The Official Newberry Area Chamber of Commerce
Newberry, Michigan Dog Sledding
Guests to Newberry, Michigan can experience the thrill of Upper Peninsula Dog Racing or Newberry Sled Dog Tours. Our winter season delivers the perfect snow to get dog sledding and guests don't have to travel to Alaska to live this adventure.  Whether you are a spectator, musher, pro or beginner, the Newberry Michigan region is a prime location for dog sledding opportunities and adventures.
The Newberry area is home to The Tahquamenon Country Sled Dog Race every January.   Come and experience the excitement of Sled Dog Racing from Professional classes to Amateur enthusiasts,  and long distance to sprint events.  We have it all!
Many of our local Upper Michigan sled dog businesses and enthusiasts offer services so that guests to the Newberry area can experience a real Upper Michigan dogsledding adventure.  Imagine the thrill of mushing a trained and experienced team of sled dogs.

Newberry Michigan Snowmobiling, Newberry Snowmobile Trail Report, Newberry MI Snowmobile Rentals
Tahquamenon Country Sled Dog Race
The Tahquamenon Country Sled Dog Race is held annually in January of each winter at Muskallonge Lake State Park,  north of Newberry.  The race is a combination of Pro and Sport Classes, with 12 Dog and 8 Dog teams running 60 and 40 miles respectively, and with Sports Classes of 2 to 6-dog teams running from 4 to 30 miles. Prize money for the 2013 race is estimated at $8,000 (For Pro Classes).  The race is always one of the first of the mushing season and draws mushers from throughout the Midwest and Canada, and occasionally from Alaska.  Spectators are free and can watch the race start and finish at Muskallonge Lake State Park. For more information on the Tahquamenon Country Sled Dog Races visit:  www.tcsdr.org
Dog Sledding Pure Michigan Winter
Dog sledding, a historic form of transportation is also a fun way to get out and enjoy the winter months. With more than 2,000 miles of dogsledding trails, 11,000 frozen inland lakes and a number of snow-covered national forests, Michigan is a great destination for a dog sledding adventure. Experience the rush and excitement as a pack of huskies pull us along the glistening Michigan winter landscape.
Upper Michigan Dog Sled Tours
Nature's Kennel is your Michigan's Premier Dog Sledding Destination. They offer year-round sled dog tours with overnight adventures, day trips and special event rides. Nature’s Kennel also travels to various locations to race in world class events, such as the Iditarod. Along with their tours and racing, they also provide presentations and educations programs.  Nature's Kennel is located north west of Newberry, MI.  Visit their website at http://www.natureskennel.com or call for more information at 906-748-0513.

Helpful Hints for Spectators:
*Do not bring pets to watch the race.  A pet is a distraction to the sled dogs and could cause a driver to loose a race or result in harm to your pet.  Sled dogs are athletes and need to concentrate on racing.
*Do not stand on the trail.  The leaders need to have an open path to see where they are going.
*DO NOT feed the dogs.
*Don't ask questions when the drivers are getting ready to race;  they will be focused on the dogs.  
*Be careful where you walk:  a driver has lines, harnesses,etc. out for the race and it is easy to trip on them.
*Always ask permission to pet a dog:  some dogs can be very hyper.

Musher Lingo:
Musher - the driver of the team.
Gee - right turn
Haw - left turn
Easy - slow down
Mushers don't say "mush".  They say "hike", "ready?" or "let's go".