Dog sledding hits different when it’s right next door. This Seward experience mixes a real working kennel with a short 1.5-mile ride, plus an active eagle’s nest stop that makes the whole thing feel more like Alaska than a theme park.

Two things I really liked: you get hands-on time learning the sled commands (including the big ones like Gee and Haw), and you also get to cuddle Alaskan husky puppies, not just watch from afar. One downside to keep in mind is the kennel environment can be a little intense—at least one guest noted the smell indoors, even if others didn’t notice it much.

Key Highlights You’ll Actually Feel

• Hands-on sled dog command demo that turns the ride from fun into something you understand
• Iditarod musher Travis Beals and Sarah Stokey meeting time at their own kennel
• Meet 50 sled dogs, not a token handful of “tour dogs”
• Puppy cuddles with Alaskan huskies and breed talk you can take home
• Active Eagle’s Nest stop and a short multimedia look at mushing

Entering Travis Beals’ Kennel in Seward

This tour starts in a real dog setting, not a staged pickup and drop. You visit the home/kennel of Iditarod musher Travis Beals, and you’ll also meet co-owner Sarah Stokey there. That matters because you’re not just learning about sled dogs as an idea—you’re seeing how a kennel runs day to day.

You’ll spend time around a team of 50 sled dogs, which changes the vibe fast. Instead of “aww, dogs,” it becomes “oh wow, these are working athletes.” Even the way dogs respond to routines makes it clear this isn’t accidental cuteness. It’s logistics, training, and care, all day long.

The group stays intentionally small for an intimate feel. That’s a plus if you don’t want to stand shoulder-to-shoulder while someone explains the sport. It also means questions get answered without feeling rushed.

One practical note: transportation to and from the kennel isn’t included. If you’re using taxis or a rental car, plan your timing so you’re not jogging in winter gear ten minutes late.

The Training Moment: Gee, Haw, and Lead-Dog Control

Here’s where this tour earns its “most memorable” reputation. You watch a dog team take a series of commands that you learn during the visit. You’ll get the big terms taught to you—Gee and Haw are specifically called out—so you’re not just watching dogs pull. You’re tracking what cues are doing in real time.

A good sled dog ride is choreography. The dogs aren’t just sprinting; they’re responding to a musher’s signals and doing it in a tight rhythm. Watching the demonstration helps you see that the sport is part driving, part communication, and part trust.

Safety also gets attention. One review specifically praised the guide, named Nate, for safety tips that made the experience feel controlled and thoughtful. You’ll want to listen closely during the training portion because you’ll be around active dogs and pulling equipment.

Also, don’t skip the chance to ask questions. The staff is clearly proud of the work, and you get better value when you translate what you’re seeing into questions like how teams are chosen and how training affects behavior.

The 1.5-Mile Dog Sled Ride You’re Really Booking For

Yes, the cuddle time is sweet. But the main event is the dog sled ride on a 1.5-mile trail through the Alaskan wilderness setting. It’s short enough to keep the overall tour around 75 minutes, but long enough that you don’t feel like it’s a quick photo stop.

During the ride, you can feel the strength of the dogs right away. Pulling power is the whole point of mushing, and the teams show it. One review highlighted the experience of seeing the dogs’ capability pulling that kind of weight, and that’s exactly what you’ll notice once the sled starts moving.

You’re also not just riding in silence. The earlier demo helps you read the moment better. When commands come into play, you’ll understand what you’re seeing instead of guessing. That makes the ride feel more like you’re participating in a sport—and less like you’re being entertained.

Weather and clothing matter here. This tour tells you to bring warm clothing, comfortable clothes, outdoor clothing, and water. In Alaska, “warm enough” usually means layers you can adjust, gloves you trust, and shoes/boots that don’t make you slide around on compact ground.

If you run cold easily, plan for it. A sled ride can be surprisingly chilly even when you’re bundled up, because movement plus wind is a combo.

Stopping at an Active Eagle’s Nest (and Why It Works)

This isn’t just dogs-in-dog-world. The itinerary includes a stop at an active Eagle’s Nest, plus a multimedia presentation about dog sledding. Together, those parts broaden your understanding of why mushing is such a big Alaska story.

The nest stop adds a real-world reminder that you’re in wildlife country. It’s a nice contrast to the kennel, which is loud and busy with barking, harness sounds, and movement. The eagle stop helps the trip feel grounded in the actual region you came for, not just a local attraction.

Then the multimedia segment ties it back to the sport. Even if you think you know basics, a short video-style presentation can connect dots—how teams work, what training looks like, and how the culture of sled dog racing fits into the bigger Alaska picture.

Puppy Time With Alaskan Huskies: What to Expect (and How to Do It Right)

The tour includes time to cuddle adorable Alaskan husky puppies, and this is one of those moments that can make you forget you’re on a schedule.

