MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR KLONDIKE DOG DERBY EXPERIENCE!

race FAqs

We reserve a lot of space for mushers, the veterinary team, race officials, and volunteers, so parking will be extremely limited in Excelsior. Make sure to arrive early, and please enjoy our complimentary shuttle service!
Complimentary Shuttle Service: 7:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Saturday, February 14th running from Westwood Community Church
3121 Westwood Drive, Excelsior, Minnesota 55331 to the corner of Water Street and George Street in downtown Excelsior
* The last shuttle will leave Excelsior at 6:00 p.m. *
You can find the race trail map here, however due to heavy slush and unfavorable ice conditions, we do not recommend driving vehicles or watching the race on the lake. The Klondike Trail Crew and local authorities have ensured the race trail along the shore is safe for our mushing teams and support crew only. Please respect the trail and stay back at least 4 feet.
Arrive early for the best viewing:
While the teams are getting ready for the race, there are some great opportunities to see the mushers and their dogs. But please remember to keep a respectful distance and not touch the musher’s gear or the dogs on race day.
Watch in Excelsior:
This is the hub of the action!! Watch the mushers prepare for the race, catch the Opening Ceremony, watch the teams start and finish on Water Street and then mosey on over to the Klondike Village (at 2nd & Water) or the Excelsior Commons for prime race viewing opportunities.
Check our What to Wear page for ideas on how to dress warmly! Remember, there’s no such thing as bad weather, just bad preparation!
The Klondike Dog Derby has a strict NO PETS rule. We agree, they are cute! But for the safety of our canine athletes and your pets, please leave them at home.
Pet policy exception: ADA-trained service animals specifically trained to aid a person with a disability.
See our full statement here.
The trail heads north out of Excelsior and travels clockwise around the lake. It’s hard to estimate the exact time it will take for teams to travel around the trail but with 35 teams starting in 2-minute intervals and making 2 loops around the lower lake—there’s sure to be great viewing most of the day!
No, or very rarely. The dogs know how to take care of themselves. People tend to compare them to their house pet at home, but that’s not fair to sled dogs. Sled dogs live truer to their ancestry and are perfectly content in their natural environment. Their feet stay warm when running; their blood is pumping and there’s no issue.
The booties they wear are primarily to prevent abrasion or other minor injuries from the wear and tear of running hundreds of miles. They are more for preventive maintenance and do very little to nothing to keep dogs’ paws warm. Learn all about sled dogs here.
Local restaurants will be open and ready to welcome guests throughout the day. Check local restaurant listings for specific hours.
You can purchase in person on February 13th and 14th at our merchandise booths, at Brightwater Clothing & Gear or online in our merch store.
Available at the merchandise tents, and a digital version will be available closer to race day

the klondike
is a free, family-friendly event.

However, your tax-deductible donations are greatly appreciated! Net proceeds from the Lake Minnetonka Klondike Dog Derby will go to our partner non-profits: Can Do Canines, Cast Outdoor Adventures and ICA Food Shelf.

donate today!

spectator & safety tips

Keep back from the trail!

We ask that for the safety of our mushers and dogs, you stay back a minimum of 4 feet from the trail.

Be respectful to mushers and their dogs.

Give mushers and dogs plenty of space, especially when they are getting ready for the big event! Also be respectful of equipment: sleds, ganglines, harnesses, and booties laying out.

Ask Before you Pet.

Remember to always ask the mushers if it’s okay for you to pet their dogs — before and after the race. Some of them might be a bit shy (pre-race jitters!)

Ask before you take photos.

Most of the time, mushers and their dogs will gladly pose with you, but be sure to ask. As long as you keep a respectful distance and don’t get in the way of their race-day prep, you’ll capture some amazing images! If you want to take starting line photos, make sure you stay OFF the trail itself — remember, the teams take off at top speed!

monitor your children around dogs.

Most sled dogs love to jump up and “give hugs.”

Please no snowmobiles.

We ask that for the safety of our mushers and dogs, you refrain from traveling on the lake on snowmobiles and vehicles during the race.

The klondike is a pet-free Zone.

The Klondike Dog Derby race organization loves animals, and we know all about the passion of enjoying outdoor activities with our pets and especially our canine friends! However, with the best interest at heart of both our sled dog athletes and your animal companions, we ask that you kindly leave your pet at home during the weekend of race activities. We love animals and keeping them safe is our first priority. Please note, this policy will be strictly enforced during race weekend.

ADA trained Service Animals specifically trained to aid a person with a disability are always welcome!