10-Day: Iditarod Starting Line + McGrath Checkpoint!

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Alaska Iditarod Start Line + McGrath Checkpoint Tour

March 3-12, 2027
Alaska Iditarod Start Line + McGrath Checkpoint Tour image

9 Nights; 10 Days: March 3-12, 2027

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Experience an Iditarod Adventure

Experience the thrill of Iditarod race week with an unforgettable journey that takes you from the energy of the start line to the legendary McGrath Checkpoint. This 10-day adventure offers a behind-the-scenes look at one of Alaska’s most iconic events, paired with memorable race viewing, local insight, and the kind of moments that make Iditarod week so special.

Overview

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Wednesday, March 3, 2027

Thursday, March 4, 2027

Friday, March 5, 2027

Saturday, March 6, 2027

Sunday, March 7, 2027

Monday, March 8, 2027

Tuesday, March 9, 2027

Highlights

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Experience Highlights

  •  Start your Adventure with your Ultimate Insider Subscription! Keep an eye on your favorite teams and Track the Pack with the GPS tracker, watch live stream video from the race checkpoints, dive into race coverage with video access to interviews and watch past race docs! 2027 Race season starts live July 1, 2026. 

  • 7 nights lodging at the new Iditarod Headquarters Host Hotel, The Wild Birch Hotel

  • Musher Meet & Greet with Early Access

  • Mushers Drawing Banquet tickets with premium seating location

  • Coveted Special Guest access for Ceremonial Start and ReStart! 

  • Fly the Trail: Rainy Pass!  

  • Sled Dog Tour Experience with Susitna Sled Dog Adventures! 

  • Roundtrip flight to McGrath, Alaska 

  • 2 nights lodging and meals included at Hotel McGrath

  • Expert guides, including Iditarod finishers, handlers, and hospitality professionals with firsthand trail experience

Wednesday, March 3, 2027

Day 1 - Arrival in Anchorage and Welcome

Day 1 - Arrival in Anchorage and Welcome image

Arrive in Anchorage and Settle In

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Arrival & check-in at the Wildbirch Hotel

Arrival and check-in at The Wildbirch Hotel. Guests will arrange their own transportation from the airport to The Wildbirch Hotel, 239 West 4th Avenue, Anchorage, Alaska 99501.

Your reservation will be under your name at check-in. Evening at your leisure.

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The Wildbirch Hotel

239 West 4th Avenue, Anchorage, Alaska 99501
Check inWednesday, Mar 3, 2027
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Meals Included: NONE

DateWednesday, Mar 3, 2027
No meals included on arrival day.
Thursday, March 4, 2027

Day 2 - Museum and Iditarod Mushers Banquet

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Anchorage Museum Tour and Mushers Banquet

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Morning Guided Walk and Race Preparation

DateThursday, Mar 4, 2027
9:00 AM – Meet at the hotel, location TBD, for introductions and a guided walk. We’ll show you the key spots for viewing the Ceremonial Start and give you an insider's viewpoint of race preparations.
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Anchorage Museum of History and Art

DateThursday, Mar 4, 202710:00 AM

Walk to the Anchorage Museum of History and Art for a docent led tour.

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Free Time for Lunch

Lunch on your own.

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Shuttle to Dena’ina Convention Center

Departure
Wild Birch Hotel
Thursday, Mar 4, 20273:15 PM
Destination
Dena’ina Convention Center

Meet in the lower lobby for the Iditarod Shuttle to the Dena’ina Convention Center.

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Iditarod Meet & Greet

DateThursday, Mar 4, 20273:45 PM

Early access to the Iditarod Meet & Greet.

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Iditarod Banquet + Musher Bib Drawing

DateThursday, Mar 4, 20276:00 PM

Iditarod Banquet + Musher Bib Drawing (steak entrée by default).

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Shuttle Return to Wild Birch Hotel

Departure
Dena’ina Convention Center
Thursday, Mar 4, 20279:00 PM

Shuttle returns from Dena’ina Convention Center to The Wildbirch Hotel.

Overnight: The Wildbirch Hotel

Friday, March 5, 2027

Day 3 - Anchorage Tour and Sled Dog Experience

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Anchorage Tour and Sled Dog Adventure

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Premier Coach Bus Excursion

DateFriday, Mar 5, 20279:45 AM

Meet in the lower lobby to board the Premier Coach bus for your excursion. Don't be late!