One review called out that meeting the puppies was especially wonderful, and another praised the chance to hold baby huskies. If you love animals, this is the moment you’ll remember later—because it’s warm, close, and personal.

It’s also a chance to learn what makes huskies different from other breeds. The tour includes breed learning as part of the puppy interaction, so you’re not just getting a cute photo. You’re learning how the dogs are built and why they work the way they do.

If you’re going into this with expectations, do this: be gentle, keep your movements calm, and follow staff guidance. One important point from the info: pets are not allowed, which helps keep the kennel interactions controlled and safer for both dogs and people.

One small realism check: indoor kennel environments can be an acquired taste. One guest mentioned an unpleasant kennel smell, though others didn’t find it an issue. Bring that in your mental toolkit. If you’re smell-sensitive, you might want to keep your expectations flexible.

Price, Value, and Why $89 Can Make Sense Here

At $89 per person for a 75-minute experience, this isn’t a bargain basement “walk past dogs” stop. But it doesn’t feel overpriced either, because you’re paying for multiple parts that cost time and staff.

You’re getting:

• a lead dog demonstration and command learning
• a 1.5-mile sled ride (not just a sit-and-watch)
• puppy cuddles
• a visit to a kennel that supports 50 sled dogs
• an active eagle stop and a dog mushing presentation
• time to meet the people behind the operation, including Travis Beals and Sarah Stokey

That combination is the value. Lots of “dog sled” options can feel thin—like the ride is the only real piece. Here, the ride is supported by context. You learn enough to enjoy the ride more, and you get more than one type of interaction.

To me, the sweet spot is when you want a short, intense Alaska story without spending a whole day tied up. This tour is compact, focused, and designed to be small-group. You’ll spend more time with the dogs and the sport, less time waiting around.

Who This Tour Fits Best (and Who Should Skip It)

This tour is a great fit if you want a hands-on introduction to dog mushing in Seward. It works especially well for people who like animals but also want a real explanation of how the sport works—commands, team behavior, and what musher training looks like.

It’s also a good choice for first-timers. Even if you’ve never heard of mushing, the tour gives you terms to follow what’s happening and a ride length that feels like a complete experience.

But it’s not for everyone. The info lists it as not suitable for people with animal allergies, and it also says it’s not suitable for pregnant women. It also notes it’s not suitable for children under 2 years, even though infants under 24 months are listed as joining for free—so you’ll want to confirm eligibility with the provider based on your child’s age and your comfort level.

Also, keep it realistic if you hate being outside in cold weather. You’ll need warm clothing and you’ll be outside around dogs and sled equipment.

Finally, this is a “come ready to pay attention” tour. If you only want a photo and zero learning, you might feel the pace is more educational than you prefer. If you enjoy learning basics quickly, you’ll get a lot out of it.

Should You Book Turning Heads Kennel Tour & Dog Sled Ride?

I’d book it if you want an Alaska dog experience that feels real: kennel time, training cues, puppy cuddles, and a sled ride that actually delivers. The big reason is the mix. The commands demo and multimedia piece make the ride more satisfying, and the kennel visit keeps it from feeling like a short “ride only” attraction.

Skip it if you have animal allergies or if winter outdoor time isn’t your thing. Also think twice if you’re extremely sensitive to strong indoor smells, since at least one visitor flagged the kennel odor.

If you’re weighing this against other activities in Seward, this one is especially strong when you want a single stop that covers animals, sport, and a wildlife moment all in one go.

FAQ

How long is the Seward Turning Heads Kennel Tour & Dog Sled Ride?

The tour duration is 75 minutes.

What does the tour cost?

The price is $89 per person.

What’s included in the experience?

It includes a 1.5-mile Alaska dog sled tour, a lead dog demonstration, opportunities to cuddle Alaskan husky puppies, an active eagle’s nest stop, a multimedia presentation on dog sledding, a visit to the kennel with 50 sled dogs, and meeting the owners Travis Beals and Sarah Stokey.

Is transportation to and from the kennel included?

No. Transportation isn’t included, so you’ll need to arrange your own way to and from the kennel.

What should I bring?

Bring warm clothing, outdoor clothing, comfortable clothes, water, and anything you need to stay warm outside.

Are pets allowed on this tour?

No. Pets are not allowed.

Are there age restrictions?

The information says it isn’t suitable for children under 2 years. It also states that a child rate applies for those 12 and under, and infants under 24 months join for free.

Is the tour suitable during pregnancy?

No. The tour is listed as not suitable for pregnant women.

What’s the group size like?

The tours are intentionally kept small for a more intimate experience.

Can I cancel and get a refund?

Yes. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.