Top 15 Activities to Experience in Palmer, Alaska

Surrounded by majestic mountains, Palmer is situated in the Matanuska Valley, approximately 42 miles northeast of Anchorage. Easily accessible by road, it frequently serves as a destination for travelers exploring the broader region of Alaska.

Established in 1935 amid challenging agricultural conditions across the United States, this locality became the site of the Matanuska Colony, marking the genesis of Palmer. The area has since thrived as a center for agriculture, providing farm produce throughout the state.

Parker’s fertile landscape offers numerous farms and ranches, along with a rich historical narrative. Additionally, visitors can partake in a variety of hiking trails and numerous outdoor activities available in the vicinity.

Regardless of whether you choose to visit during the vibrant summer months or venture out for winter explorations, Palmer offers a unique blend of history and natural beauty, making it an exceptional locale for discovery. Below are some of the premier attractions to explore during your visit.

1. Reindeer Farm

An engaging day for families in Palmer, the Reindeer Farm offers an array of activities, blending education with enjoyment. Children will delight in pony rides, tractor and barrel rides, and navigating the hay maze, along with a wooden construction site and several bouncy castles.

The unique aspect of this location is the close interaction you can have with the animals, including the opportunity to hand-feed various species such as reindeer, moose, bison, yak, and elk.

The setting is visually striking, nestled amid mountains and picturesque trails. It is advisable to plan your visit in advance, particularly during October when the Fall Festival takes place.

2. Independence Mine State Historical Park

A trip to this historic mine provides insight into the experiences of those who lived and worked in one of Alaska’s predominant gold-mining communities.

Located within the Mine Manager’s House, the Visitor Center and museum feature exhibitions related to historic mining, natural history, and the narrative of the Independence Mine.

Self-guided tours are typically an excellent method for exploring the mine, as they allow visitors to absorb the information at their own pace after gathering materials from the visitor center.

3. Palmer Visitor Information Center

Rich in information regarding the local area, the Palmer Visitor Center serves as an excellent starting point for your exploration. Here, you can acquire maps and glean insights about optimal activities from the knowledgeable staff.

Additionally, the center boasts lovely gardens, various exhibits, and a video presentation in the lobby, providing a comprehensive overview of both historic and contemporary Palmer.

The Visitor Center is conveniently located on S Valley Way in the heart of town, not far from the airport.

4. Bodenburg Butte Hiking Trail

This scenic trail provides a spectacular 360-degree view of the Matanuska Valley situated near Palmer. While the hike is relatively short, taking only a few hours round trip, it involves a significant elevation gain, reaching 750 feet.

Although classified as an easy trail, it features numerous steps. For those averse to stairs, there is an alternative, less steep route. However, both paths briefly converge before revealing sweeping views of the valley.

Summer hikes are particularly lovely, while winter excursions should be undertaken by those with ample experience and appropriate equipment for navigating icy conditions.

5. Lazy Mountain

This picturesque area can be thoroughly explored in a single day. The hike to the summit typically requires several hours, varying based on fitness levels and the frequency of scenic pauses. The view from the top is nothing short of stunning.

The trail begins at Huntley Road in Palmer, providing parking access before embarking on the journey. It is advisable to carry sufficient water and snacks—or better yet, a picnic—to relish as you rest and enjoy the surroundings.

For optimal visuals and a slightly easier trek, summer months are the preferred time for this hike.

6. Palmer Helicopter Tours

Helicopter tours departing from Palmer provide visitors with unique flightseeing opportunities and glacier landing experiences, showcasing the stunning Knik Glacier and breathtaking landscapes. Participants may encounter wildlife such as moose, mountain goats, and bears while flying over the Chugach Mountains.

Landing on the glacier is a remarkable experience, affording visitors a rare sense of solitude amidst the wilderness.

The total duration of the tour averages between sixty to seventy-five minutes, with approximately thirty minutes allocated for exploration of the glacier.

