(credit: Bonnie Kenaz-Mara)

by Bonnie Kenaz-Mara

If this winter is anything like the snowbound, blizzard bonanza we’ve had in year’s past, we may all need to travel by Siberian Husky powered dog sleds before spring! Our family has had four huskies/husky mixes over the years and they are wonderful family dogs. There’s something to be said for curling up by the fire with a pack of big, furry dogs, to keep warm on those three-dog nights.

(credit: Bonnie Kenaz-Mara)

7th Annual Polar Adventure Days

Hours: 12 p.m.-4 p.m.
Dates: Dec. 10, Jan. 21 and Feb. 18,
Cost: free
Limited parking is available for $3.

At Polar Adventure Day, families can pet the Huskies, ask questions, and see the dog sled teams run. Adventurers will be on hand to talk about their Iditarod dog sled race experiences and teach dog team commands. Polar Adventure Day also includes live birds of prey, free snowshoe trials, ice sculpture carvings to watch, nature-inspired crafts to create and live entertainment from the Old Town School of Folk Music. Events are indoors and outdoor so dress for the elements.

(credit: Bonnie Kenaz-Mara)

Starved Rock Lodge Husky Seminar and Sled Demos

Hours: Sled demo times are 9:30 a.m., 12 p.m., and 3 p.m.
Seminar times are 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.
Dates: Sun, Jan 15 & Feb 19
Cost: free

(credit: Bonnie Kenaz-Mara)

Starved Rock is one of the closest, truly beautiful, giant wilderness areas to Chicago, just 94 miles south of the city. Make a day trip to this unique state park, or book a room at the lodge, on-site cabins, or numerous options in nearby Utica. Alaska and the Iditarod will seem just a bit more realistic, if you make the trek to see the huskies run, where there’s no city skyline for miles around.

CBS Chicago Insider’s tip: while you’re there, scan the skies for the young bald eagle pair who were rescued near Chicago in May and recently released in November – The largest number of eagle sitings happen in January, and during the coldest months. Also check out the gorgeous ice falls, unique to the region.

(credit: Bonnie Kenaz-Mara)

Snow Days at Navy Pier

(312)791-6196
Dates: Jan 27th– Jan 29th
Time: 9 a.m.
Cost: free

Green Valley Dog Drivers and Free Spirit Sled Demo Team join forces at Chicago’s Navy Pier for a one-hour weight pull and sled demonstration. This three-day fest includes a snowboard rail jam, a snow sculpting competition, and other demos, to round out Snow Days.

Got the bug now and want one of your own? If you’re considering adopting, Free Spirit Siberian Husky Rescue is a great first stop. Our current blue-eyed husky mix, Igraine the Brave or Iggy Pup, was a Free Spirit rescue and she’s become a well-loved family member over the past two years. They save pound puppies and homeless Huskies throughout the Midwest, and find them loving homes. They also run fun dog sled demos all winter. Check them out at aforementioned Polar Adventure Days.