, you’ll find plenty to enjoy here.

It’s also a great value considering the personal time with the dogs, the scenic ride, and the educational component. Keep in mind, it’s a summer activity, so those looking for a winter sled ride will need to plan differently.

Detailed Itinerary Breakdown

Kennel Visit and Multimedia Presentation

Your tour kicks off at the kennel, where guides introduce you to the working sled dogs. The interactive component is a highlight — you’ll learn about the equipment, training routines, and how mushers manage their teams. The multimedia presentation offers an engaging way to understand the challenges and rewards of sled racing, which many reviews say enhances the experience.

Puppy Playtime

After the educational portion, it’s time for puppy cuddles. You’ll get to pet, hold, and play with the adorable puppies, which is often cited as “the best part” by guests. It’s a chance to connect with the dogs on a more personal level, and the staff’s knowledge and friendliness make this part especially enjoyable.

The Wheeled Sled Ride

The main event is the dog-drawn cart ride. You’ll sit comfortably in a seat designed for two, with dogs eagerly pulling you through the countryside. The ride offers stunning views of Seward’s wilderness, including eagles nesting and lush landscapes. Several reviews mention how the dogs are well cared for and seem excited to run, which adds to the authenticity.

Final Interactions

Back at the kennel, you’ll have time for more interaction — petting, photo opportunities, and perhaps more puppy cuddles. Many find this part emotionally rewarding, especially seeing how happy and healthy the dogs appear.

Practical Details and Tips

• Location: 31722 Herman Leirer Rd, Seward, AK. No shuttle service is provided, so plan to drive or arrange transportation.
• Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes, roughly.
• Group Size: Limited to 18 travelers, maintaining an intimate and engaging atmosphere.
• Availability: Several morning departure times; booking 78 days in advance is typical.
• Weather: The tour operates in good weather; in case of cancellation due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
• Children: Must be accompanied by an adult; suitable for most ages, especially those interested in animals.
• Extras: Souvenir photos are available for purchase, but not included.

Authentic Insights from Traveler Reviews

Guests consistently praise the guides for their knowledge and friendliness. One reviewer said, “Jordan was an excellent and knowledgeable guide,” highlighting how personalized attention enhances the experience. Many describe the dogs as happy and well-treated, which is reassuring for animal lovers.

The scenic ride passing an active eagle nest is a recurring favorite, giving a glimpse into Alaska’s wilderness. Visitors note the value for money, emphasizing that it’s more affordable than cruise excursions and offers ample time to interact with the dogs.

Some practical tips include driving yourself due to the lack of shuttle service and making reservations well in advance. One reviewer pointed out that the tour’s official name isn’t obvious on booking sites, so double-check the location and details before arriving.

Final Thoughts

The Turning Heads Kennel Dogsledding Experience in Seward offers a genuine, heartfelt look into Alaska’s sled dog culture. The knowledgeable guides, scenic summer ride, and adorable puppies make it a special outing for travelers of all ages.

If you’re after an authentic canine connection, a light adventure in the Alaskan outdoors, and an educational experience that respects the welfare of the dogs, this tour fits the bill. It balances fun and learning in a way that’s accessible and meaningful.

While it’s not a winter sled ride, the summer wheeled experience provides a unique perspective on what makes Alaska the dog mushing capital of the world. This tour will leave you with lasting memories and a new appreciation for the hardworking and happy sled dogs.

FAQ

Is transportation included? No, the tour begins at the kennel location, and there’s no shuttle service. Most guests drive themselves or arrange their own transportation.

How long does the tour last? Approximately 75 minutes in total — including kennel visit, puppy cuddles, and sled ride.

Do I need to book in advance? Yes, it’s recommended. The tour is typically booked 78 days ahead, and limited spots are available per session.

What is the age requirement? Children must be accompanied by an adult; the tour is suitable for most ages, especially animal lovers.

Are the dogs well cared for? Reviews consistently mention how happy and well-treated the dogs seem, which is a priority for the staff.

Can I buy souvenir photos? Yes, photos are available for purchase after the tour; they’re not included in the price.

What should I wear? Casual clothes suitable for outdoor activity. The summer ride is mild, but bring layers if you’re sensitive to weather.

Is this a winter sled ride? No, it’s a summer wheeled cart ride, which provides a different but still authentic view of mushing.

Will I see eagles or wildlife? Yes, the ride offers views of active eagle nests and natural scenery.

Is it suitable for dog lovers? Absolutely. If you love animals, especially dogs, you’ll find this tour delightful.

In short, the Turning Heads Kennel Dogsledding Experience in Seward is a heartwarming, educational, and scenic outing that offers a genuine look at Alaska’s dog mushing tradition. It’s a perfect choice for travelers seeking authentic interactions, beautiful landscapes, and a memorable connection with these incredible dogs.