Palmer Alaska is a beautiful small town located in the Matanuska-Susitna Valley, which is full of mountains, fertile farmland and rich culture and history.

If you are wondering about what to do in Palmer Alaska, then there are plenty of adventures and beautiful nature awaiting for you.

You can reach this town within a few minutes of drive from Anchorage, where you will get to participate in a lot of adventure, witness peaceful and authentic Alaskan life making it a must visit place for every visitor.

Due to its rich agricultural roots, you will find fields full of giant cabbages, rustic barns, and family-owned farms where you can have hands-on experiences.

But Palmer is not just about farmland- it’s a gateway to outdoor adventures such as glacier trekking, zip-lining, river rafting, and wildlife encounters which are the best things to do in Palmer Alaska.

Some of the best Palmer Alaska attractions include Matanuska Glacier, iconic mountain ranges, and more. Due to its close proximity to Hatcher Pass, Palmer is a heaven for hikers, photographers, and adventure seekers.

This town will not just surprise you with beautiful nature, rather your visit to the historic downtown will mesmerize you with cozy cafes, artisan shops, and museums that celebrate its rich history.

There are many family-friendly attractions, outdoor adventures and more which you can experience in a relaxed and beautiful natural setting.

Palmer Alaska Tourism boasts about quiet countryside to heart-racing glacier hikes, are some of the things to do in Palmer which will give you some unforgettable memories of the true spirit of Alaska.

Through this blog we will walk you through the top things to do in this scenic and underrated Alaskan destination.

Top Things to do in Palmer Alaska

1. Visit the Mat-Su Visitors Center:

Start your trip by visiting the Mat-Su Visitors Center, where you get to collect maps, brochures, and tips which will eventually help you to explore the Matanuska-Susitna Valley more easily.

Here you will get detailed information regarding local attractions, hiking trails, seasonal events and more. This center gives you engaging information on regional history, wildlife, and Alaska’ s diverse landscapes.

2. Visit the Musk Ox Farm:

Begin your Palmer journey by visiting one of its most iconic attractions : the Musk Ox Farm. It is a non-profit organization which is dedicated to the domestication and sustainable farming of musk oxen which provides us with warm fiver, qiviut.

You may take a guided tour through which you get to learn about the history of these ice age creatures, their role in Alaska Native traditions, and how qiviut is harvested without harming the animals.

3. Explore the Palmer Museum of History and Art:

Want to know about the rich history of Palmer?The Palmer Museum of History and Art gives you an engaging glimpse about the town’s roots, starting from its colonization during the Great Depression as part of the New Deal’s Matanuska Colony initiative.

You will find interesting exhibits, historic photographs, local art, and authentic artifacts that sheds offers a glimpse into early settler life.

4. Hike the Bodenburg Butte Trail:

You must hike the Bodenburg Butte Trail and you will be treated with stunning panoramic views of the Matanuska Valley. 

It is a 1.5 mile hike of almost 800 feet, after which you get beautiful views of Pioneer Peak, Knik Glacier, and surrounding farmland, rivers, and snow-covered peak.

5. Visit the Reindeer Farm:

Visit the Reindeer Farm in Palmer which would be a fun, family-friendly experience where you get to interact with reindeer, moose, bison, alpacas, and even a yak and more.

You get to enjoy guided tours, feed the animals, and learn about Alaska’s wildlife. With your loved ones you may participate in a memorable hands-on adventure at the base of Bodenburg Butte.

6. Go Glacier Hiking or Ice Climbing on Matanuska Glacier:

You must visit the beautiful Matanuska Glacier where you can do glacier hiking or ice climbing. Also you will get expert guides over there and explore blue ice formations, deep crevasses and more.

So, whether you are an expert level climber or just a beginner, you will get to experience the raw, icy beauty of Alaska closely which will be a memorable experience.

7. Attend the Alaska State Fair: 

Palmer organizes the biggest annual event of Alaska, the Alaska State Fair, which is held from late August to early September which attracts visitors from all over the state.

Attend this festival and you get glimpses of a vibrant celebration of local culture, agriculture, and entertainment. Witness giant vegetables, live music, exciting rides, and delicious food which is held every late summer, which offers fun for every age and gives glimpses into Alaska’s unique community spirit.

