On this day in 1925, the Balto statue in Central Park was dedicated, with Balto himself in attendance! Just a few months earlier, the nation had been captivated by the story of a team of sled dogs racing against the clock to bring lifesaving medicine to Nome, Alaska during a diphtheria outbreak. Balto is just one of the heroic pups who stepped up (you may have heard the story of Togo, another beloved sled dog with his own statue on the Lower East Side), and today this statue inspires countless v

Ever wondered who Balto is and why there’s a statue of him in Central Park? 🐕 Balto was a real-life hero, a sled dog who helped deliver medicine during a deadly outbreak in Alaska. His statue in NYC is a reminder that some of the city’s most meaningful landmarks have powerful stories behind them. Planning your next New York trip? Find experiences, attractions, and great ticket deals at NewYork.com. | NewYork.com