Dogsled or Snowshoe with Wolves
International Wolf Center programs combine dogsledding or snowshoeing with wolf ecology in Northern Minnesota and Yellowstone National Park.
The International Wolf Center provides a unique way to mix wintersport—dogsledding and snowshoeing—with the study of wolf ecology.
Dogsledding with wolves. Sounds like another Hollywood feel-good film.
But, no. This is a program devised by the International Wolf Center.
Located in Ely, Minnesota, and founded in 1985, the International Wolf Center is a nonprofit educational organization that advances the survival of wolf populations by teaching about wolves, their relationship to wild lands and the human role in their future.
To that end, the Center has created learning vacations designed for families and adults. These are two- to six-day programs combining educational discovery, outdoor adventure and comfortable accommodations in stunning natural settings. In winter, participants explore wolf country while snowshoeing or dogsledding. In summer, hiking and canoeing are the modes of transport.
While the Center is offering thirteen Wolf Country Learning Vacations at sites ranging from Northern Minnesota, Yellowstone National Park and Isle Royale National Park to coastal North Carolina, the highlight is the "Mush with Dogs, Howl with Wolves" program.
Indeed, folks at the Center says that "Mush with Dogs, Howl with Wolves" is the most popular learning vacation they've has ever offered. "People just love the combination of dogsledding wolf experiences and resort accommodations," said Jen Westlund, program director for the center. "We expanded the adult program and created the family program to meet the extraordinary demand."
"Mush with Dogs, Howl with Wolves" program will be offered four times this coming winter - and a new family version of the "Mush/Howl" program will be offered twice.
The dates:
The "Mush with Dogs, Howl with Wolves - Family Adventure" will be offered on Dec. 28-30, 2006 and Jan. 13-15, 2007.
In Yellowstone National Park, a winter "Wolves in Yellowstone" program will be held February 25-March 1, 2007.
Most Ely, Minnesota-based programs include lakeside lodging and all meals. Ely is considered the heart of Minnesota wolf country and is a gateway community to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness of the Superior National Forest. Participants must be 16 years old to join adult programs, and children must be six years old to participate in the family programs.
It's hard to imagine how the dogsledding dogs get along with the wolves, but once thing's for sure they won't be "dancing with wolves." more likely they-along with program participants-will be howling with them.
For rates and a complete listing of programs in all seasons, visit www.wolf.org.
