The Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon commemorates the life of John Beargrease, the son of a Chippewa chief

John Beargrease

whom delivered the mail by sled dog along the brutal North shore of Lake Superior. As you can imagine, these posts became a crucial lifeline with the outside world during the long winter months.

The Sled Dog race began in 1981, and it is the premier sled dog race of the upper Midwest. It draws the highest quality of racers from around the world. Our Minnesota Bed and Breakfast is excited to be so close to the action! We are less than 10 minutes from the start of the race at Ordean Middle School.

The Beargrease is widely respected as a prep race for national and international sled dog teams – and is a qualifying race for Alaska’s long distance Iditarod. The race is now full, with all 80 spots filled with local mushers from Duluth as well as Canadians and even an Australian!

This is the longest race outside Alaska: over 400 miles of rough terrain. We are expecting 4,000 spectators will gather in Duluth to view this spectacular event.

Teams and judges arrive early in the week to become familiar with this years conditions and prepare for the harsh Northeastern Minnesota winter weather. It is always difficult to predict what the weather will be like in Duluth and successful mushers train rigorously to adapt to the unpredictable demands of weather and terrain. If only we could say the same for our Duluth MN bed breakfast guests, hehe!

The traditional course of the marathon covers ground along one of America’s most beautiful scenic shorelines: Lake Superior. Bold, rocky cliffs provide competitors with a constant reminder of the challenges to be faced in this highly competitive and physically demanding race!

The physical landscape and weather provide an extreme obstacle, potential of sub zero temperatures can be normal throughout the week long event. Nature’s dominance in this region reigns first and foremost in the minds of the participants as they compete against some of the nation’s leading mushers.

If you are coming to see the race or cheer on family or a loved one, consider staying at our Canal Park MN bed breakfast for the event. We would love to have you!