Nestled in the Matanuska Valley, Palmer is a vibrant small town with a rich history and plenty of things to see and do. Located just 45 miles northeast of Anchorage, it makes for an easy and rewarding day trip for those visiting Alaska’s largest city. From scenic hikes to quirky museums, farmers markets to breweries, Palmer has something to offer every type of traveler.
The surrounding valleys and foothills provide gorgeous views of the Chugach and Talkeetna mountain ranges. Visitors can explore the great outdoors year-round, with each season offering its own unique adventures. The summers here are mild, making it perfect for leisurely strolls through downtown or cycling along country roads. Meanwhile, wintertime activities include downhill and cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, dog sledding, and more.
Below you’ll find the top 12 attractions that no visit to Palmer is complete without. There’s something here to delight everyone, whether you’re a solo traveler, a couple, or traveling with a family. So come discover the warm hospitality and natural beauty that the town of Palmer has to offer!
Alaska State Fair
The Alaska State Fair is the perfect celebration of Palmer and the surrounding Matanuska-Susitna Valley’s rich agricultural heritage. Taking place every August for two weeks on the fairgrounds just north of downtown, the fair sees some 300,000 visitors over its run.
Guests enjoy rides, games, concerts, agricultural exhibits and competitions highlighting the region’s vegetables, flowers, livestock and more. Don’t miss the giant vegetable weigh-off where local growers show off their massive cabbages, pumpkins, and other crops. The fair is a beloved annual tradition for Alaskans and visitors alike.
Musk Ox Farm
Located just seven miles north of Palmer on the Glenn Highway sits the unique Musk Ox Farm. This non-profit organization is dedicated to the conservation and domestication of the shaggy Arctic musk ox. At the Musk Ox Farm you can meet and even pet these Ice Age animals up close.
Friendly guides will tell you all about musk oxen while you visit the various paddocks housing calves, juveniles, and adults. It’s an highly informative and up close animal encounter the whole family will enjoy. They also have a gift shop selling qiviut items, the unbelievably soft undercoat shed by musk oxen each spring.
Independence Mine State Historical Park
One of Alaska’s most famous abandoned gold mines lies just 12 miles north of Palmer along the Hatcher Pass Road. Independence Mine State Historical Park allows visitors to explore the vacant mine buildings and operating areas which once produced nearly $5 million in gold ore.
A short loop hike will take you by many of the historic wooden buildings, as well as incredible views over the surrounding alpine tundra. Hardier hikers can venture further up the steep valley to find even more mining relics and gorgeous scenery. Summer wildflowers and fall colors make late summer and early autumn particularly spectacular times to visit Independence Mine.
Hatcher Pass
The high alpine Hatcher Pass is a spectacular scenic drive passing Independence Mine on its way to summitting the Talkeetna Mountains. The road begins winding through thick boreal forest before breaking out into open tundra filled with wildflowers and berry bushes. Jaw dropping views stretch over the valley and seemingly endless rugged peaks surround you.
Numerous hiking trails split off from the road, leading adventurous travelers to scenic meadows, hidden lakes, and even more stunning vistas. The scenic overlook at the very top near mile 17 has particularly remarkable 360 degree views. Late September is the best time to visit if you want to take in the brilliant autumn foliage.
Matanuska Glacier State Recreation Site
Alaska’s largest drive-up glacier lies an hour’s drive east from Palmer. Matanuska Glacier State Recreation Site grants visitors easy access to view and walk on the actual glacier, as well as hike trails along its meltwater lakes and towering ice cliffs.
Guests can also book guided glacier walks and ice climbing trips with experienced mountaineers. Or simply take in the dramatic vistas of the glacier and Chugach Mountains from the comfort of the parking lot. Keep your eyes peeled for Dall sheep grazing the rocky slopes above the ice too. There’s even a nice picnic area if you want to enjoy lunch with a side of spectacular glacier views.