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Susitna Sled Dog Adventures Visit

DateFriday, Mar 5, 202712:00 PM

Visit to Susitna Sled Dog Adventures! Enjoy a sled ride and kennel tour with Rohn and Alyssa Buser!

Rohn Buser is the son of Martin and carries on the family traditions. He is a 4 time Iditarod finisher.

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Boxed Lunch on the Go!

DateFriday, Mar 5, 2027
Boxed Lunch en route.
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Return to Anchorage

Return to Anchorage around 4:00pm - ish.
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The Wildbirch Hotel

239 West 4th Avenue, Anchorage, Alaska 99501

Overnight: The Wildbirch Hotel.

Saturday, March 6, 2027

Day 4 - Ceremonial Start Day

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Ceremonial Start and Prime Viewing in Anchorage

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Ceremonial Start of the Iditarod

DateSaturday, Mar 6, 2027
10:00 AM – Ceremonial Start of the Iditarod on 4th Avenue. Prime viewing locations and dog team staging areas will be identified during Thursday’s walk.
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Dog Staging Area Visit

DateSaturday, Mar 6, 2027
Early risers (8:30 AM) can visit the dog staging area for behind-the-scenes views!
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Optional: Running of the Reindeer

DateSaturday, Mar 6, 2027
Optional: Participate in the Running of the Reindeer. Register here for the Fur Rondy event and check out their event calendar!
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Group Dinner at Sullivans

DateSaturday, Mar 6, 2027
5:30 PM – Group Dinner at Sullivans. 5:30 PM - Meet at Sullivans, 320 West 5th Avenue where we will be joined by a few special guests.
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The Wildbirch Hotel

239 West 4th Avenue, Anchorage, Alaska 99501
Check inSaturday, Mar 6, 2027

Overnight: The Wildbirch Hotel.

Sunday, March 7, 2027

Day 5 - Official ReStart in Willow

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Iditarod Official Restart and Willow Excursion

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Meet in Wildbirch Lower Lobby

DateSunday, Mar 7, 20279:45 AM

Meet in Wildbirch Lower Lobby at for our excursion to the ReStart!

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Departure for Willow

Departure
Wild Birch Hotel
Sunday, Mar 7, 202710:00 AM
Destination
Willow

Departure for Willow, transportation provided via Premier Coach.

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Visit the Official Iditarod Headquarters in Wasilla

DateSunday, Mar 7, 2027
Visit the Official Iditarod Headquarters in Wasilla on the way!
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Official Restart

DateSunday, Mar 7, 20272:00 PM

Official Restart, It’s like a giant tailgating party! Dress WARM! We are outside the entire day.

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Community Hall and Food Vendors

Community hall available for warming up and refreshments. Food vendors on-site for lunch (on own).
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Group Dinner at Chepo’s in Wasilla

DateSunday, Mar 7, 2027
Group dinner en route back to Anchorage at Chepo’s in Wasilla.
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The Wildbirch Hotel

239 West 4th Avenue, Anchorage, Alaska 99501
Check inSunday, Mar 7, 2027

Overnight: The Wildbirch Hotel.

Monday, March 8, 2027

Day 6 - Flight to Rainy Pass Lodge

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Scenic Flight and Checkpoint at Rainy Pass

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Lake Hood to Rainy Pass Lodge

Mar 8, 2027
08:00
Lake Hood

09:15
Rainy Pass Lodge

Scenic flight over the Iditarod Trail into the heart of the Alaska Range. View mushers from the air and observe checkpoint activity at Rainy Pass Lodge.

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Lunch at Rainy Pass Lodge

DateMonday, Mar 8, 2027

Lunch provided by Rainy Pass Lodge.

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Group Photo in Rainy Pass

DateMonday, Mar 8, 2027
GROUP PHOTO in Rainy Pass.
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Rainy Pass Lodge to Lake Hood

Mar 8, 2027
2:30 PM
Rainy Pass Lodge

Mar 8, 2027
3:45 PM
Lake Hood
Return flight from Rainy Pass Lodge to Lake Hood.
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Farewells upon return to Anchorage

We will say our farewells upon return to Anchorage.
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The Wildbirch Hotel

239 West 4th Avenue, Anchorage, Alaska 99501
Check inMonday, Mar 8, 2027

Overnight: The Wildbirch Hotel.

