BLM and partners invite public to Freedom 250 Iditarod Ceremonial Start at Campbell Tract

ANCHORAGE, Alaska – The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and partners invite the public to join us for the finish of the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race Ceremonial Start at the BLM Campbell Tract Special Recreation Management Area from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, March 7, 2026. This year’s event will be a special celebration of America’s 250^th birthday and Freedom 250, highlighting Alaska’s mushing heritage, the power of public lands, and the Iditarod National Historic Trail.

Each year, the 730-acre BLM Campbell Tract serves as a perfect location to cheer on the Iditarod mushers and their dog teams as they emerge from the woods and trot down the Campbell Airstrip to finish their 11-mile run from downtown.  

This year’s event will feature expanded activities and amenities around the BLM Campbell Creek Science Center. The Science Center will be home to engaging booths and activities for the whole family from Iditarod Trail Partners. There will be food trucks and complimentary hot chocolate and coffee, perfect to help stay warm while cheering on Iditarod mushers and dog teams from viewing areas.

“The Iditarod Ceremonial Start is a uniquely Alaskan event and a great forum for celebrating the triumph of the American spirit over 250 years,” said BLM Alaska State Director Kevin Pendergast. “We hope that Alaskans will come out to celebrate—and cheer on the mushers and their dog teams—with us this year!” 

While parking on Campbell Tract will be closed to the general public on March 7, the BLM is providing free shuttle buses from Service High School to the BLM Campbell Creek Science Center. The first shuttle will leave Service High School at 9:45am and the last shuttle will leave BLM Campbell Creek Science Center at 2:30pm. There will be six shuttle buses running concurrently, providing ample transportation for attendees.

As always, viewers can walk, ski or bike to BLM Campbell Tract for this event from other nearby parking lots and trailheads, such as Abbott Loop Community Park and Campbell Airstrip Trailhead.

BLM asks that the public respect the sled dog teams by leaving your dogs at home for this event. The Iditarod Ceremonial Start serves as the celebratory precursor to the Iditarod Sled Dog Race, a 1,000-mile race of international renown that traverses parts of the Iditarod National Historic Trail. The BLM is proud to serve as the administrator of the congressionally-designated Iditarod National Historic Trail, working with agencies and partners to cooperatively manage the 2,000+ mile trail system. Learn more about the Iditarod National Historic Trail.