Palmer Museum of History & Art
This local museum housed in Palmer’s 1935 Old City Hall building tells the unique story of how the Matanuska Colony helped settle and cultivate the region back in the 1930s. It was one of Franklin Roosevelt’s economic recovery experiments relocating farming families from the Great Plains out to wild Alaska during the Great Depression.
Their incredible tale of perseverance and cooperation in the face of hardship helped colonize and establish agriculture in the Matanuska Valley. The museum also displays an array of local art, artifacts, vintage Alaska photographs, and rotating exhibits.
Palmer Alehouse
No trip to Palmer is complete without stopping in at the beloved Palmer Alehouse downtown. This locally owned craft brewery and pub has been serving its own unique handcrafted beers since 1995. They pride themselves on their laidback atmosphere, quality beers, gourmet pizzas, and signature burgers.
Out on the patio you’ll find gorgeous views overlooking the Matanuska River and Pioneer Peak in the distance. It’s hugely popular with locals and visitors alike. So pull up a chair by the stone fireplace in winter or outside deck in summer, and sip one of their medal winning brews after a long day of exploring Palmer.
Colony Christmas
Colony Christmas in Palmer is one of the best ways to get into the holiday spirit Alaskan style each December. Historic downtown buildings are strung with twinkle lights as carolers fill the streets.
There are festivals and fairs, a holiday light display at the fairgrounds, parades, Santa meet and greets, sleigh rides, rides on the “Polar Express” Alaska Railroad train, and more Yuletide fun over three weekends. Locals serve hot chocolate, coffee, and baked goods as visitors do their holiday shopping and revel in the Christmas charm of this small Alaskan town.
Mountain View Nature Trail
One of the best quick and easy hikes in Palmer is the Mountain View Nature Trail on the western edge of town. It’s less than a mile loop that packs in gorgeous panoramic views over the Matanuska Valley and Glacier Peaks in a short distance.
Interpretive signs tell about the ecosystem and history of Palmer along the way. The raised gravel trail is wheelchair accessible with only slight inclines, making it a nice stroll for most ability levels. And pets are welcome too. Look for wildflowers blooming in summer and brilliant gold aspens quaking in fall. Pack a lunch or snack and take in views of Pioneer Peak from the scenic overlook up top.
Matanuska River
The lush Matanuska River winds right through the heart of Palmer supplying fertile soil for farming. Visitors can fish for wild salmon and rainbow trout along its many access points both in town and downstream. When temperatures drop below freezing in wintertime, the Matanuska River becomes one of Southcentral Alaska’s most popular trails for snowmachining and dog mushing.
Events like the Iron Dog snowmachine race and the start of the Iditarod sled dog race take place along its banks annually. Several local tour companies also offer wintertime dog sledding adventures along the river.
Upsana Glacier Trail
For one of the most spectacular day hikes near Palmer, head out to Upsana Glacier Trail. This moderately difficult 9 mile out and back trek leads hikers nearly 3000 feet up in elevation into an alpine wonderland. After switchbacking through thick taiga forest, the trail emerges onto open tundra filled with wild blueberries in summer.
At the turnaround point you’ll be treated to phenomenal views of the crevassed Upsana Glacier spilling down the Chugach Mountains. Hardy hikers can venture out onto the debris-covered glacier itself. But be warned the roundtrip requires nearly 1000 feet of elevation gain and takes 5-6 hours. Your payoff is getting to see this remote glacier in the Talkeetna Mountains that few visitors make it to.
Conclusion
As you can see Palmer offers visitors a delightful small town to explore surrounded by incredible natural beauty. From meeting musk oxen to climbing across glaciers, Palmer has an amazing variety of attractions.
Its rich history as part of Roosevelt’s Matanuska Colony coupled with current day farming heritage make it the perfect base to explore Alaskan culture as well. And the friendly local community will welcome you with open arms. So whether you’re looking for outdoor adventures, historical sights, family fun, or local charm, you’ll find it all in Palmer, Alaska.