The Prospectors Guidebook
Sightseeing
This historic park is a trip back k in time. If you're lover of machinery and history, it doesn't get much better. A beautiful drive on the way is simply mesmerizing.
49 locals recommend
Independence Mine State Historical Park
23264 Gold Cord RdThis historic park is a trip back k in time. If you're lover of machinery and history, it doesn't get much better. A beautiful drive on the way is simply mesmerizing.
Beautiful drive up the Glenn Highway takes you the awe inspiring Glacier.
105 locals recommend
Matanuska Glacier
30820 West Glenn HighwayBeautiful drive up the Glenn Highway takes you the awe inspiring Glacier.
Set in the Talkeetna Mountains, between the towns of Willow and Palmer, Hatcher Pass is a favorite local hot spot for recreation or a scenic drive.
https://www.alaska.org/detail/hatcher-pass
146 locals recommend
Hatcher Pass
Set in the Talkeetna Mountains, between the towns of Willow and Palmer, Hatcher Pass is a favorite local hot spot for recreation or a scenic drive.
https://www.alaska.org/detail/hatcher-pass
Knik Glacier
Food Scene
Lively tavern with 40+ taps, hearty pub grub & a spacious patio with a summer concert series.
320 E Dahlia Ave, Palmer, AK 99645
http://palmeralehouse.com/
79 locals recommend
Palmer City Alehouse
320 E Dahlia AveLively tavern with 40+ taps, hearty pub grub & a spacious patio with a summer concert series.
320 E Dahlia Ave, Palmer, AK 99645
http://palmeralehouse.com/
Fantatsic sandwiches and service at this Palmer iconic food truck.
105 S Valley Way Palmer, AK 99645
www.reubenhaus.com
Reuben Haus
105 South Valley WayFantatsic sandwiches and service at this Palmer iconic food truck.
105 S Valley Way Palmer, AK 99645
www.reubenhaus.com
Family-owned establishment featuring an array of home-style American meals in a comfortable setting.
1890 Glenn Hwy, Palmer, AK 99645
www.noisygoosecafe.com
37 locals recommend
The Noisy Goose
1890 Glenn HwyFamily-owned establishment featuring an array of home-style American meals in a comfortable setting.
1890 Glenn Hwy, Palmer, AK 99645
www.noisygoosecafe.com
Activities
A great and challenging hike with great views of the Mat-Su Valley.
https://www.alaska.org/detail/lazy-mountain-trail
6 locals recommend
Lazy Mountain
A great and challenging hike with great views of the Mat-Su Valley.
https://www.alaska.org/detail/lazy-mountain-trail
On the west side of Bodenburg Butte, this somewhat steep trail leads to the top of the butte, which juts out of the valley and offers panoramic views of all the area’s top features: Matanuska and Knik River valleys, Talkeetna Mountains, Pioneer Peak, and even the Knik Glacier.
https://www.alaska.org/detail/west-butte-trail
10 locals recommend
West Butte Trail
15702-15704 Mothershead LnOn the west side of Bodenburg Butte, this somewhat steep trail leads to the top of the butte, which juts out of the valley and offers panoramic views of all the area’s top features: Matanuska and Knik River valleys, Talkeetna Mountains, Pioneer Peak, and even the Knik Glacier.
https://www.alaska.org/detail/west-butte-trail
Gorgeous views and easy access. Seeing the old cars used as bank reinforcement is quite interesting. Great fishing spot.
13 locals recommend
Eklutna Tailrace
13145 S Old Glenn HwyGorgeous views and easy access. Seeing the old cars used as bank reinforcement is quite interesting. Great fishing spot.
Educational tours are offered at this non-profit farm featuring musk oxen & a unique gift shop.
12850 E Archie Rd, Palmer, AK 99645
www.muskoxfarm.org
74 locals recommend
The Musk Ox Farm
12850 E Archie RdEducational tours are offered at this non-profit farm featuring musk oxen & a unique gift shop.
12850 E Archie Rd, Palmer, AK 99645
www.muskoxfarm.org
Working farm with reindeer petting & feeding experiences, plus horseback & winter sled rides.
5561 Bodenburg Loop, Palmer, AK 99645
reindeerfarm.com
101 locals recommend
Reindeer Farm
5561 Bodenburg LoopWorking farm with reindeer petting & feeding experiences, plus horseback & winter sled rides.
5561 Bodenburg Loop, Palmer, AK 99645
reindeerfarm.com
Since 1936, Alaska State Fair features record-setting giant vegetables, beautiful flower gardens, concerts, plus Alaskan and Alaska Native culture.
2075 Glenn Hwy Palmer, Alaska 99645
www.alaskastatefair.org
40 locals recommend
Alaska State Fair Inc
2075 Glenn HwySince 1936, Alaska State Fair features record-setting giant vegetables, beautiful flower gardens, concerts, plus Alaskan and Alaska Native culture.
2075 Glenn Hwy Palmer, Alaska 99645
www.alaskastatefair.org
New Ski area in the Hatcher Pass. Also has Mtn. Biking in the summer.
13500 N. Skeetawk Circle
Mile 10.6 Palmer-Fishhook Rd. Palmer, AK 9964
skeetawk.com/
13 locals recommend
Skeetawk
13500 N. Skeetawk CircleNew Ski area in the Hatcher Pass. Also has Mtn. Biking in the summer.
13500 N. Skeetawk Circle
Mile 10.6 Palmer-Fishhook Rd. Palmer, AK 9964
skeetawk.com/
No official trail in Southcentral Alaska climbs as high as Matanuska Peak Trail. Beginning in a subdivision across the Matanuska River from Palmer, this nearly 6-mile-long trail runs up some 5,700 vertical feet.
https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=61.599396%2C-149.000114
https://www.alaska.org/detail/matanuska-peak-trailhead
Matanuska Peak Trailhead
Matanuska Peak TrailheadNo official trail in Southcentral Alaska climbs as high as Matanuska Peak Trail. Beginning in a subdivision across the Matanuska River from Palmer, this nearly 6-mile-long trail runs up some 5,700 vertical feet.
https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=61.599396%2C-149.000114
https://www.alaska.org/detail/matanuska-peak-trailhead
City advice
Getting around
Rent a Car
Public transit doesn't exist. A sedan will be adequate during the summer, but we recommend an AWD or 4x4 for winter (Oct-Apr).
Customs and culture
Dress Comfortably
Jeans and T-shirts are acceptable anywhere.
What to pack
Winter Attire
If you're visiting Nov-Mar, then please be sure to bring lots of warm clothing. Don't forget the gloves and scarfs or you will regret it.
Customs and culture
Set An Alarm
For bed time that is. Visiting Alaska in the summer can really mess with your internal clock. It doesn't get dark, so you probably won't be tired come midnight. Pull the blackout curtains closed, dawn the sleep mask and you'll be out in no time.