Wasilla, Alaska: Best Things to Do - Top Picks

Looking for a place with glaciers, outdoor fun, and a rich history? Head to Wasilla and Palmer, just 45 minutes north of Anchorage. This area in the Matanuska Valley is perfect for those wanting to see Alaska's beauty and learn about its culture.

There are 74 activities in the Wasilla area, offering endless fun. You can hike on the Matanuska Glacier or try dog sledding on the snow. And there's more - enjoy local craft beer, visit historic sites, and check out the famous state fair.

Key Takeaways

• Wasilla and Palmer offer easy access to the stunning Matanuska Valley, mountains, and glaciers
• The area is known for its thrilling glacier adventures, historic sites, and abundant outdoor recreation
• Visitors can explore the Matanuska Glacier, go dog sledding, hike in Hatcher Pass, and visit the Musk Ox Farm
• The region also boasts a vibrant local craft brewing scene and fascinating history
• Wasilla and Palmer are must-visit destinations for those seeking the best of Alaska's natural and cultural offerings

Explore the Scenic Glenn Highway and Matanuska Valley

For a captivating day trip, follow the Glenn Highway to Palmer and the Matanuska River Valley. In just an hour, you'll see dramatic scenery. You'll find an easy hike to a 200-foot waterfall and a charming historic village. The drive along the Glenn Highway shows off the Chugach Mountain Range and the Matanuska-Susitna Valley.

Stunning Drive through Dramatic Scenery

As you drive north on the Glenn Highway, you'll see snow-capped peaks, glacial valleys, and winding rivers. The highway has scenic overlooks where you can stop and take in the stunning views. These landscapes define this region of Alaska.

Hike to a 200-Foot Waterfall and Historic Village

The Thunderbird Falls Trail is a must-see along the Glenn Highway. It's a gentle 1-mile hike to a stunning 200-foot waterfall. Then, head to the Eklutna Historical Park to see the buildings and artifacts of an authentic historic village from 1650.

The Glenn Highway and Matanuska Valley offer breathtaking views and a peek into Alaska's culture. Plan your visit to see the natural wonders of this stunning region.

Thrilling Glacier Adventures

Outdoor lovers will find plenty of exciting glacier adventures in the Wasilla-Palmer area. Try glacier walking with guides on the Matanuska Glacier to see the ancient blue ice up close. For more thrills, take an ATV or Jeep tour over the rough glacial terrain and enjoy the stunning views.

There's more to do. Add glacier dogsledding to your adventure with a glacier flightseeing tour. Fly over the glaciers and mountains for a view you won't forget. Whether you want a guided tour or to explore on your own, the Wasilla-Palmer area has lots to offer.

Walk on Glaciers with Expert Guides

Walk on the Matanuska Glacier, one of the biggest you can reach by road in the U.S. With expert guides, you'll cross the glacier's crevasses and learn about its geology. It's an experience you'll always remember, showing you the power and beauty of Alaska's glaciers.

ATV or Jeep Tours on Glacial Terrain

Take an ATV or Jeep tour over the Matanuska Glacier's icy terrain for a fun ride. You'll go through tough landscapes and see nature up close. These tours are a great way to see the remote and beautiful glaciers of the Wasilla-Palmer area.

Glacier Dogsledding and Flightseeing Combo

Try glacier dogsledding and then see the glaciers from above with a glacier flightseeing tour. Ride on the snow and ice, then fly over the glaciers and mountains. This mix of adventure and sightseeing shows off Alaska's stunning glacial beauty.

Discover Hatcher Pass and Independence Mine

Just a short drive from Wasilla, Hatcher Pass is a hidden treasure in Alaska's outdoor world. The 49-mile Hatcher Pass Road winds through the stunning Mat-Su Valley. It offers a drive filled with breathtaking views, open from July 4th weekend to mid-September.

Alpine Tundra and Wildflower Hikes

At the road's end, you'll find hiking trails through the alpine tundra. These trails are covered in wildflowers in the summer. The Gold Mint Trailhead leads to an 18-mile hike over Hatcher Pass. The Reed Lakes Trail and Fishhook Trailhead offer easier hikes for those who love the outdoors.

Explore the Former Gold Mine Buildings

The Independence Mine State Historical Park is a must-see at Hatcher Pass. It spans 271 acres and has 13 structures from the late 1930s and early 1940s. This former gold mine was a top producer before closing in 1951. Now, visitors can see historic buildings and learn about the mining history.

"Hatcher Pass Road is a visually striking drive in Alaska, offering a wealth of outdoor adventures and a glimpse into the region's gold mining history."