Tuesday, March 9, 2027

Day 7 - Fly to McGrath Checkpoint

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Flight to McGrath and Checkpoint Experience

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Morning flight to McGrath

Morning flight to McGrath, a key Iditarod checkpoint.
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Hotel McGrath

Check inTuesday, Mar 9, 2027
Hotel McGrath offers a comfortable stay with essential amenities, making it a great base for outdoor adventures. Enjoy scenic views of the surrounding landscape and immerse yourself in the local culture reflected in the decor. Experience unique wildlife opportunities just moments away from your door.
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Sack Lunches

DateTuesday, Mar 9, 2027
Sack Lunches prepared, menu form will be filled out upon check in.
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Watch mushers arrive

DateTuesday, Mar 9, 2027
Watch mushers arrive! McGrath is a popular checkpoint for their mandatory 24-hour layover.

Day 8 - McGrath Checkpoint and Museum

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Full Day at McGrath Checkpoint and Museum

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Continental Breakfast at Hotel McGrath

Start your day with a continental breakfast, or maybe you’ve been up catching all the action in the checkpoint!
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Checkpoint Activity and Dog Care

A full day immersed in checkpoint activity and dog care.
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Explore Sally Jo Collins McGrath Museum

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KSKO Radio Iditarod Bingo

Support KSKO radio by joining in their Iditarod Bingo in the evening.

Day 9 - Return to Anchorage and Farewells

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Return Flight to Anchorage and Fond Farewells

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Continental Breakfast at Hotel McGrath

Continental Breakfast at Hotel McGrath before Departure

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Morning flight back to Anchorage

Morning flight back to Anchorage
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Fond Farewells before your last evening in Anchorage

Fond Farewells before your last evening in Anchorage
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The Wildbirch Hotel

239 West 4th Avenue, Anchorage, Alaska 99501

Overnight: The Wildbirch Hotel.

Day 10 - Departure Day

12-Mar-2027
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Check Out and Departure from Anchorage

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Check Out

Check-out of The Wildbirch Hotel.

What's Included...

...and what's not.
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✅ What’s Included

  • Lodging in Anchorage Wildbirch Hotel, 7 nights 

  • Ground transportation for scheduled experiences

  • Musher Meet & Greet & Mushers Drawing Banquet tickets 

  • Hosted meals and special events as outlined

  • Fly--the-Trail Checkpoint Experience (weather permitting)

  • Round Trip flight to McGrath

  • 2 nights lodging and meals at Hotel McGrath

  • Sally Jo Collins Museum Admission

  • Anchorage Museum Admission

❌ What’s Not Included

  • Airfare to and from Anchorage, Alaska

  • Meals not specifically listed as hosted

  • Alcoholic beverages unless expressly noted

  • Gratuities for guides, drivers, pilots, hotel staff, and service providers

  • Optional tours or activities not outlined

  • Cold-weather gear or personal equipment

  • Travel insurance (strongly recommended)

  • Personal expenses, souvenirs, or incidentals

Map of the trip locations

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A. The Wild Birch Hotel

239 West 4th Avenue, Anchorage, Alaska 99501

B. Anchorage Museum of History and Art

625 C Street, Anchorage, Alaska 99501

C. Dena’ina Convention Center

600 W 7th Ave, Anchorage, AK 99501

D. Sullivan's Steakhouse

320 West 5th Avenue, Anchorage, Alaska 99501

E. Lake Hood Seaplane Base

Lake Hood, Anchorage, Alaska 99502

F. Rainy Pass Lodge

Rainy Pass Lodge, Puntilla Lake, Alaska 99627

G. Hotel McGrath

McGrath, Alaska 99627

H. Sally Jo Collins McGrath Museum

McGrath, Alaska 99627

I. Susitna Sled Dog Adventures

Wasilla, Alaska 99654

J. Official Iditarod Headquarters

2100 S Knik-Goose Bay Rd, Wasilla, AK 99654

K. Willow (Iditarod Restart)

Willow, Alaska 99688

L. Chepo’s Mexican Restaurant (Wasilla)

731 W Parks Hwy, Wasilla, AK 99654

Trip Tips

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Important Travel Info:

Luggage Allowance: If traveling to Mcgrath, or other on trail checkpoints for overnight experiences.  For single day experiences a day pack is allowed. 

