Surrounded by Alaska’s rich history and lore, Palmer is a quiet town, with a population of 8,428, which consistently draws visitors from around the world.
It was originally settled by homesteaders who carved a permanent community out of the Alaska wilderness. Construction of the road system and the Alaska Railroad fueled population growth and Palmer is now a bedroom community for Anchorage. The pedestrian-friendly downtown is filled with small shops offering books, arts and crafts from the area’s vibrant artisans.
What a view! From just about any point in Palmer you are ringed by majestic mountain peaks. Stop by the Visitor Information Center in the log cabin for information on what to see and do around Palmer.
You will find mild summers in the Matanuska Valley with long daylight hours and an average temperature of 60 degrees. Winters are brisk, with moderate snowfall and an average temperature of 20 degrees.
Palmer is home to the Alaska State Fair, which takes place each August.
View some photos of the local Palmer area by clicking here.
Information/Emergency
Palmer Visitor Information Center 723 South Valley Way in the rustic log cabin downtown. Open daily in the summer. Items from Palmer’s pioneer era are displayed in the museum downstairs. 907-746-7668
Mat-Su Visitor Center operated by Mat-Su CVB, is open from mid-May through mid-September. Its hours of operation are 8:30am to 6:30pm. It is located at Mile 35.5 Parks Highway; take the Trunk Road exit off the Parks Highway. Information on activities, events, lodging services, tours, is available at the Center. 907-746-5000
Emergency only 911; Palmer police 907-745-4811; State Troopers 907-745-2131; Valley Hospital 515 Dahlia, 907-745-4813.
Pioneer
Motel .28 units, cable TV, apartments, daily or weekly. 124 W. Arctic: 907-745-3425
Camping
Finger Lake State Recreation Site six miles from Palmer, Mile 1.5 Bogard Road, Wasilla. 36 campsites, 10 picnic sites, water, toilets, and a boat launch. Check Visitor Info Center for detailed maps.
Fox Run RV Campground mile 36.3 Glenn Hwy.
1-877-745-6120, 907-745-6120
Matanuska River Park mile 17 Old Glenn Highway. 86 spaces for tents
or RV's, flush toilets, showers, dump station, picnic tables, grills, park pavilions. River access, observation deck, fishing, athletic fields and parking area, campfire area, firewood, convenience concession items, RV Caravan area.
Musk Ox Farm Photograph this Ice Age survivor up-close with a guided tour of this unique working farm. You will find products made from Quviut, the wool of the Musk Ox. Mile 50 on the Glenn Highway.
Musk Oxen are raised for their precious coat of qiviut, the gossamer
down that grows under their shaggy outer guard hairs. Qiviut
is combed from the musk oxen and spun into yarn that is, pound
for pound, eight times warmer than sheep's wool. This yarn
is the basis of a cottage knitting industry that uniquely complements
the subsistence lifestyle of the Eskimo people. 907-745-4151
Alaska
State Fair,Palmer Fairgrounds in the last week of
August. The state's largest fair with craft booths, live entertainment
and home of record-setting giant vegetables and beautiful flower gardens. Events like trade shows, horse shows, concerts, children activities and a kid zone. Fun for all.
You will find numerous State campgrounds and more than
50 resorts scattered throughout the region. A large network
of paved highways and country roads provide access to the fishing,
hunting, boating, water skiing, sailing and resort vacationing for
which the area is renowned.
Hatcher Pass20-miles north
of Palmer, takes you onto high mountain summits that afford picturesque
views of the valley. From July to September, you can continue
through Hatcher Pass to Willow (60 miles) and return to Palmer via
Big Lake and Wasilla. Parts of this road are unsuitable for large
motorhomes or vehicles towing trailers.
Independence Mine State Historical Park learn what is was like to live and work in one of Alaska's largest gold mining camps. Pan for gold. It is allowed in the park with a pan and shovel only.
Park Hours: Hours are 11am to 6pm, 7 days a week. There is a day use parking fee. The visitor center is closed during the winter.
Kepler-Bradley Lakes State Recreation Area is a popular fishing, hiking and biking park. This popular state park comprises several trout and grayling filled lakes. The lakes are located in crevasses in between moraine ridges formed by glaciers 30,000 years ago.
Knik Glacier Adventures. See and experience
firsthand the rugged and beautiful land, under the care and guidance
of lifelong Alaskan residents. We use our experience, knowledge
and passion for this great land to provide you with an unforgettable
adventure and memories that will last a lifetime.
Nova Whitewater Rafting offers fantastic
whitewater rafting.
1-800-746-5753
