Well, it’s finally that time of year again, and oh man is it ever here! At the time of this writing, it is currently 5F with the windchill below zero! Lake Superior is looking gorgeous as it always does, but things are still quite chilly! We get a lot of visitors from the south ( most of the USA is considered “south” on the north shore 
) that are always asking “What do you do in winter?” While there are so many different options like skiing, ice fishing, skating, sledding, etc. etc. Today we’d like to talk about a truly uncommon event that we absolutely love: The Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon.
The event started in 1980, and one of the longest Dog Sled races in the country, and it is the longest in the lower 48 states! This event draws in some serious contenders and world renown mushers like Susan Butcher, Jamie Nelson, John and Jason Baron. Competitors travel almost 400 miles during the event, dealing with the harsh Minnesota weather, their competitors, and the tough conditions of the trails. This event is also a qualifier for the famed Iditarod race in Alaska, and it happens right in our backyard!
While the entire trail isn’t open to the general public, all checkpoints and road crossings are, in addition, there are festivities at the starting line and the finish line for the public to enjoy. While this is a large event, it’s supported by a tight0knit community that loves getting to know the fans and onlookers. Families can come and enjoy the cutest puppy contest, meet the mushers and dogs, and see what it takes to prep a sled dog team for the event and gets them active.
This is an event the whole family can enjoy, and a great way to get out of those winter blues and enjoy the outdoors! For more information on the event, you can click here to visit the Official Website. Looking for other exciting things to do this season? Check out our “50 things to See and Do on the North Shore of Minnesota” page for some great ideas!
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