Three Hours on Island Lake: Drive a Dog Team 12–18+ Miles with Positive Energy Outdoors

TWIN CITIES GUIDED TOUR FIELD GUIDE

Three Hours on Island Lake: Drive a Dog Team 12–18+ Miles with Positive Energy Outdoors

A focused, 3-hour guided outing that includes a kennel tour, hands-on mushing instruction and roughly 2 hours on the trail exploring Island Lake—this guide explains what to expect and why the time on the sled matters.

Three Hours on Island Lake: Drive a Dog Team 12–18+ Miles with Positive Energy Outdoors.

Duration
Contact operator
Location
Twin Cities
Operator
Positive Energy Outdoors
Category
Guided Tour
Robert Eric Crews
Founder & Editor, The Adventure Collective
Published Verified

The Dog Sledding—Island Lake Tour is a three-hour guided outing run by Positive Energy Outdoors that gives travelers extended trail time on Island Lake, covering roughly 12–18+ miles by dog team. The format blends a kennel introduction and hands‑on mushing instruction with about two hours of trail time, leaving plenty of time to drive the sled or simply relax and take in the winter landscape.

Highlights

Outing Highlights

Extended Sled Time on Island Lake
THE ROUTE

Extended Sled Time on Island Lake

This tour extends the sled portion compared with the operator's Bog Tour, providing approximately two hours of trail time and covering about 12–18+ miles so participants spend substantial time moving through the lake’s winter scenery.

Kennel Tour and Hands‑On Work with the Team
THE DOGS

Kennel Tour and Hands‑On Work with the Team

Participants tour the kennel, learn about the dogs and equipment, take part in harnessing and hooking up the team, and help give dogs treats and water as they’re brought back to their houses.

Learn to Mush—or Relax and Enjoy the Ride
THE EXPERIENCE

Learn to Mush—or Relax and Enjoy the Ride

The operator provides a thorough introduction to riding as a passenger and driving the team; guests may try driving the sled if conditions allow, or simply ride and listen to stories about the area’s natural history.

What the day feels like

What the Three-Hour Tour Feels Like

You begin with a kennel orientation—meeting the dogs and learning about sleds and mushing—then take part in the practical tasks of harnessing and hooking up a team. Guided by an experienced musher, the group moves out onto Island Lake for roughly two hours on trail across 12–18+ miles; depending on conditions, guests can trade off driving the team or sit back and soak up the cold, bright landscape while the dogs do the work.

Extended Sled Time on Island Lake

THE ROUTE

Extended Sled Time on Island Lake

This tour extends the sled portion compared with the operator's Bog Tour, providing approximately two hours of trail time and covering about 12–18+ miles so participants spend substantial time moving through the lake’s winter scenery.

Kennel Tour and Hands‑On Work with the Team

THE DOGS

Kennel Tour and Hands‑On Work with the Team

Participants tour the kennel, learn about the dogs and equipment, take part in harnessing and hooking up the team, and help give dogs treats and water as they’re brought back to their houses.

Learn to Mush—or Relax and Enjoy the Ride

THE EXPERIENCE

Learn to Mush—or Relax and Enjoy the Ride

The operator provides a thorough introduction to riding as a passenger and driving the team; guests may try driving the sled if conditions allow, or simply ride and listen to stories about the area’s natural history.

Suitability

Who it's for

Suitability and any restrictions as provided in the supplied materials.

1
Active TravelersThe itinerary emphasizes hands‑on mushing and extended sled time—participants have the chance to drive the team or work with the dogs—making it appealing to travelers who want an active, participatory winter experience. The supplied materials do not list specific participant restrictions.
2
First‑Time MushersThe tour includes a thorough introduction to riding and driving, plus guided time on the trail, which fits people trying dog sledding for the first time. The supplied materials do not list specific participant restrictions.
3
FamiliesFamilies seeking an immersive winter activity will find kennel visits and the chance to interact with the dogs part of the program; the provided materials do not specify age or other participation limits.
4
Photographers & Nature LoversWith roughly two hours on the trail across Island Lake and storytelling about natural history, the outing offers ample observation time; the supplied materials do not list participant restrictions.

Practical planner

Details to review before reserving

Timing & Season

This is a three‑hour, guided Island Lake tour with approximately two hours of trail time; distance covered is roughly 12–18+ miles by dog team.

What to Bring

The supplied materials do not provide a specific gear list. Confirm recommended clothing and gear with Positive Energy Outdoors before your outing.

Logistics & Operator

The operator for this experience is Positive Energy Outdoors. The tour starts and ends similarly to the operator’s Bog Tour but gives extended time on Island Lake.

Booking Notice

Review cancellation policies before reserving.

Frequently asked questions

Planning Your Outing

How long is the Island Lake Tour?

The Island Lake Tour is a three‑hour guided outing with about two hours of trail time.

How far do we travel by dog team?

The tour covers approximately 12–18+ miles by dog team.

Will I get to drive the sled?

Participants will receive instruction and can try driving the team if conditions allow; otherwise they can ride as a passenger.

What will we do at the kennel?

Guests tour the kennel, learn about the dogs, sleds and mushing equipment, and take part in harnessing and hooking up the team; on return they help give the dogs treats and water.

Is there time to relax and take photos?

Yes—because the tour provides extended sled time and options to ride rather than drive, there is time to enjoy the scenery and listen to natural history storytelling.