A Local’s Guide to an Unforgettable Visit to Alaska’s Mat-Su Valley -

Welcome to the Matanuska-Susitna Valley, or “Mat-Su Valley” as the locals call it! Located in the southcentral region of Alaska – north of Anchorage and south of Fairbanks – this area is filled with natural beauty and adventure. We live in and run several businesses in the Mat-Su Valley and we’re excited to share with you some of the best places to explore and things to do here in our part of Alaska.

History

The Mat-Su Valley was originally home to indigenous Athabaskan people who relied on fishing and hunting for survival. In the 19th century, Russian explorers arrived and established trade relationships with the Athabaskans. The discovery of gold brought prospectors and settlers to the area in the late 1800s. With the completion of the Alaska Railroad north to Fairbanks and the development of the Palmer agricultural colony in the 1930s, the Mat-Su Valley developed into a hub for agriculture, mining and tourism.

Today, the Mat-Su Valley is home to over 100,000 people and is the fastest-growing region in Alaska. The area is known for its stunning natural beauty, diverse wildlife, and adventurous outdoor activities.

Palmer and Wasilla are the two biggest towns in the Mat-Su and both make good places to stay while exploring the surrounding valleys. Wasilla was established in the early 1900s when the Alaska Railroad was being constructed.

Palmer was established in the early 1930s as part of the New Deal, a program created by President Franklin D. Roosevelt to help alleviate the effects of the Great Depression. The town was designed to be a farming community and is still known for its agricultural industry today.

Things to do in Palmer

Musk Ox Farm: Visit the Musk Ox Farm to learn about these incredible creatures that once roamed the earth alongside saber-tooth tigers and woolly mammoths. It’s also one of only a few places in the world where you can buy gently hand-combed qiviut fiber, qiviut yarn, and qiviut garments.

Reindeer Farm: Did you know that reindeer and caribou are the same species? “Caribou” is a Canadian-Indian word that means “pawer of the ground” or “snow shoveler.” In Europe, they are called reindeer and in North America domesticated animals are called reindeer and wild animals are called caribou. Learn more about these beautiful animals at the Reindeer Farm in Palmer. A great place for all ages.

Pyrah’s Pioneer Peak Farm: If you are able to do some cooking where you are staying, Pyrah’s is a great place to get fresh, locally-grown produce. Check their calendar for special events throughout the year.

Alaska State Fair Grounds: If you are lucky enough to be in Alaska late August, don’t miss the Alaska State Fair. Check the fairgrounds schedule to see what’s happening year-round.

Alaska Zipline Adventure Park: Tandem ziplining and horseback riding on a working ranch just minutes from Palmer. Get an adrenaline rush with a view of stunning 360* mountain views.

Palmer Visitor Center and Museum: This is the place to learn about Palmer’s history, art and culture. Located in beautiful downtown Palmer steps away from restaurants, coffee shops and breweries.

Eat: Palmer is fast becoming known as a foodie destination. Check out the Palmer Beer Trail. Then stop at one of the many local eateries for a bite. Turkey Red, Vagabond Blues, Pizzaria Delphi, and Feather and Flower are a few of our favorites

Things to do in Wasilla

Alaska Museum of Transportation and Industry: The museum houses an amazing collection of trains, trucks, tractors and equipment which were used to tame Alaska, gather its resources and make life easier for Alaskan miners and settlers. Wander through the indoor and outdoor exhibits and imagine what life must have been like when these vehicles were being used throughout Alaska.

Iditarod Headquarters: The Iditarod is one of the most famous sled dog races in the world, and the headquarters are located in Wasilla. Visit the headquarters to learn about the history of the race and meet some of the sled dogs.

Wasilla Museum: Discover the story of Wasilla, from its Native Athabaskan roots to the mining boom to its current status as the fourth largest city in Alaska.

AK Live Steamers: Climb aboard a custom built model train and take a 45 minute ride through the forest, passing model villages, dinosaurs and more that are hidden along the track. Live Steamers is run entirely by volunteers and their love for their little piece of Alaska shines through.

Eat: From fancy dining on the shores of Wasilla Lake to sandwiches in one of Wasilla’s oldest buildings, you’ll find plenty to satisfy your stomach in Wasilla. Some of our favorites are Everetts, Chepo’s, Bear Paw River Brewing, and, Crazy Moose subs

Road Trips from Palmer and Wasilla

Hatcher Pass: This mountain pass offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and is a popular spot for hiking, skiing, and snowboarding. Stop at Summit Lake for a picnic lunch and keep an eye out for paragliders.

Independence Mine: Explore the Independence Mine State Historical Park and learn about Alaska’s gold mining history. At an elevation of 3500′, the weather at the mine is usually colder than the valley so bring a jacket. The changing weather means the mine and surrounding Hatcher Pass can look different every visit.

Nancy Lakes Recreation Area: With 131 lakes, 13 public use cabins and a network of hiking trails, the Nancy Lakes Recreation Area provides tranquil settings for canoeing, fishing, hiking and camping.

