Making History in the Last Frontier

A Message from Trail Breaker Kennel on COVID-19

The health and safety of our staff, huskies, visitors, and community have always been our top priority. Due to COVID-19, we are implementing new policies to ensure the safety of our guests and staff at the kennel. We will continue to monitor the situation and make any necessary changes to follow all Alaska state and federal mandates.

Due to Governor Dunleavy’s recent 30-day COVID-19 disaster declaration, we plan to open for winter tours starting December 16, 2020. Book your Dog Sled Ride online today. If you are part of a larger group, please call us at (907) 347-7274 with your requested tour date and the number of guests in your party, and we will do our best to accommodate you. Before your visit, please read our Winter COVID-19 Policies here.

Our summer 2021 calendar is open for bookings! Visit Trail Breaker Kennel on your next Alaskan summer vacation by booking your spot on a Summer Kennel Tour. When the time is right for you, we can’t wait to welcome you to Alaska.

Happy, and most importantly, healthy trails from the crew at Trail Breaker Kennel.

Visit these sites for helpful information about keeping yourself safe:

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!

Our History Our Staff

Summer Tours

Visit historic Trail Breaker Kennel and meet our amazing canine athletes during your summer vacation in Alaska!

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Winter Tours

Visit historic Trail Breaker Kennel during your winter getaway for once in a lifetime dog sled rides, adventures, and custom tours!

Learn More

Shop the Trading Post

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

Shop Now

Shop the Trading Post

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

Shop Now

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.

Order Now

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.

Order Now

Hear What People are Saying

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

Who Doesn’t Love A Good Husky Photo?

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Use #trailbreakerkennel to share your experience.