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Making History in Alaska

Now booking WINTER 2023-2024!

Are you visiting Fairbanks, Alaska in the winter? Lucky you! You have the possibility to come join us for a dog sled ride with our amazing huskies and mushing guides. We look forward to showing you our winter wonderland!

Our Story

Family owned and operated since 1976, Trail Breaker Kennel is one of the longest operating kennels in Alaska. The kennel was founded in Eureka, Alaska by the late Susan Butcher, a four-time Iditarod champion, and David Monson, her husband and Yukon Quest champion. Built on a reputation of exemplary dog care and hard work, Trail Breaker Kennel became the premier racing kennel in the world. In 1990, Susan and David purchased property in Fairbanks, Alaska and established Trail Breaker Kennel on the banks of the Chena River.

Today, David, his two daughters and dedicated staff members provide visitors from around the world a look at the lives of mushers and Alaskan huskies in Interior Alaska. For over 20 years, Trail Breaker Kennel has been a favorite stop on the Riverboat Discovery tour. Kennel tours, dog sled rides, and other custom tours are offered seasonally. We hope to see you on your adventure in the Last Frontier!

Meet Our Alaskan Huskies

Our Huskies Header

Meet our beloved huskies and learn how you can sponsor them for the race season!

Shop the Trading Post

Check out our online store, the Trail Breaker Trading Post, for apparel, stickers, and more!

Shop the Trading Post

Check out our online store, the Trail Breaker Trading Post, for apparel, stickers, and more!

Granite

Granite tells the inspiring story of four-time Iditarod champion Susan Butcher and her greatest lead dog Granite. Order your signed and personalized book today.

Granite

Granite tells the inspiring story of four-time Iditarod champion Susan Butcher and her greatest lead dog Granite. Order your signed and personalized book today.

Hear What People are Saying

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  • Imagine the coolest thing you’ve ever done, now throw in the most polite, personable, and endearing guides you can think of and BOOM…you’re close to how awesome they are. My wife and I got married last week and came up to Alaska to adventure a little bit and this was BY FAR the best part of the trip. … The dogs were all amazing (what up Charles!) and the views were breathtaking… The excitement, dedication to their craft, and love for the animals on site was evident from the moment we walked up to the venue. I may have used all caps one too many times in this review, but in case I haven’t gotten the point across (*clears throat*) TRAIL BREAKER KENNEL IS THE BEST DOG SLEDDING TRIP YOU CAN GO ON.

    Sirtalkalot
    3/3/20 on TripAdvisor
  • We had a fantastic time at Trail Breaker Kennel and are so glad we did this activity. The dogs are so friendly and extremely eager and excited to go on a run! Our guides were super informative – right from introducing us to each dog and specifics about each of them…From the way they walk about the dogs, mushing and racing the pure joy and enthusiasm is overflowing from the guides… This was truly an Alaskan experience.

    Mohammed H.
    2/19/2020 on Trip Advisor
  • Everything was perfect! Accessible from city centre (very important when you don’t have a car). Beautiful landscape. Amazing team. Wonderful moment with the dogs. We had a great time! We strongly recommend.

    Baptiste and Capucine
    2/17/2020 on TripAdvisor
  • Great experience at a world class operation… The dogs are superstars, the grounds are breathtaking, and the experience is among the best our family has ever had.

    Tom S.
    3/4/2020 on Facebook
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Who Doesn’t Love A Good Husky Photo?

Keep up to date with what we’re doing at the kennel by following @trailbreakerkennel on Instagram  and Facebook 

Use #trailbreakerkennel to share your experience.