Wasilla is situated between Matanuska and Susitna valleys of south-central Alaska, on the Alaska Railroad main line that runs between Anchorage and Fairbanks. Wasilla is about 45 miles north of Anchorage. Over the past several years, it has been one of America’s fastest growing cities. With a present population of just over 7,000
It is the fifth largest city in the state and is part of the Matanuska-Susitna (Mat-Su) Borough. Sarah Palin was Wasilla’s mayor before her election as Governor of Alaska. She was chosen by John McCain as his vice-presidential running mate in 2008 which gained Wasilla international attention.
Wasilla is also the headquarters for the Iditarod Sled Dog Race that is a commemoration of Alaska’s colorful past. The Iditarod Trail, which is now a national historical trail, had its beginnings as a mail and supply route. It began in the coastal towns of Seward and Knik and extended to the interior mining communities and beyond to the west coast communities. Mail and supplies went in, gold came out, all via dog sled.
History The town of Wasilla was founded in 1917 and came into prominence when the Alaska Railroad was built to access the interior and resources of Alaska and
in doing so served the Willow Creek Mining District. From 1907 until the mines were closed by the government during World War II, the district contributed to Alaska's lode gold production. Most of the mining activity was focused in the area of the Little Susitna drainage, but the name "Willow Creek District" was retained from older usage, even though the mines in the Willow Creek drainage for the most part had been worked out or closed.
At a time when gold was valued between $20 to $35 an ounce almost 18 million dollars worth of gold was extracted from mines with names like Gold Cord, Independence, Lucky Shot and War Baby.
Wasilla is the headquarters for the Iditarod Trail Committee. The Iditarod Sled Dog Race is more than a race, it is a commemoration of the colorful past.
The Iditarod Trail, now a national historical trail, had its beginnings as
a mail and supply route from the coastal towns of Seward and Knik to the interior mining camps and beyond to the west coast communities. Mail and supplies went in. Gold came out. All via dog sled. Heroes were made, legends were born.
Information/Emergency
Dorothy Page Museum was built in 1931 as a community hall and in 1967 it became Wasilla’s first museum. Today, the Museum continues to educate and inspire through exhibitions, programs and lectures. They have an expansive collection representing the most comprehensive assemblage of Wasilla artifacts in the region.
Greater Wasilla Chamber of Commerce 907-376-1299 415 E Railroad Ave. For a complete listing of events and activities in the Wasilla area check out our website.
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 Hospital 745-4813; Ambulance 376-5320; State Troopers 745-2131.
Best Western Lake Lucille Inn is the Valley’s premier hotel and has been recently renovated. Located on Lake Lucille with breathtaking views of the Chugach Range; only 45 miles from Anchorage. They have banquet and meeting facilities, fitness room with hot tub and sauna, free Wi-Fi and complimentary deluxe continental breakfast. 1-800-897-1776
Camping
Lake Lucille Park is located at the end of Endeavor Street at mile 2.4 Knik-Goose Bay Road, south of Wasilla. Fifty-nine spaces for tents or RV’s. This 80-acre park provides non-motorized lake access, a boardwalk and fishing deck, rest rooms and drinking water, trails, day use area, fire pits, & group camping area. Fee area. 907-745-9690
Things To Do Hatcher Pass 18-miles north of Palmer takes you onto high mountain summits. Cabins left from the Gold Rush still rest on the summit of the highest peaks to the lowest areas of the valley. Summer activities include hiking, biking, & wildlife viewing. 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.
Iditarod Race. Wasilla is home to the Iditarod Headquarters, which features a museum, gift shop, sled dog rides, Anchorage is the starting line for this world famous
race. The field of dog teams, which grows in number each year, runs to Eagle River to Check Point 1. After a restart in Wasilla, the mushers leave the land of highways and bustling activity and head across the Susitna River to Skwentna and then up to Nome. A winter carnival is held in Wasilla in conjunction with this annual event.
Museum of Alaska Transportation now has over 20 acres of displays. There is a train yard, many outdoor artifacts, and an exhibit hall. The Museum was established to give a home to transportation and industrial artifacts and to tell the stories of the people and the machines that opened Alaska to exploration and growth.
Old Wasilla Town Site behind the Dorothy G. Page Museum the buildings are attractively situated on lots laid out in the original 1917 Townsite and open to the public 5 days a week from May through September.
The Knik Museum represents a major part of Alaska’s History. Located in one of the only two remaining buildings of the Knik historic town site, the museum holds a collection of artifacts from the Alaska Gold Rush era.
The Dorothy Page Museum has preserved an assortment of Wasilla artifacts which represents the largest collection in the region.