The Borealis Theater at the Alaska State fair organizes exciting concerts and live performances every year.

8. Drive the Scenic Glenn Highway National Scenic Byway:

For exploring the mesmerizing and diverse landscapes of Alaska, drive along the beautiful Glenn Highway National Scenic Byway which will be a memorable adventure for you.

This byway stretches between Anchorage and Glennallen where you get beautiful views of mountains, glaciers, rivers, and wildlife.

Be sure to take time and enjoy beautiful nature, explore beautiful hiking trails, and capture memorable photos of the Matanuska Glacier.

9. Tour Local Farms and Enjoy Fresh Produce:

Palmer has many local farms that offer seasonal tours and tastings to its visitors.

Visit Arctic Organics, Bushes Bunches, or Pyrah’s pioneer Peak Farm where you get to participate in berry picking, corn mazes, and locally grown vegetables and experience the farming culture of this region.

10.Go Fishing or Rafting on the Matanuska River:

For Fishing or rafting admirers you may participate in water-based adventure on the Matanuska river, which is one of the most beautiful waterways of Palmer.

So, if you love fishing, then you can catch fishes like salmon and trout in the river’s icy, fast-moving waters, or if you are an adventure seeker then you can join guided rafting tours through calm stretches or challenging rapids.

11. Visit the Colony House Museum:

For exploring the history of Palmer, visit the Colony House museum which was built by the early settlers of the Matanuska Colony in 1935. This house will give you details about the lives of early settlers who relocated to Alaska during the Great Depression period.

You will get knowledgeable guides about interesting insights into the hardships and hopes of the colony’s pioneers which is a must visit for history lovers who are willing to learn about the unique beginnings and enduring community spirit of Palmer.

12. Take a Day trip to Hatcher Pass:

After a 40-minute drive from Palmer, you will reach Hatcher Pass which is an alpine paradise. If you visit Hatcher Pass during summer, then you can enjoy hiking, berry picking or capture photos of these beautiful landscapes.

You must also visit Independence Mine State Historical Park where you get to explore the preserved gold mine ruins and learn about the gold rush era.

13. Take a Scenic Flight over the valley and glaciers:

Fly above Alaska’s stunning wilderness with a scenic flight over the Matanuska Valley and surrounding glaciers. These unforgettable aerial tours will let you witness beautiful snow-covered peaks, rivers, and Matanuska Glacier.

It’s a one-of-a-kind experience that gives you the glimpses of the beauty of Alaska’s rugged terrain which is perfect for photographers, adventure seekers, or anyone who wants to experience the actual view of the Last Frontier.

14. Enjoy Local Eats and Breweries:

After a long tiring day in Palmer, Alaska you can relax with delicious hearty food and a cold brew. Palmer has so many cozy spots for you to explore like Palmer Alehouse where you can enjoy delicious pizza along with beer in an outdoor setting.

For organic locally sourced dishes you must visit Turkey Red. You must also visit Arkose Brewery which is a local microbrewery where you get to taste great seasonal flavors.

Conclusion:

Palmer, Alaska is a hidden gem which gives you the perfect mix of adventure, culture, and small-town charm. Situated in the Matanuska Valley and surrounded by mountains, this agricultural land is rich in history and natural beauty.

Whether you are hiking the beautiful Bodenburg Butte Trail, or feeding reindeer at the local farm, or rafting down the Matanuska River, there is no shortage of outdoor adventures for you.

You may also visit the Colony House Museum and the Palmer Museum of history and art where you get to learn about the early settlers of the town.

You get to know about Alaska’s farming culture, visit local farms for berry picking, corn mazes, and fresh produce. You can’t afford to miss the annual Alaska State Fair, which is the state’s biggest celebration of agriculture, arts and community spirit.

Also you can take a drive along the Glenn Highway National Scenic Byway or fly above glaciers on a breathtaking flightseeing tour for unforgettable views.

So if you are planning to visit the town for a day or a longer duration, you will get to relax, explore, and connect with the authentic heart of Alaska.

With its welcoming locals, rich heritage, and breathtaking scenery, Palmer is more than just a destination - it's an experience that you will always remember.