The Dog Days of Winter Fun are coming March 11 and March 12 at Trail Center, located midway up the Gunflint Trail. One possible entrant might be Marco Good, seen here skijoring in a recent competition held on Pincushion. Note the small dog trailing Marco. This is also his dog, and regularly trains with him, but is too small to help Marco skijor.
There is more fun to be had this winter at a brand-new event, the Sugar Tour at Oberg Trailhead in Tofte and up the road at the Dog Days of Winter Fun at Trail Center on the Gunflint Trail, March 11 and 12.
The weekend is packed full of fun winter activities including cross-country ski challenges, sled dog derbies, skijoring, a snowman competition, a bonfire and more.
“March is an exciting month to celebrate longer days, prime snow conditions and warm sunshine,” said Linda Jurek of Visit Cook County, “We’re looking forward to welcoming families on spring break who can take advantage of lodging specials offered at this time of year.”
The days are getting warmer and the trails are in prime condition to take a cross-country ski challenge at the Sugar Tour on Saturday, March 11 beginning at 10 a.m. The event is located on the Sugarbush Trail where there are over 40 miles of cross-country ski trails winding through the remote Forest Service land in the Lutsen-Tofte area. Children and adults can choose to participate in the 5k, 8k or an 18k loop, with activities on the shorter loops or the personal challenge of skiing the long loop with treats and hot chocolate at the Oberg Trailhead finish around 2 p.m. Admission to the event is $15 for adults and $10 for ages 14 and under. Register up until the day of event at www.zapevent.com/ reg/event/12336.
Those seeking a day of outdoor activities or simply enjoying the outdoors as a spectator can head to Dog Days of Winter Fun on Sunday, March 12 at Trail Center Lodge, located halfway up the Gunflint Trail on Poplar Lake.
Visitors can participate in Sled Dog Derbies, which include an eight-dog, 23-mile run; a six-dog, 12-mile run; and a four-dog, three-mile run. All derbies start at 11 a.m. on Sunday and cost $20-$40 to register.
There will also be freestyle skijoring (skate skiing or classic skiing) events, including a two-mile and five-mile race open to all experience levels. Skijoring costs $10-$15, depending on the race and begins at 2 p.m. on Sunday. Many activities at this event are free of charge.
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