Wasilla Alaska is situated between Wasilla and Lucille Lakes and surrounded by majestic
peaks of the Chugach and Talkeetna mountains. It has been inhabited by successive waves of Indians, miners, trappers, farmers and merchants. Wasilla was named after the respected local Dena'ina Indian, Chief Wasilla. In the Dena'ina Athabascan Indian dialect "Wasilla" is said to mean "breath of air". Other sources claim the Chief derived his name from the Russian language and the "Vasili" is a variation of the Russian name "William".
Wasilla is a modern community in every way with restaurants, hotels, shopping malls and community services.
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.
In 1925, part of the Iditarod Trail became a life-saving highway for epidemic stricken Nome. Diphtheria threatened the community and the serum had to be
brought in: again by intrepid dog mushers and their faithful hard-driving huskies. Todays Iditarod race is a commemoration of those yesteryears, a not-so-distant past Alaskans honor and are proud of. The 1994 race faced new difficulties as two of the major corporate sponsors pulled out due to pressure from animal rights groups. Tesoro Alaska and other Alaskan Corporations stepped forward to insure that this great tradition continues.
Information/Emergency
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
MSCVB, is open from mid-May through mid-September. Its hours of
operation are 8:30am to 6:30pm. the Center is located at Mile 35.5
Parks Highway, just up the Parks Highway from its intersection
with the Glenn Highway. Available at the Center is information on
activities, events, lodging services, tours and more. A gift
shop is located in the Center as well. Mailing address HC 01 Box
6166 J21 Palmer, AK 99645; 907-746-5000
Dorothy Page Museum and Visitors Center, 323 Main Street, 907-373-9071.
Emergency only 911;Palmer Hospital 745-4813; Ambulance 376-5320; State Troopers 745-2131.
Best Western Lake Lucille Inn is the premier hotel property in the Mat-Su Valley. The view of
the mountains from this lakeside hotel is spectacular. The hotel’s
Shoreline restaurant and Lake View lounge are award-winning, and
there are many activities for guests wanting to do more than relax
on the spacious deck. They have banquet and meeting facilities, fitness room with hot tub and sauna, free wi-fi and complimentary deluxe continental breakfast.1300 W. Lake Lucille Dr. Wasilla, AK 99654;
907-373-1776 or toll free 1-800-897-1776
Camping
Lake Lucille Park is located at the
end of an access road at mile 2.4 Knik-Goose Bay Road, south of
Wasilla. Sixty-four spaces for tents or RV's This 80-acre park provides
non-motorized lake access, a boardwalk and fishing deck, restrooms
and drinking water, trails, day use area, volleyball and horseshoe
courts, picnic tables, fire pits, picnic area, group camping area,
and firewood.
3 Rivers Fly and Tackle. Celebrating 15 years of sharing our knowledge and experience with our customers. Whatever fish you are looking for, however you plan to catch them, and wherever you are traveling in the state, our experienced staff can outfit any of your fishing needs. 907-373-5434
Town Square Art Gallery in the Carrs Mall. 376-0123 Is a unique collection of Alaskan art, pottery, gifts, jewelry and cards.
Dining Country
Kitchen 401 West Parks Hwy; 907-376-6357. Family restaurant,
breakfast served all day. All you can eat buffet 10-2. Home-made
pies & cakes
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 at Hatcher Pass is protected by the Alaska State Parks and offers a preserved experience of what life was like back in the Gold Rush. Inside this historic mine you'll see displays about mining, natural history and the Independence Mine story. A guided tour will take you inside some of the mining camps historic buildings. The visitor center is open from 10am to 7pm daily.
Iditarod Race. 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 is behind the museum. It contains Wasilla's first school, the first public bath in town, two different styles of log cabins and a smithy.
The Knik Museum and Dog Mushers Hall of Fame are at mile 14/km 22.5
on Knik Road. The pre Anchorage town of Knik served as a major supply point for the South Central Alaska interior. The Knik Museum is in the only remaining structure of the former town. Famous dogs and dog mushers are honored here for their contributions to dog team travel and sled dog racing.
Wasilla Museum. Along with a modern Museum addition this picturesque old log museum is situated between the fire station and the public library on "Main Street" in Wasilla. Open 7 days a week, the museum preserves Wasilla's history and also contains a visitor information center and Gift Shop. (admission fee charged).
