Palmer and the Mat-Su Valley are surrounded by stunning natural beauty and rich history, perfect for outdoorsy folk like you and me! The rustic Alaska town is the gateway to Hatcher Pass and Matanuska Glacier, which are, of course, on my list of things to see in Palmer Alaska!
You might know Palmer, AK, for its giant vegetables. Pumpkins weighing a ton and the world’s heftiest cabbages are plucked from Palmer patches. But you might not know that in 1936 it was home to colonists sent by the US government from Michigan, Minnesota and Wisconsin to tame and farm the Alaska Territory. These hardy pioneers transformed the wilderness into a viable community through sheer determination.
Today, their frontier spirit lives on. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, foodie, history buff or animal lover, you’ll love these 12 incredible things to do in Palmer Alaska.
RELATED: 12 Fun Things To Do in Anchorage You’ll Love
Summary
If you don’t have time to read all the dozen exciting things to see in Palmer Alaska, here’s the quick version:
- First, don’t miss Hatcher Pass. On your way back from the scenic mountain pass, you can stop at Independence Mine and hike exciting mountain trails.
- Palmer is the home of gigantic vegetables, so get out on the farm and discover why they grow ’em so big here! Alaska Farm Tour
- With all that good produce grown under the Midnight Sun, you won’t want to miss Palmer’s incredible farm-to-table dining scene. I’ll tell you where to find it!
- Strap on some crampons, and go glacier trekking. Palmer is the gateway to the magnificent Matanuska Glacier.
- Then I warn you to book this dog sledding adventure now because I got snookered out of it when I tried to reserve a month in advance!
If you stick around to the end of the story, we’ll even explore two animal expeditions: the reindeer farm and the musk ox farm.
Read the whole article (only 12 more minutes of read time) to find out where you can find the best cup of Alaskan joe and another spot that offers unusual craft beer flavors.
#1 Things To See in Palmer AK – Hatcher Pass
Located 21 miles/34 km north of Palmer, Hatcher Pass, a scenic mountain pass, will blow you away with its breathtaking views and rich gold mining history. As we wound our way up the abominable Hatch Pass Road, I was glad our Revel Treks and Tours guide, Kierre, was driving. The road can be treacherous, but the reward is a vast panorama of mountain vistas.
Our group split between exploring Independence Mine and hiking to an alpine lake (see #8 things to see in Palmer AK below.) Hatcher Pass is also ideal for snow play and cross-country skiing in winter. I highly recommend Revel Treks and Tours for their attention to detail, acknowledgment of the Indigenous people who first inhabited this region and commitment to sustainable travel.
UNSTOPPABLE Tip: Be mindful of road conditions—unprepared tourists frequently get their rental cars stuck. Instead, hire a guide for a worry-free adventure.
#2 Things To Do in Palmer AK – Alaska Farm Tours
Palmer and the Mat-Su Valley is famed for its record-holding monster heads of cabbage, massive pumpkins and other gigantic produce. The unique combination of Alaska’s midnight sun, ample rainfall, and mineral-rich glaciated soil make this area an agricultural anomaly.
You can explore this quirk of nature and the agricultural side of Alaska by joining a guided tour like this one, Alaska Farm Tour. You’ll learn about sustainable farming, meet local farmers, and even get a taste of fresh, farm-to-table produce.
But who first unearthed this secret agricultural paradise? Read on to find out…
#3 Things To See in Palmer AK – Colony House Museum
In 1935, two hundred Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan families traveled to Alaska’s Matanuska Valley to start a new life. The story of these colonists captivated the nation during the Great Depression, as they were seen as pioneers venturing into Alaska to tame the wilderness.
The Colony House Museum is an original frontier home that tells the story of these settlers. As I explored the museum, I imagined sleeping in canvas tents, washing clothes in glacial-fed water and worshipping in the log church before Alaska became a state.
Outside the museum, I scanned the bronze plaques of the settlers’ names—some of the things to see in Palmer AK — for the surnames of my ancestors. My mother came from a long line of homesteaders and adventurers, but I didn’t recognize any family names.
Before you go, download Alaska’s Matanuska Colony teaching aid published by the National Park Service. Be sure to call ahead if you visit between September 1 and May 31.
#4 Feather & Flour – My Top Pick!
After visiting the Colony House or a local farm, head to Feather & Flour for a memorable dining experience. Chef /owner Heather Greenwood works closely with local farmers to source choice seasonal ingredients. My meal here was unforgettable, rivaling gourmet experiences from Italy, California and Atria Restaurant Flagstaff.
From roasted root vegetables with house-made ricotta to succulent Kodiak scallops, each course was a feast for the senses. The finale? A zucchini-chocolate layer cake topped with an edible pansy. Feather & Flour is a must-visit for food lovers visiting Palmer.
#5 Things to See in Palmer Alaska – Palmer Musk Ox Farm
You can experience a historic colony farm when you visit the Musk Ox Farm, a top thing to see in Palmer AK. A visit to the Musk Ox Farm offers a chance to view Alaska’s native musk oxen. These animals, usually found north of the Arctic Circle, are known for their incredibly warm and waterproof wool called qiviut.