  • 1 checked bag (50 lbs max)

  • 1 carry-on (10 lbs max)

  • Wheeled Luggage can be challenging on small planes - Duffels are ideal when traveling in remote Alaska. What to Expect + How to Prepare for Your Alaska Adventure

Our Alaska adventures are designed to immerse you in the landscape, the culture, and the spirit of the trail. Activities may include walking, dog mushing, cold temperatures, and small plane travel.

We recommend that guests arrive in good general health, with a reasonable level of physical fitness and no significant mobility limitations. Just as important as fitness is flexibility—Alaska is wild, and conditions can shift quickly. A positive, go-with-the-flow mindset will go a long way in making your experience unforgettable.

If you have any questions about whether a trip is the right fit, we’re always happy to connect and talk it through.

Packing for Alaska: Layers are Everything

Alaska style is casual, comfortable, and all about layering:

  • Base Layer: Thin, moisture-wicking (avoid cotton)

  • Mid Layer: Insulating (fleece or similar)

  • Outer Layer: Windproof and waterproof (Gore-Tex or similar)

For our Iditarod Tours we strongly recommend:

  • Down parka for added warmth

  • Insulated boots (Sorels, Mucks, or similar)

  • Warm hat, gloves, and neck gaiter

  • Extra socks (trust us on this one)

    Travel tip:
    A duffel bag or soft-sided luggage is best for Alaska travel, especially when flying on small planes. We recommend limiting to one piece of luggage for ease.

    Weather + Itinerary Flexibility

    In Alaska, travel plans—especially flights—can change quickly due to weather. Wind, snow, fog, and cold are all part of the adventure.

    • Flight delays or cancellations are not uncommon 

    • Flexibility is essential—sometimes the best plan is to pause, take it in, and enjoy where you are

    We highly recommend building buffer days into your overall travel schedule, as we are not responsible for missed onward connections due to weather-related delays.

    Travel Insurance (Strongly Recommended)

    All of our trips are prepaid, and Alaska conditions can be unpredictable.

    We strongly encourage purchasing comprehensive travel insurance, which may include:

    • Trip interruption or delay coverage

    • Emergency medical and evacuation

    • Baggage and personal belongings protection

    Please note:

    • Activities—especially fly-out experiences—may be canceled due to weather or conditions beyond our control

    • No refunds or cost adjustments are provided for weather-related changes or cancellations

    Alaska rewards those who come prepared, stay flexible, and lean into the adventure.
    Layer up, pack smart, and bring a spirit of curiosity—we’ll take care of the rest.

FINANCIAL INFORMATION

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  • $10,500 per person
    Based on double occupancy

  • Single Supplement: +$2,250
    Based on availability

The Iditarod Experience

A Note from Kerry Quade: Producer, Signature Events + Special Projects for the Iditarod Trail Committee
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The Iditarod Experience

The Iditarod isn’t just a race—it’s a rhythm. A silence. A surge of energy shared between dogs, trail, and people. Time moves differently here. Phones fade. Moments sharpen. The trail leaves its mark.

We invite you to step fully into that world.

Mush On, 

kQ

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Why Book with Official Iditarod Tours?

This is not an experience designed for sitting on the sidelines.

As the Official Tour Operator of the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race, OIT takes you beyond the spectator experience and into the heart of the Last Great Race.

Our small-group adventures are active, immersive, and thoughtfully curated—designed for travelers who want to get out, explore, meet the people, hear the stories, and experience Alaska and the Iditarod firsthand. You’ll be guided by Iditarod finishers, handlers, race insiders, and hospitality professionals who know where to go, what to look for, and how to bring you closer to the race.

Expect extraordinary access, unexpected moments, Alaska-sized adventure, and a level of personal service that takes care of the details without taking the adventure out of the experience.

This isn't watching the Iditarod, it's stepping inside it.

© 2026 Iditarod Trail Committee
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