Dream a Dream kennel is operated by an Iditarod musher that has won both the Iditarod and the Yukon quest sled dog race. The owner Vern provides a very comprehensive and indepth history of the Iditarod and what it takes to run dogs. He presents a cute movie and then he goes on and shows all the gear and required equipment that mushers take on the trail. Then the fun begins as you walk out into the dog yard. the excitement amd barking of all 80+ dogs is a sight to see. Then you get on sled and feel the raw power of the huskies. If you are visiting Alaska in the winter, you must do this!!!!! and Dream a Dream is the place to do it. Vern and his staff are very friendly and so are his dogs. This place is great for people of all ages,
This is well worth a visit. Vern Halter has an amazing story of his experiences with the Iditarod. His kennels and facility are so interesting. The ride with the sled dogs was amazing and best of all, everyone got to play with the puppies.
Spent a wonderful day learning all about raising sled dogs, training them, the Iditarod, and most anything about sled dogs; also got to play with the puppies. He has a fun way of teaching about a sport that he loves.Tour included a delicious lunch and a dog sled ride. Having run the Iditarod and Yukon Quest, Vern had some very funny tales to tell. Would do it again.
Vern gave a presentation of the history of his kennel, his racing, and his teaching of new racers for the Iditarod. Had the thrill of riding behind 14 sled dogs on a multi-seat ATV over a rough, muddy 1 1/2 mile trail. The dogs really do love to run. Also got to play with the puppies for a short while.Vern and the rest of the staff really were very knowledgeable about the dogs and racing, and were eager to share that with the visitors.
Highly recommended! Any time you're in the Anchorage area, a visit to Dream A Dream Iditarod Kennel is a must. Vern Halter has been a top finisher in countless Iditarods and Yukon Quests and now runs a first-class operation of supporting/supplying logistics to other racers and educating tourists like us. He starts with a short intro movie and then follows with an in-depth presentation of the background to the races and the logistics needed to compete in the races (food, equipment, course layout, etc.) -- basically everything you would ever need to know. He patiently goes through each item of equipment which he has on hand in his shop. We then went out to the yard and took 8 new puppies for a nice walk through the forest to help acclimate them to humans. He then hooked up 14 huskies to his off-road vehicle and had them pull us on a great training ride down roads and trails. Afterwards, he took us on a quick tour of his log cabin house.What made this adventure special was listening to a highly-experienced and knowledgeable pro and seeing how he interacted with his dogs. It's rare these days to see someone who is one of the best and who truly loves what he does.
Alaska is full of stunning scenery and wildlife, and even so, this was one of the best days of our tour. Vern's hour-long talk about the Iditarod was fascinating and funny, being pulled on a jeep by the dogs was thrilling, and playing with the puppies was unbelievably fun. Vern was very, very hospitable and interesting. If you are anywhere near the area, I highly recommend planning a visit here.
Vern's passion for the sport is so contagious. Everyone really had fun. We look forward to cheering for Cindy in March!
Vern Halter gives an amazing history of running the Iditarod and Quest and then takes his guests on a ride behind a team of wonderful huskies. A sure fire fun day and an experience you won't forget!
We were lucky enough to spend an afternoon with Vern - great stories, terrific insight into the Iditarod, and a wonderful ride behind a team of 14 sled dogs! Not to mention playing with the puppies on the puppy walk. Well worth the stop!
We had a great visit to the kennel in June. Vern was very generous with his time, we took a great dog ride in the rain, visited the kennel and puppies. It was nice he had drinks and snacks available. Our group, ranging in age from 7 to 71 really enjoyed it. For some, it was the highlight of entire Alaskan trip.