Palmer is a small Alaskan city located in the Matanuska-Susitna Borough. It is 42 miles northeast of Anchorage along the Glenn Highway in the Matanuska Valley. It is the ninth largest city in the state and is part of the Anchorage Metropolitan Statistical Area.
Reindeer Farm
A visit to a reindeer farm is a great way to spend the day. You can feed the reindeer and pet them, as well as go horseback riding or sledding. The farm is also open during the winter, so you can experience the snow and ice at a different pace.
The Reindeer Farm is a popular place to visit in Palmer, Alaska, during the holidays. This farm is situated just outside of town on a 200-acre plot, and is owned by the Williams family. The farm is open to the public and visitors can take an hour-long tour that includes tales about the reindeer and other wild animals. There is also a great chance to meet a baby reindeer in June!
A visit to the Reindeer Farm in Palmer is a memorable experience. You’ll have the chance to interact with the reindeer and feed them, and enjoy dozens of farm games. You can also visit the farm’s other animals, such as elk, bison, moose, and yak. The farm is also a popular destination for mountain bikers, cross-country skiers, and trail runners.
The Visitor Center is another popular place in Palmer. It has exhibits, maps, and information on upcoming events. The visitor center is located on S Valley Way, near the Palmer airport. You can also take a short hike to the Matanuska Valley Trail, which offers 360-degree views of the Matanuska Valley.
The Reindeer Farm is situated on a 200-acre plot, and was part of a 1935 U.S. Army colony. The farm was established to support agriculture in the far north. The Williams family originally wanted to build a reindeer farm, but the ranchers decided to add bison and two rescued bull moose to the farm. Additionally, they added a herd of Rocky Mountain Elk.
Lazy Mountain
Located in Palmer, Alaska, Lazy Mountain is a great place to spend a day. You can hike to the summit of the mountain for a 360-degree view of the city and the Matanuska Valley below. The trail winds through tall grasses and a picturesque forest. Once at the top, you can spend the night at the summit. The area is perfect for a relaxing getaway from the hustle and bustle of city life.
The weather at Lazy Mountain is mild throughout the year, although the coolest months are January and February. However, the temperature is still warm enough to enjoy water sports, and swimming in the ocean is comfortable. Despite the high altitude, the temperatures can change quickly throughout the year, so it is best to check the forecast before making any plans.
The trail to Lazy Mountain begins in the dense forest, then becomes less steep with steps and winds up through three humps before reaching the summit ridge. From the summit, you’ll see the Twin Peaks and Matanuska peak. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also hike the nearby Bodenburg Butte.
During your stay in Palmer, you may want to stop by one of the many local restaurants. Turkey Red is a popular local restaurant that makes the most of locally-grown ingredients. Over a quarter of its produce is grown in the town. Its menu includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and is loaded with popular favorites. You can also enjoy a wide range of beverages.
Despite the chilly weather of winter, Lazy Mountain is one of the best places for outdoor activities in Palmer. Whether you’re looking for a challenge or a breathtaking view, this hike can’t be missed. A half-day hike on Lazy Mountain can take up to half a day, and will reward you with a panoramic view of the Knik River.
Matanuska Glacier
For hiking enthusiasts, Matanuska Glacier is one of Palmer’s must-see destinations. The hike will last 1.5 to 2 hours and includes use of equipment. Tours are offered daily. You can reserve a tour in advance to ensure a spot. The entrance fee varies, depending on the type of tour you choose.
Access to Matanuska Glacier is prohibited by road and helicopter, but it is accessible by snow machine, boat, plane, and private road. Most people take the private road and pass through a fee station to get there. The glacier is managed by a local resident named Bill Stevenson.
The drive to Matanuska Glacier from Palmer is beautiful and scenic. The route follows the Matanuska River and is framed by the Chugach and Talkeetna mountains. During summer, the glacier is a popular destination for tourists.
Matanuska Glacier is just south of Palmer, Alaska. It is the largest vehicle-accessible glacier in the U.S. and is nearly twenty-seven miles long and four miles wide. Because the glacier is so large, you can only reach it with a guided tour. A guided tour of the glacier can take around an hour and a half, depending on the route you take. You’ll need a car to make the trip, but you can also opt for a hotel or a restaurant in Glacier View. The Majestic Valley Wilderness Lodge offers the best accommodations and dining in the area.
For hiking enthusiasts, Matanuska Glacier is a must-see while in Palmer. The glacier is still relatively intact, but is not as spectacular as it once was. The trail is approximately three miles round trip and is gravelly with no paved road. The trail is not well marked and is privately owned by AT&T. Hikers should contact AT&T for directions or if they require assistance.
The Noisy Goose
The Noisy Goose is an American restaurant located in Palmer, AK. The restaurant serves fast food, as well as a vegetarian option. Its prices are reasonable, and the staff is friendly. It also accepts credit cards and takes orders for takeout. There are many parking options nearby and plenty of room to park your bike outside.
The Noisy Goose is a great place to grab a breakfast or lunch. Breakfast items include an omelet with egg whites, or fried halibut. The Noisy Goose also serves delicious apple pie, pancakes, biscuits, and beer. The cafe is well-known for its great service and reasonable prices. It also has a charming atmosphere and cute decor.
Colony House Museum
Palmer’s downtown is walkable and full of interesting attractions and activities. Visitors can learn about the town’s agricultural history at the Colony House Museum. This museum is located in an original farmhouse that was owned by Oscar and Irene Beylund in the 1930s. The museum features artifacts and furnishings from the early years of the community. The museum is also committed to its mission of public education.
This museum was built in the original Palmer settlement, and its rooms are filled with artifacts from the era. Visitors can also see the Pioneers’ stuffed suitcases, including their piano and clothes. In order to meet the weight limits, the pioneers had to pack these items into their luggage.
For those who like animals, the Reindeer Farm is an excellent place to visit. Hundreds of reindeer bred for various purposes roam around the farm, and the facility features many activities for children. Hand-feeding reindeer is a popular activity, and visitors can enjoy farm games and other activities. Visitors can also get up close to elk, bison, moose, and yak.
Located in a beautiful wooded setting, Pioneer Falls is a hidden gem. The waterfalls are just 1.6 kilometers off the Old Glen Highway on the Est Knik River Road. Although the trail is a bit difficult and slippery, the view is stunning.
The Matanuska Valley Memoir is a slim, but informative booklet about the history of Palmer’s Matanuska Valley. The booklet includes information on the Colony, mining, trails, railroads, and the Colony. It’s also worth reading the Life and Times of Matanuska Valley Pioneers, which was conducted in the early 21st century and includes interviews with old-timers from the pre-Colony era to the early years of Statehood.
