Dog Sledding in Minnesota
After working as a trip leader for several years with a variety of travel companies, I finally launched my own group trip series: Wanderlust Group Trips!
Here’s a little recap of the magic that took place during my first-ever curated group trip in my home state of Minnesota.
Dog Sledding in Minnesota
Wednesday
After everyone received negative covid tests, people traveled to Minnesota from Ohio, southern Minnesota, Pennsylvania and New York. We made our way up to Ely, a small town in the north woods surrounded by wilderness.
For the coming 5 days, we made called the Wintergreen Lodge home while dog sledding with Wintergreen Dog Sledding.
Our first night, we had a welcome dinner then went down to meet the dogs!
It was love at first sight when I saw Brewster, one of the largest, fluffiest & friendliest dogs at Wintergreen!
Thursday
On Thursday, we learned how to harness the dogs, drive a sled & mush our own team!
We spent the whole morning out on the trails, came back to the lodge for lunch & then returned to sled some more in the afternoon!
As a group, we were caught off guard how athletic dog sledding could be at times! With tight turns & steep downhills, we felt like we were zooming past trees, rocks & branches. After a couple of wipeouts, our new motto became “Brace for impact!!” There was never a dull moment out on the trails!
In the evening, we had dinner at our lodge. Each meal was prepared by a private chef onsite and served family style.
The lake was only a few steps from our lodge and provided a spectacular spot for sunset viewing!
After sunset, we would warm up in the sauna each night or gather around the campfire!
Friday
We left in the morning for an entire day of dog sledding!
We ventured across frozen lakes, over bogs, through the woods and traveled many miles across stunning winter landscapes.
Rather than coming back to the lodge for lunch, we had a hot lunch at a campsite out on the trails!
After spending all day out on the trails, Hannah and I decided to camp out under the stars with the dogs.
Wintergreen provided us with quality winter camping gear from Wiggy’s which were designed for temperatures of -40 degrees fahrenheit. We were nice and toasty warm despite all the snow!
Saturday
Our final day on the trails, we spent another full day out dog sledding! According to our local guides Bo & Eric, we did a whopping 18+ miles!
It was a super fun and active day. And the dogs were as wonderful as always!
Sunday
On our last day, we woke up and had a final brunch together before walking to the dog yards to say our goodbyes!
It’s amazing how close of a bond you form with the dogs over just a few short days.
Fortunately I knew I would be back for weeks 2 & 3 of my group trips.
Read: WHAT TO WEAR DOG SLEDDING – A COMPLETE PACKING LIST FOR STAYING WARM
More on Minnesota:
- THE BEST THINGS TO DO IN MINNESOTA IN WINTER
- STARGAZING IN A HEATED “SNOWGLOBE”: THE BEST OF MINNESOTA ROMANTIC WINTER GETAWAY
- WHAT TO DO IN STILLWATER, MINNESOTA FOR THE PERFECT WEEKEND GETAWAY
- THE BEGINNER’S GUIDE TO CAMPING SOLO IN MINNESOTA
- 8 AMAZING REASONS TO TRY BACKPACKING IN MINNESOTA
- THE BEST EASY BUT SCENIC HIKES IN MINNESOTA
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SDog Sledding in Minnesota
