Husky Homestead Summer Tour in Denali Review
If you’re heading to Denali in the summer and want to mix things up—maybe do something outside the usual sightseeing—check out the Husky Homestead tour. This was one of our favorite stops on our Alaska trip. It had adorable husky puppies, a super fun sled dog demo, and a chance to meet an actual Iditarod champion. Even my tween was into it, which is saying something.
Review: Grab this 3-day itinerary for Fairbanks, Alaska!
What is Husky Homestead and Where Is It?
Husky Homestead is about 8 miles from the entrance to Denali National Park. It’s the home and training base of Jeff King—he’s basically a big deal in the world of dog sledding. He’s won the Iditarod four times and has decades of experience.
The place feels personal and welcoming. We drove ourselves (though they offer shuttles), parked easily, and were checked in within minutes. The setting is peaceful and woodsy—just what you’d picture for a dog musher’s backyard.
Related: If you are heading south, Seavey’s Sled Dog IdidaRide Tours are a fantastic option too!
First Up: Puppy Cuddles
The very first thing they do? Hand you a husky puppy. I mean, come on. You could stop the tour there and we’d all be happy. The puppies are a few weeks old, and holding them is part of their early training to get used to people.
We took photos, got slobbered on, and learned a bit about how the dogs are raised. Every dog there is part of a sled team—either training or retired. And yes, some of those little furballs are going to be future Iditarod champs.
Related: Want to see more animals? Check out the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center
Summer Sled Demo (Yes, Even Without Snow!)
Even though it’s summer, the dogs still train. Instead of snow sleds, they use carts with wheels. The dogs go absolutely nuts when it’s time to run—they were barking and jumping and clearly loving every second of it.
Watching them pull the cart was a blast. The staff explained how they keep the dogs healthy, track performance, and make sure they stay motivated. It was loud, fast, and fun. We were all grinning the whole time.
Jeff King’s Talk: Real Stories from the Trail
After the outdoor part, the group heads inside to hear from Jeff King himself or one of his premier sled racers (he was not available on the day we visited). Neither Jeff nor his racers give a dry lecture—it’s more like story time around a campfire. They are funny and honest and shared what it’s really like out on the Iditarod trail.
Our Iditarod racer talked about the gear they use, how they keep the dogs warm and fed, and what it feels like to race through Alaska in extreme conditions. There were some wild stories—both heartwarming and intense. Our daughter especially loved hearing how close the mushers get to their dogs.
After the demonstrations and story time, we got another shot at loving on the puppies. Of course, these puppies were pooped out… but they were still totally adorable!
Related: The Palmer Reindeer Farm has so many animal encounters!
Helpful Tips Before You Go
- Book in Advance: Summer spots fill fast.
- Dress Smart: Layers are your friend in Alaska.
- Arrive Early: Give yourself time to get settled.
- Take Photos: Especially of the puppies.
- All Ages Welcome: This is a hit with kids, adults, everyone.
Final Thoughts: Totally Worth It
Was it a little touristy? Maybe. But it felt real. We left knowing more about the dogs, the race, and life in the Alaskan wild. And we had a blast.
If you want a hands-on, kid-friendly experience near Denali that feels both fun and meaningful, go to Husky Homestead. You’ll laugh, you’ll learn, and you’ll probably leave wanting a husky of your own.
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