Kennel offers dog sled rides to a U.P. waterfall

Between the U.P. 200 and the Copper Dog, dog sled races are the talk of the town in the Upper Peninsula.

But if you want to experience dog sledding and aren’t a driver, Nature’s Kennel in McMillan has you covered.

Each Thursday in February, Nature’s Kennel offers a one hour dog sled ride at the Lower Falls in Tahquamenon Falls State Park.  The state park approached the kennel last year about offering the rides in the park, which is nice considering how difficult it is to see the falls in winter.

“The only way that you can get see the falls in the winter is by snowmobile, hiking in by snowshoes, or now by dog team,” Nature’s Kennel owner Tasha Stielstra said.

“So, we take people in.  We can fit two passengers in a sled, and it’s about an hour trip.  We go down, we stop at the viewing platform for some hot chocolate, so they get to see that remote part of Tahquamenon Falls in the winter time.”

The state park closes the snowmobile trails each Thursday for the dogs’ safety.  Although February 27 is the last day for the state park rides, Nature’s Kennel offers longer trips, even overnights, from their facility just north of McMillan.

A one hour ride at the falls costs $150 and rides are only available by reservation.