Agricultural Tourism in the Matanuska Valley

In the heart of Alaska's Matanuska Valley, you'll find a thriving agricultural tourism scene. It shows off the region's rich farming history. Driving the Old Glenn Highway is a great way to see this. This scenic road goes through land that has been farmed for many years.

On this route, you can stop by the Musk Ox Farm and Reindeer Farm. Here, you can learn about the history and today's practices of raising these special Alaskan animals. These places let you get close to the valley's deep connection with the land and its wildlife.

For a real farm-to-table dining experience, go to Raven's Perch at the Knik River Lodge. This restaurant uses ingredients from local farms. You'll taste the Matanuska Valley's best in every dish, from fresh produce to artisanal dairy.

If you're curious about the region's unique animal care, historic farming communities, or fresh local food, the Matanuska Valley has a lot to offer. It's a top spot for agricultural tourism that highlights Alaska's heartland.

Wasilla, Alaska: Best Things to Do - Top Picks

Wasilla, Alaska, sits in the Matanuska-Susitna Valley. It's full of exciting things to see and do. From glacier adventures to farm tours, there's fun for everyone.

Don't miss the Matanuska Glacier. Put on crampons and walk on the ice with guides. Or, try an ATV or Jeep tour for a thrilling ride.

The Hatcher Pass area is perfect for history buffs. Hike through tundra and see wildflowers. Then, visit the old Independence Mine to learn about gold mining.

• Explore the Matanuska Glacier with guided tours, ranging from $50 to $336 per person.
• Discover the Hatcher Pass area and the historic Independence Mine.
• Immerse yourself in Wasilla's agricultural heritage at the Musk Ox Farm and Reindeer Farm.

Try the local food in Wasilla too. Drive the Old Glenn Highway Farm Route to find local farms. Then, eat at places like Raven's Perch for fresh, local dishes.

Wasilla and the Matanuska-Susitna Valley offer amazing natural beauty, history, and food. Whether you want adventure, culture, or local flavors, you'll find it here. This place is unforgettable.

Flightseeing Tours over Glaciers and Mountains

Wasilla and the area offer thrilling flightseeing tour options for those wanting to see Alaska's landscapes from above. You can fly over glaciers and mountains in a helicopter or small plane. This gives you amazing views of the area's natural beauty.

These tours let you see Alaska's vast wilderness from a new perspective. You'll fly over huge peaks, icy glaciers, and hidden valleys. It's a chance to capture moments you'll always remember. Whether it's a short 30-minute flight or a longer tour, it will be unforgettable.

There are many flightseeing packages to choose from, fitting different budgets and interests. Prices start at about $95 per person for short flights. Longer tours with glacier landings or other extras can be up to $999 per person. Tours can last from 15 minutes to 5 hours.

No matter which package you pick, flying over Wasilla's landscapes will be a key part of your trip. You'll see the rugged terrain from above and make memories that will make you want to travel more.

Hiking Trails and Parks near Wasilla

In the heart of Alaska's Matanuska Valley, the Wasilla area is a treasure trove of scenic parks and hiking trails. The Butte, a small mountain, is a top spot for adventurers. It offers a short but steep climb that pays off with views of farmland and the majestic Knik Glacier.

Hike The Butte for Farmland and Mountain Views

The Butte Trail is a moderate 1.5-mile hike with an 800-foot elevation gain. It's perfect for both experienced hikers and families. You'll see breathtaking views of farmland and the Chugach Mountains. At the top, enjoy the stunning views and take photos to remember your trip.

Guided Hikes on the Matanuska Glacier

For a thrilling experience, try a guided hike on the Matanuska Glacier. This is one of the largest glaciers you can reach by road in the U.S. Guides will take you across the glacier, sharing stories about its geology and ecology. It's an activity not to be missed for those who love the outdoors.

Whether you want a leisurely hike with amazing views or a thrilling glacial adventure, Wasilla has it all. Start planning your trip to Alaska and explore the natural beauty of this amazing region.

Explore Palmer's History and Agriculture

Palmer is just a short drive from Wasilla and offers a peek into the region's rich history and agriculture. The Colony House Museum is at the center of this journey. It tells the story of the New Deal resettlement project in the 1930s. Here, you can learn how early settlers arrived and how agriculture grew in the Matanuska Valley.

The Colony House Museum is a key piece of history from the New Deal era. Walking through its exhibits takes you back in time. You'll hear about the challenges and successes of the homesteaders who made this remote area thrive. The museum shows how the community was built, from its historical buildings to interactive displays.

Visiting the Wasilla-Palmer area isn't complete without exploring Palmer's history and agriculture. The Colony House Museum and the New Deal settlement story show the strength and will of the people who started this community. It's a fascinating part of Alaska's history that enriches any visit.