“While you won’t be able to get up close to the muskox, it’s nice to see them in their enclosure. These animals are only found in the wild north of the Arctic Circle, and the Palmer Musk Ox Farm is one of the few working farms that harvest their wool,” says my friend and travel blogger colleague Ruby Escalona of A Journey We Love.
Be sure to stop by the gift shop for cozy headgear made from this prized wool. Or shop for qiviut-blended yarn on Amazon.
If you’re in Anchorage, book this tour that includes transportation to the Palmer Musk Ox Farm.
#6 Things To Do in Palmer AK – Bleeding Heart Brewery
Bleeding Heart Brewery is Alaska’s northernmost brewery for craft beer lovers, offering a quirky, small-town vibe. Whether you’re into stouts or IPAs, this brewery has a range of inventive craft beers that reflect the spirit of Palmer.
I enjoyed the amber-inspired Altbier, the beet IPA and the laidback, friendly vibe. You can’t go wrong by picking this as your spot to unwind after a day of exploring.
#7 Year-Round Dog Sledding Adventure
You don’t need snow to experience the thrill of dog sledding in Palmer. This year-round adventure gives you the chance to meet professional mushers, ride with their teams and learn about the rich history of this Alaskan tradition.
I recommend booking this dog sledding and helicopter tour as soon as possible. I missed the boat when I tried to reserve it a month in advance.
Whether you’re on wheels or snow, dog sledding is an exhilarating experience and one of the things to do in Palmer AK.
#8 Things To See in Palmer AK – Independence Mine State Historical Park
Explore the historic buildings and trails around the abandoned Independence Mine to glimpse Alaska’s past. Or take a guided tour of Independence Mine State Historical Park to learn about the area’s gold mining history.
Three buildings from Alaska’s gold mining era are open daily, 10 am – 6 pm, from mid-June to Labor Day. Keep your eyes peeled as the buildings whisper stories of the people, the tools and the milling process. Or reserve a town mine tour to hear local guides interpret the site as you walk the property and step into the shoes of 20th-century miners in Alaska.
Discover trails that lead up the towering mountains, which were snow-capped when I was there. I delighted in the 1.7-mile/ 2.7 km out-and-back Gold Cord Lake Trail for great views of the mining town below. It’s definitely one of the best things to see in Palmer AK!
#9 Things To See in Palmer Alaska – The Church of a Thousand Trees
Known officially as the United Protestant Presbyterian Church, this log church was built by Palmer’s colony pioneers during the winter of 1936-1937. Made from local timber, it’s affectionately called “The Church of a Thousand Trees.” Admire the craftsmanship that went into building this historic landmark, or join Palmer folk for Sunday worship at 11 am.
#11 Things to See in Palmer Alaska – The Reindeer Farm
This family-friendly experience, where visitors can feed and interact with reindeer, is one of the most-loved things to see in Palmer Alaska.
“The Reindeer Farm is more than just an experience with reindeer. You get up close and personal with Scottish hairy cows, alpacas, Tibetan yaks, turkeys, and even moose!” says travel blogger Ruby of A Journey We Love. “You’ll get to feed some of these animals and maybe get a selfie with a few, too.”
UNSTOPPABLE Tip: Dress appropriately for the weather, as most of the farm is outdoors. Winter experiences are available by appointment. It’s advisable to make your reservations in advance.
#12 Things To Do in Palmer Alaska – Hike Matanuska Glacier
OK, I’m saving the best for last! The Matanuska Glacier is the largest in the United States, accessible by car, and it’s only an hour from Palmer. Adventurers can hike or ice climb on this awe-inspiring glacier, making it a must for things to do in Palmer Alaska. I suggest that you make your reservations now for your Matanuska Glacier Tour before your dates sell out!
The views are simply breathtaking, and the experience is one I won’t forget. Get more details about my Matanuska Glacier trekking experience from Anchorage.
Where to stay in Palmer AK?
We stayed in the woods at new boutique hotel cabins 30 miles away from downtown Palmer. It was the perfect basecamp for all the things to see around Palmer and Eagle River. We loved our luxury in the spruce with amenities like welcome beverages, s’more kits for the fire, eye masks and chocolate near our comfy pillows, burritos in the fridge for breakfast and more.
Accessible cabins and outdoor spaces, pet-friendly cabins and free wifi. Tell Russ and Teal of Bluewater Base Camp that UNSTOPPABLE Stacey sent you!
Map Your Stay
Recap of Things To See in Palmer AK
I really loved Palmer, a unique destination that blends natural beauty, history and one-of-a-kind Alaskan experiences. Whether you’re here to hike through majestic landscapes, learn about its pioneering history, or taste fresh, local cuisine, Palmer will blow you away!
Add these 12 things to see in Palmer AK to your itinerary for an unforgettable Alaskan adventure.
RELATED: 12 Fun Things To Do in Anchorage You’ll Love
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Hi, I’m Stacey
UNSTOPPABLE Stacey Travel is a travel blog focused on immersive travel that highlights food, wine and the spirituality of place. You can count on me for accurate reports and insightful analysis as your trusted travel writer since 2008.
As the author of several spiritual and walking guides, I occasionally write about life as a Camino de Santiago pilgrim. See my Amazon author page here. You may review my credentials as a professional travel writer on LinkedIn.
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