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Wintergreen Dogsledding

Dog Sledding Tours

Dogsledding in Minnesota??

Yes, we’re in northern Minnesota, and perhaps you’re looking for another locale. But Ely, Minnesota, has more dogsled vacation opportunities that any community in the country (AND we still have real winters here!). Plus Wintergreen Dogsled Lodge is the nation’s oldest & largest recreational dogsledding center – and getting here is easy. So please peruse our site & see what you think. Still not sure? Just call us – if Wintergreen isn’t fit for you, we’d be happy to recommend other dogsled outfitters in your location of interest.

Wintergreen Dogsledding

If you’re here because you’re looking for a dogsled vacation in Minnesota or the Midwest, you’re’ home. Ely, Minnesota has more dogsled vacation opportunities that any community in the country (AND we still have real winters here!).

Plus Wintergreen Dogsled Lodge is the nation’s oldest & largest recreational dogsledding center. And getting here is easy. If, on the other hand, you started by searching for another locale, stick around for another few minutes. You won’t find nicer, more comfortable lodges, better food, more experienced guides or take-your-breath-away natural beauty than here.

If after two minutes you’re still not sure, just call us – if Wintergreen isn’t fit for you, we’d be happy to recommend other dogsled outfitters in your location of interest who we know or have heard good things about.

About Our Dogsled Trips

For nearly thirty years, Wintergreen has provided lodge-to-lodge dogsled vacations suited for complete beginners of all ages, including our 4-night “Good,” “Better” and “Best” options, our 3-night trips, our Dog Sledding Vacation for Parent-Child Pairs and our Photo Workshop Dogsled Trips.

We also offer both Beginning and Advanced dogsled camping trips and – for those seeking the adventure of a lifetime – our Arctic Treks. Also available are Dogsled Day Trips and any of our trips can be booked for your own Private Dogsledding Group. We're happy to help you in Choosing Your Trip.

About Wintergreen

Wintergreen is the most experienced dogsled outfitter in the business and the only lodge operation devoted exclusively to dog sledding. And the only dogsledding experience that offers lodge-to-lodge trips.

We’re located near Ely, MN, the nation’s “Sled Dog Capital” and gateway to the Boundary Waters wilderness which ranks among the “Top 50” most scenic places in the world. National Geographic said you’ll “Mush with the Best!” at Wintergreen.

Lodges we use including Wintergreen are all small, intimate facilities in lovely lakeshore settings that feature fireplaces, featherbeds, full bathrooms, private bedrooms and lots of character. The meals are wonderful and we’re more than happy than to accommodate any dietary requests. Our guests range in age from 5-85, most are in their 30s-60s and are an equal mix of men and women. Each trip includes a mix of singles (20%), couples (40%) and groups of friends and family members (40%). Many come back year after year and rave about their Wintergreen experience (Guest Comments). So does the media – Wintergreen has been subject of dozens of films, TV specials and major magazine feature stories (Wintergreen in the News)

We're happy to help you select your ideal option. It's simple: call us toll-free 877-753-3386 anytime & we'll guide you to your ideal winter vacation. For all ages, no experience or special fitness needed, warm clothing & boots available in all sizes...

Review the options below, then call us toll-free to select your ideal trip: (877) 753-3386

Lodge-Based Dogsled Vacations

Up to 8 guests

4 Night Trips (Good)

These trips feature 3 days of dog sledding, scenic highlights, great meals, and commarderie around the lodge fireplace.
Up to 6 guests

4 Night Trips (Better)

These trips feature upgraded lodging and private bathrooms for each pair of guests.
4 guests (2 pairs)

4 Night Trips (BEST)

These trips feature 4 nights in private deluxe lakeshore cabins and a private guide
Up to 8 guests

3 Night Trips

These tripsextended weekend option features 2 days of lodge-based dog sledding, open to anyone, family discounts

Dogsled Camping Trips

Suited for novices

Beginning Dogsled Trips

These 5-night trips feature full training & outfitting, 4 days/3 nights of dogsled camping plus 2 nights (first and last) in lodges. No gear needed, For all ages, great family fun!

Advanced Dogsled Trips

On these 6-night adventures, you'll enjoy 5 days/4 nights dogsled & ski camping along historic & scenic routes deep in the border wilderness. Often led by Wintergreen director Paul Schurke to his favorite places.

Arctic Adventures

Join Paul & Susan Schurke each spring to dogsled Arctic Norway's spectacular Svalbard Island or dogsled with their Polar Eskimos colleagues across northwestern Greenland or along Hudson Bay's Polar Bear National Park. 

Special Dogsled Trips

4 Night Dogsled Vacation

Parent/Grandparent-Child Trips

Our very special parent-child experience -- for pairs involving a parent (mother or father or grandparent) and daughter or son (ages 7-12). Each pair gets to drive (& cuddle & care for!) their own dogteam together. An extraordinary shared adventure experience geared for lifelong bonding memories. Plus evening lodge activities.
5 Night Dogsled Vacation

Photo Adventure Dogsled Vacation

This great trip hosted by National Geographic/Time-Life photographer Layne Kennedy has a dogsledding itinerary similar to our 4-night trips but involves Layne's hands-on help for getting your best possible photos. Plus an extra 5th day of van travel to area sites of scenic & historic interest for more photo tips & shoots.