7. Fishing Tours

Fishing plays a significant role in Palmer’s outdoor activities, with numerous companies offering guided fishing tours. Options include lake fishing, ice fishing, and river fishing.

Tour durations vary from one hour to full-day experiences and may encompass one or multiple locations to enhance the fishing adventure. Guests will have the opportunity to fish in some of Alaska’s most picturesque settings.

Guides possess extensive knowledge of the region, providing insights about the area prior to the trip and detailing the types of fish that can be anticipated during the outing.

8. Colony House Museum

The Colony House has been restored to reflect its original appearance from 1935 to 1945. Visitors can gain insight into Palmer’s history through the artifacts within the house and the expertise of the knowledgeable hosts at the museum.

Many local inhabitants from that era share fascinating anecdotes, providing an authentic glimpse into life during the colonial period.

Exhibits include intriguing artifacts, such as a bread maker and a stove situated in the kitchen, complemented by charming Christmas decorations during the festive season.

9. Pioneer Falls

This charming waterfall, situated not far from Palmer, provides a delightful stop during a hike in the region. The trail leading to the falls presents remarkable views of the Knik Glacier and the surrounding Chugach Mountains.

The ascent can be challenging, and hikers should be vigilant for potential encounters with bears and other wildlife in the area. It is prudent to carry bear spray and make noise to ensure safety.

This waterfall is relatively undiscovered, requiring some effort to locate the trailhead. However, once found, the stunning vistas awaiting you are well worth the effort.

10. Arkose Brewery

A brewery tour typically lasts around thirty minutes, during which visitors can sample locally brewed beers alongside a six-ounce pour of any beer available on tap.

As you savor the tastings, you will learn about the brewing process and the history behind the brewery.

While tours are available, visitors are also welcome to simply visit for tastings or purchase some beers to take home.

11. Government Peak Recreation Area

Situated on North Mountain Trails Drive, the Government Peak Recreation Area boasts breathtaking scenery that is sure to impress.

Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities, including hiking, biking, and skiing during the snowy season, with dedicated areas for children’s recreational activities as well. The trails are well-maintained and appropriately marked, allowing for easy navigation.

A popular attraction for families is the sledding hill, frequently filled with children and their sleds when the snow blankets the ground.

12. Sunderland Ranch

Sunderland Ranch offers exceptional horseback trail rides for visitors of all ages. Guests can choose from horseback riding lessons, camping, or simply visiting to experience ranch life.

The staff at the ranch are exceptionally patient and welcoming, demonstrating extensive knowledge and professionalism in both horsemanship and teaching.

Beginners can take gradual rides along gentle trails, while experienced riders will not be disappointed either, as the ranch provides more challenging trails and faster-paced rides in the surrounding area.

13. National Tsunami Warning Center

Guided tours are led by scientists from the center, and these groups tend to be small for personalized experiences.

After engaging with informative PowerPoint and video presentations, participants are taken through the main facility, where they can observe numerous computer monitors and maps displaying live earthquake data collected from across the globe.

The center operates around the clock, providing fascinating insights into how geoscientists monitor earthquakes and volcanic activity worldwide.

14. Bleeding Heart Brewery

Distinguished as Alaska’s smallest production brewery, Bleeding Heart Brewery is located within a historic colonial homestead farm in Palmer.

The brewery’s mission centers on producing high-quality, unique ales and lagers for the Palmer community and beyond, while pushing the boundaries of craft brewing in Alaska.

Guests can experience a tour of the brewery and taproom while sampling some of the finest beers crafted here. For those feeling peckish, a food truck is conveniently located outside to satisfy your hunger.

15. Crevasse Moraine Trail System

The Crevasse Moraine Trail System allows for enjoyable experiences throughout both summer and winter seasons, although the experience will differ accordingly. Numerous routes cater to various time constraints and ability levels.

Regardless of your chosen path, you will have an enjoyable time engaging in physical activity while absorbing the stunning landscapes. This trail system is also dog- and family-friendly.