A friendly but firm reminder, all Klondike Dog Derby events will strictly enforce our Pet Policy. With the best interest and the safety of both our sled dog athletes and your animal companions in mind, we ask that you kindly leave your pets at home during the weekend of race activities.
THE KLONDIKE IS A FREE, FAMILY-FRIENDLY EVENT.
Your tax-deductible donations are greatly appreciated and go directly to help cover the costs of the race, with proceeds going back to our non-profit partners, Can Do Canines, Cast Outdoors and ICA Food Shelf.
FRIDAY,Febuary 13, 2026
pre-race events
excelsior minnesota
PRESENTED BY BRIDGEWATER BANK
2:00 – 6:00 pm
excelsior commons
sled dog rides
Come watch 300+ four-legged canine athletes get their required pre-race veterinary checks! You’ll see a variety of husky breeds, from fluffy Siberians to sleeker Alaskan Huskies. You might be surprised at how lean and fit these dogs are. Remember, they are the equivalent of ultra-marathon runners!
9:30 am – 4:00 pm | Veterinary Checks | East Parking Lot Excelsior Behind Excelsior Brewing Company
sled dog
veterinary checks
9:30 am – 4:00 pm
Downtown excelsior
Take the kids (or yourself!) on a real sled dog ride around the Historic Excelsior Commons.
2:00 pm – 6:00 pm | Sled Dog Rides (pre-purchased) | The Excelsior Commons
Sled dog ride tickets available here
HUG-A-HUSKY &
MEET-THE-MUSHERS
4:00 – 5:30 pm
east parking lot
downtown excelsior
Bring your camera and get ready to meet our racers. Grab a few autographs, and be sure to pick the teams you’ll be rooting for at the finish. Remember to always ask the mushers if it’s okay for you to pet their dogs. Some of them might be a bit shy (pre-race jitters!).
4:00 – 5:30 pm | Hug-A-Husky, Meet-The-Mushers & Derby Merch | East Parking Lot Excelsior, behind Excelsior Brewing Company
MERCH!
4:00 – 5:30pm
Downtown excelsior
Come snag the latest merch and be decked out in derby wear for race day! Hoodies, t-shirts, stuff animal friends, hats, mittens, and more!
4:00 – 5:30 pm | East Parking Lot Excelsior, behind Excelsior Brewing Company
Saturday, february 14, 2026
race day events
downtown excelsior
The Klondike Dog Derby is presented by Bridgewater Bank and many other generous sponsors
8:00 am
westwood community church
Shuttle Buses Open
Shuttles will be running from Westwood Community Church to the corner of Water Street and George Street throughout the day until 7 pm!
Excelsior Shuttle Drop-Off/Pick-Up: George Street under the Oppidan sign
8:00 am – 7:00 pm | Westwood Community Church, 3121 Westwood Dr., Excelsior
9:00 am
east parking lot, excelsior
musher race prep
Tap Beers | Race Information & Official Klondike Merchandise – 400 2nd St
the klondike village
Visit the “pit” and watch the mushers and their dogs as they get ready to hit the trail. Observe race preparation, mandatory “bag checks” where required gear is accounted for, and then witness the dogs getting harnessed and hooked up to run! Remember to always ask the mushers if it’s okay for you to pet their dogs. Some of them might be a bit shy (pre-race jitters!).
8:30 am – 4:30 pm
2nd St, excelsior
opening ceremony
9:30 am
water street, excelsior
Join in the spirit of the authentic north with this short ceremony to celebrate bringing a piece of history back to Lake Minnetonka! Watch the Trail Crew head out, join in the national anthem, and listen to opening remarks.
race start
10:00 am
water street, excelsior
Get ready to watch 35 teams of excited huskies tear down Water Street in Excelsior! Cheer on the mushers and their dogs (but be sure to leave your own canine companion at home, see our Pet Policy below). Race viewpoints will be on Water Street from 3rd Street down to The Port and through the Commons.
New this year! The 2026 Klondike lead team will be mushed by Ralph DeQuebec, a double amputee wounded veteran and two-time Paralympic Sled Hockey gold medalist. Don’t miss “Ralph’s Run!” More about Ralph DeQuebec here
Can’t make it to the race? Catch the start, finish and race commentary real time at klondikelive.com *Remember, our live coverage is FREE—don’t fall for the Facebook scams!
11:00 am – 3:00 pm
excelsior commons
sled dog rides
Take the kids (or yourself!) on a real sled dog ride around the Historic
Excelsior Commons.
11:00 am – 3:00 pm | Sled Dog Rides (pre-purchased)
Sled dog ride tickets available here
race viewing
10:00 am – 4:30 pm
Watch the sled dog teams along the 40-mile course as they race around lower Lake Minnetonka [2023 Trail Map for reference—Note, the actual trail route may vary depending on ice conditions and will be posted closer to race weekend]
water street, excelsior
race finish
Cheer on the teams as they race back up Water Street and cross the finish line! Remember, because the teams start at two minute intervals, the first team to cross isn’t necessarily the winner. Be sure to check the leaderboard near the finish line to see who’s really leading the pack!
Approximately 12:00 pm – 4:30 pm. *If it snows, teams may arrive later, and if it’s really cold, teams may arrive sooner *
5:00 pm
start/ finish arch water street
award ceremony
Trophy presentation for top three finishers.
8:30 am – 4:30 pm
10 Water St, excelsior
the klondike MARKET
Local vendors with a variety of wares!
10 Water Street, at the corner of Water Street and Lake Street
PETS & SERVICE ANIMALS:
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. Yes, this rule applies to you! 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!