Every winter, Iron River, Wisconsin comes alive with the Northern Pines Sled Dog Race (NPSDR) — a thrilling event that draws mushers from across the nation. The Northern Pines Golf Course and Event Center transforms into the heart of the action. 🐾
Surrounded by the majestic pine plantations of Bayfield County and the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, the race delivers an unforgettable experience with heart-pounding Sprint and Mid-Distance Dog Races, the exciting W3PO Canine Weight Pull, and the crowd-favorite Kids Fun Mutt Run. Come join the fun — let’s go dog sledding! 🐾
February 6th, 2027
The Northern Pines Sled Dog Race celebrates the enduring bond between sled dogs and their human partners while honoring the traditions that have shaped this remarkable sport. Our mission is to promote family, community, and environmental values through a beautiful and adventurous winter event that unites participants, volunteers, and spectators alike. 🛷
We are committed to the highest standards of canine welfare, sportsmanship, and environmental stewardship, ensuring our four-legged athletes and their mushers race in an atmosphere of respect and excellence. The Northern Pines Sled Dog Race also serves as a gathering place for youth, families, and local businesses—strengthening community pride and inspiring future generations to carry on the legacy of sled dog sports. 🐾
Northern Pines Sled Dog Race
Interested in Learning More?
SPRINT RACE
Get ready for an extraordinary adventure! Experience the speed, skill, and breathtaking scenery of the Northern Pines Sled Dog Race (NPSDR) — where the dogs are fast, the mushers are determined, and the only thing colder than the snow is the ice in their water bowls.
Spectators can watch the action from multiple prime vantage points. Trust us — you’ll be howling for more!
{READ MORE} {REGISTER HERE}
{Songs of the Northern Pines}
MID-DISTANCE RACE
The Iron River Area Chamber of Commerce sponsors the NPSDR — one of the most exciting winter traditions in northern Wisconsin! Each year, 50 to 70 mushers and their teams of eager canine athletes gather to compete in four thrilling race classes.
The course launches from the Whistling Pines Golf and Events Center, where sleds take off in a flurry of snow and barking enthusiasm, before winding into the Bayfield County Trail system and racing along the Tri-County Corridor. It’s a breathtaking journey through the Northwoods — where the crisp air, tall pines, and thundering paws create an atmosphere unlike any other.
Whether you’re cheering from the start line, catching the action at trail crossings, or just soaking in the energy of the teams, you’ll feel the excitement of this community celebration. After all, the dogs may do the pulling, but they’ll also tug at your heartstrings — and leave you howling for more!
W3PO SANCTIONED WEIGHT PULLING
Step into the incredible world of canine strength and determination with our one-of-a-kind weight pulling event! Outfitted with custom harnesses, these powerful dogs drag a weighted sled 16 feet across a snow-packed course within a set time limit.
Many canine athletes even pull more than their own body weight — proving they’ve got muscle, heart, and a tail-wagging drive to go the distance. Talk about dogs who truly “earn their kibble!”
{READ MORE} {REGISTER HERE}
{Songs of the Northern Pines}
KIDS FUN MUTT RUN
Get ready for squeals, giggles, and tails in overdrive — it’s the Fun Mutt Run! Kids ages 4–8 and 9–12 team up with their own furry friends to race down a 75-foot straight course, wind swishing through their hair as playful screams fill the air.
The laughter is contagious, the sudden stop brings wide-eyed grins, and the memory will be one they’ll treasure forever. Parents — have your cameras ready, because this is a photo moment you won’t want to miss. Childhood joy doesn’t get any better than this: a best friend on four paws leading the way!
{READ MORE} {REGISTER HERE}
{Songs of the Northern Pines}
Vendors
Warm/Cold Food
& Drinks
OUR LEAD DOG SPONSORS FOR THE 2026 NPSDR
Songs of the Northern
Pines Sled Dog Race
A lively, story-driven series of soundtracks inspired by everything that makes our winter weekend special. Because Northern Pines isn’t just one event: it’s a whole community of dog-powered pride, grit, and winter magic
RACE EVENT TIMELINES
- Opening/Anthem: 8:15 AM start
- Mid Distance Class (32 miles): 8:45 AM start — estimated last finishing team at 12:20 PM
- Weight Pull (16 feet): 9:00 AM weigh‑in; 10:00 AM pulls start — estimated completion 12:15 PM
- Open Class (17 miles): 10:00 AM start — estimated last finishing team 12:00 PM
- Mutt Run (75 feet): 12:30 PM onsite registration; 1:00 PM run starts — estimated completion 2:00 PM
- 4 Dog Class (4.4 miles): 12:45 PM start — 1‑minute intervals
- 6 Dog Class (8.2): 2:15 PM start — 2‑minute intervals
- Awards: As quickly as possible after the last 6‑Dog team is ready to attend