The Lake Minnetonka Klondike Dog Derby announced today that it will begin winding down operations after increasingly warm winters made Lake Minnetonka unsafe for sled dog racing. The decision follows three consecutive years in which the race could not be held due to inadequate ice and snow conditions—continuing a pattern that allowed only three successful races in the past seven years.
In a letter to supporters, the organization’s board of directors said the event has become unsustainable for its 100‑percent volunteer‑run team. “The race requires two weather conditions that have become increasingly unreliable: solid lake ice and adequate snow cover,” the board wrote. “Achieving both has been, at best, a fifty‑fifty chance, leaving us with an unsafe course on which to run a sled dog race.”
Volunteers collectively invest thousands of hours each year in permitting, preparation, fundraising, logistics and recruitment. “It is deeply disheartening when months of work must be set aside due to conditions beyond our control,” the board noted.
The Klondike quickly became a signature winter event for Excelsior, drawing more than 30,000 spectators annually and providing a major boost to local retailers and hospitality businesses. The 40‑mile race, which started and ended in downtown Excelsior, earned national praise from mushers as a world‑class competition.
Organizers plan to host a farewell celebration to thank volunteers, sponsors and community members. Details will be shared on Facebook.
The nonprofit says it remains proud of its educational outreach, which introduced thousands of students to sled dog racing and supported organizations including Can Do Canines, Adopt a Husky, ICA Food Shelf and Cast Outdoors.
[Note: the author of this story is on the Klondike’s board of directors.]
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