Knik River Valley: Take a scenic drive through the Knik River Valley to see some of the most stunning views in Alaska. Be sure to stop at the overlook for a view of Knik Glacier. To get a closer look, book a 4-wheel drive or helicopter tour of the Knik Glacier. Don’t miss dinner at Raven’s Perch Restaurant at Alaska Glacier Lodge which you’ll find at the end of the road.

Matanuska Glacier: This glacier is one of the largest in Alaska and offers breathtaking views and a unique opportunity to explore its surface. Visitors can hike on the glacier, take a guided tour, or even go ice climbing.

Glacier View: Ziplining, ATV Tours, whitewater rafting and more. All in the shadow of the Matanuska Glacier.

Head north on the Parks Highway towards Denali and make a stop in Talkeetna. This charming small town is the staging area for the approximately 1,000 climbers each year who attempt to reach the summit of Denali. It is also known for shops featuring local artists, musicians and craftspeople and restaurants, as well as its stunning views of Denali, the highest mountain peak in North America.

Things to do in Talkeetna

Flightseeing tours: See Denali Mountain and the surrounding Alaska Wilderness from the air.

Fishing: Talkeetna offers a variety of angling adventures. Hike to one of the many accessible rivers or streams, or take a boat out. There are many fishing guides in the area who are happy to share their secrets.

Denali Viewing: From the Denali View Pullout at Mile 13 of the Talkeetna spur road You’ll get a view of Denali above the Susitna River. If you would like some refreshment with your view, stop in at Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge. Walk down Main Street to Talkeetna Riverfront Park to see Denali as the backdrop for the merging of the Chulitna, Susitna and Talkeetna Rivers.

Talkeetna Historical Society Museum: Located in the original Talkeetna Schoolhouse, the museum preserves, interprets, and shares Talkeetna’s history.

Shop, Eat and Drink: You’ll spend most of your time in Talkeetna along the two-block stretch of Main Street. With coffee shops, restaurants, art galleries, local crafter booths, the village park, a micro brewery, and ice cream shops, it could take you a while! On your way out of town, stop at Alaska Birch Syrup and Wild Harvest to learn about the process of tapping birch trees for syrup, and of course try some samples.

Outdoor Activities in the Mat-Su Valley

Fishing: The Mat-Su Valley is home to several rivers and lakes that are perfect for fishing. Visitors can fish for salmon, trout, and other species, and can hire a guide or go on their own. Click here for a list of fishing spots in the Mat-Su Valley.

Hiking: The area is filled with hiking trails that range from easy to challenging. Visitors can hike through alpine meadows, forests, around a lake or to the top of a mountain. Learn more about these ten family-friendly hikes near Palmer and Wasilla. Click here for more hikes in the Mat-Su.

Dog Sledding: The Mat-Su Valley is home to several dog sledding companies that offer visitors a chance to experience this iconic Alaskan activity. Visitors can take a ride on a dog sled, meet the sled dogs, and even learn how to drive the sled themselves.

Rafting and Kayaking: The Mat-Su Valley is home to countless rivers and lakes that are perfect for rafting and kayaking. Visitors can take a guided tour or rent equipment and explore the water on their own.

Wildlife Viewing: The Mat-Su Valley is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including moose, bear, eagles, and more. Book a guided tour or explore on your own. And always keep your eyes open and aware of your surroundings. These majestic animals can be found all over the Mat-Su Valley.

Visit state parks: Whether you are looking for a short hike, a canoe paddle, or simply enjoying the view you’re sure to find it in one of the 24 state parks in the Mat-Su Valley. Visit for a few hours or spend the night at a campground or public-use cabin.

Living Like a Local in Alaska

If you want to truly experience the Mat-Su Valley like a local, here are some tips:

Support Local Businesses: The Mat-Su Valley is home to many small businesses, so make sure to support them by shopping local and eating at locally owned restaurants. Look for stores that carry handmade goods by local artisans rather than mass-produced trinkets you’ll find in many tourist shops.

Eat locally grown produce: Palmer is known for its fresh produce, so be sure to visit the local farmers’ markets and restaurants to taste some of the delicious fruits and vegetables grown in the area.

Take Part in Community Events: The Mat-Su Valley is known for its strong sense of community, and there are several events throughout the year that celebrate this. Look for farmer’s markets, concerts in the park, and festivals to really get a feel for living in the Mat-Su Valley.

Talk Like a local: Keep these phrases in mind if you don’t want to sound like a cheechako.

Mat-Su – Matanuska-Susitna is just too much of a mouthful
4-wheeler – We don’t call them ATVs up here
snow machine – calling it a snowmobile is a sure sign you’re not from around here
lower 48 – the contiguous 48 States south of Alaska
breakup – The first signs of warmer weather when the snow and ice begins to melt

Respect the Wildlife: The Mat-Su Valley is home to a diverse range of wildlife, and it’s important to respect their habitat and keep a safe distance. Never approach a wild animal, and make sure to properly store food and trash to avoid attracting them.

The Mat-Su Valley is a truly special place and we feel lucky to call it home. Whether you’re a nature lover, an adventure seeker, or simply looking for a unique travel experience, the Mat-Su Valley has something for everyone. So pack your bags, come visit us, and get ready to live like a local in one of the most beautiful places in Alaska.