John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon: Minnesota’s Ultimate Endurance Race
What is the John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon?
Early every year, people from all across Northern Minnesota gather to witness the famous John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon! Across 300 miles through extreme weather and rugged terrain, there is no shortage of intrigue for this race. In fact, the Beargrease is the longest sled dog race in the Lower 48 and serves as a qualifier race for the well-known Iditarod race in Alaska.
Beyond just the marathon, there are plenty of activities and people around to further enhance your experience both with the sled race and separately in the winter forests of Crane Lake. In 2027, the race is scheduled to run on January 31st, which will be the 42nd running. Come see why the John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon continues to captivate Northern Minnesota for decades in the making!
What to Expect at the Races?
As the race covers a tremendous distance, following the whole thing is unreasonable. Instead, catching key moments like starts, finishes, and checkpoints is the best way to enjoy the race. Let’s explore the history of the race, the participants, and the best moments to catch over the weekend.
The History and Legacy of the Beargrease Marathon
The John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon has been running for 40 years as a way to honor the legendary winter mail carrier, John Beargrease, who ran his dogs along the northern shore of Lake Superior between Two Harbors, Minnesota and Grand Portage, Minnesota in the late 1800s. To preserve the route he ran and the struggle he endoured, the John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon now runs in the early months every year, starting in Two Harbors and ending in Grand Portage, covering 400 miles of snow-covered terrain.
Key Race Highlights and Must-See Moments
With numerous events at the start and at checkpoints throughout the race, there is plenty to see. There are, in fact, four different length sled dog races happening that one can watch, with the marathon being far and away the longest. Seeing the race start in Two Harbors, Minnesota is a must see, and there will be four different finishes for each race mixed in along the next couple of days. In the days before the race, there is an opportunity to meet the mushers and their dogs!
Meet the Mushers and Their Sled Dogs
Prior to setting off on the grueling races, mushers and their sled dogs are available to meet and greet. The day before race start, there are extensive vet checks to ensure all dogs are fit to race, while presenting a long-form morning where attendees can meet mushers and their teams of furry competitors. Come see these working dogs up close and meet the people who dedicate their lives to these animals and the art of sled dog racing!
How to Make the Most of Your Race Weekend
Race weekend at the John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon never has a dull moment. With three race distances ongoing, checkpoints scattered along the route, and plenty of events to entertain with, there is no shortage of things to do. Here are some tips for making the most of your weekend along the North Shore in late January 2027.
The Best Viewing Spots Along the Ride
The best viewing spots for the race revolve around the start, checkpoints, road crossings, and the big finishes. The best spots will follow the race teams along the route. Starts and finishes are must-see spectacles that give you a great look at the race. Seeing the teams whip across road crossings is a great insight into the race and how grueling it is. With mandatory checkpoints scattered along the route as well, these are great locations to catch teams as they rest and recover before once again setting out into the elements.
Tips for Staying Warm and Enjoying the Event
Being along the north shore of Lake Superior in Northern Minnesota in the dead of winter makes for some cold temperatures and winter weather. Naturally, the snow and frozen lakes are essential materials for the success of the race. Staying warm is a challenge to overcome to better enjoy the race.
We highly recommend dressing warm with layers and proper cold weather gear. Major events like starts and finishes usually have coffee, hot chocolate, and/or campfires to add extra warmth; these comforts are huge for getting/staying warm while on the course.
The Best Post-Race Activities in Crane Lake
When the race is over, there are still plenty of activities available in the beauty of Crane Lake. Whether you want to warm inside with a nice drink, get out on the snow yourself for some snowmobiling or snowshoeing, or perhaps want to try your luck with some ice fishing on Crane Lake itself, there is never a dull moment around Crane Lake even during the cold winters.
Why Crane Lake is the Perfect Base for the Race
Crane Lake provides a fantastic base of operations for your weekend to the race! Crane Lake provides a cozy retreat that gets outside of the hustle and bustle of the race, providing some fantastic winter experiences on its own to truly round out your Northern Minnesota weekend.
A Cozy Retreat Just a Short Drive from the Action
Within 150 miles of the Finland checkpoint, which also serves as the finish line for the shorter Beargrease 40 race, there is an easy way to plug in to events. From there, accessing the events at the start of the race in Two Harbors and potentially even the marathon finish up at Grand Portage can all be achieved along Route 61. And when you’re ready to be warm and cozy, your Crane Lake retreat awaits you!
Winter Adventures to Pair with Your Race Experience
Alongside race events, Crane Lake has a world of other winter adventures you can have! Crane Lake offers many miles of wooded trails to explore on snowshoes or cross-country skis. There are also miles of groomed snowmobile tracks for an exhilarating ride through the tundra. Northern Minnesota is known for its fantastic birding year-round as well, so always be on the lookout for some large snowy owls amongst some other cool species.
Where to Stay in Crane Lake for the Best Experience
Crane Lake offers a variety of cabins, lodges, and rooms that provides great flexibility for your trip, no matter the size of your party. You can find as much space as you need to have your perfect weekend getaway in Northern Minnesota, with some great food and drink options close by as well.
Plan Your Trip: Experience the Thrill of Beargrease and the Beauty of Crane Lake
For a winter getaway, Crane Lake in combination with the thrill of the John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon makes for an unforgettable trip of a lifetime. Northern Minnesota winters, while cold, are absolutely beautiful. Seeing the locals partake in traditions that go back hundreds of years is an incredibly unique experience that showcases the extreme fortitude and perseverance of humans and dogs working together in harsh conditions. Alongside the race, Crane Lake offers a cozy retreat stock full of exciting winter adventures waiting to be experienced. Come check out Crane Lake this winter for an experience you’ll never forget! Don’t forget to dress warm!
Fun for all.
This northeast Minnesota territory is part of Voyageurs National Park and offers many outdoor activities, such as kayaking, biking, hiking, and backpacking. Visitors from all over Minnesota, Wisconsin, and beyond travel to Crane Lake to enjoy the vast wilderness and explore the beauty of its many lakes and waterways. There are many local accommodations from cabin rentals to fishing tours with family fun activities for all ages. Contact us today to learn more about Crane Lake and plan your visit!
