Mat-Su Guidebook
Sightseeing
An awesome summer hike - the trail is steep so if you’re looking for a leg workout this is it. Great views of the whole Mat-Su! This hike is moderate difficulty and should take from 3-5 hours.
6 locals recommend
Lazy Mountain
An awesome summer hike - the trail is steep so if you’re looking for a leg workout this is it. Great views of the whole Mat-Su! This hike is moderate difficulty and should take from 3-5 hours.
A short hike with spectacular views of the Chugach and Talkeetna mountains, the valley below, and the Knik glacier. The West Butte Trail is much easier for children and is shaded from the sun by an old growth forest. The Sandvik Family trail is very steep and dusty but a fun adventure.
14 locals recommend
Bodenburg Butte
A short hike with spectacular views of the Chugach and Talkeetna mountains, the valley below, and the Knik glacier. The West Butte Trail is much easier for children and is shaded from the sun by an old growth forest. The Sandvik Family trail is very steep and dusty but a fun adventure.
Beautiful place for picnics, biking, kayaking and camping. You can also start the Twin Peaks Hike here!
75 locals recommend
Eklutna Lake
Beautiful place for picnics, biking, kayaking and camping. You can also start the Twin Peaks Hike here!
A great place to spend a sunny day! Best for 4x4 vehicles and fat-tire biking.
7 locals recommend
Knik River Public Use Area
A great place to spend a sunny day! Best for 4x4 vehicles and fat-tire biking.
This is a mellow, almost flat hike around a gorgeous lake. This is a great place to see swans, watch sunsets and get some fresh air without losing your breath.
11 locals recommend
Reflections Lake
This is a mellow, almost flat hike around a gorgeous lake. This is a great place to see swans, watch sunsets and get some fresh air without losing your breath.
A longer hike but absolutely worth it if it’s a sunny day in July, August or September. The lakes are aqua and the craggy mountains are absolutely breathtaking. You’ll feel like your wandering through a movie set. This hike can take up to 8 hours. Be prepared for changing weather and bring food!
10 locals recommend
Reed Lakes Trailhead
A longer hike but absolutely worth it if it’s a sunny day in July, August or September. The lakes are aqua and the craggy mountains are absolutely breathtaking. You’ll feel like your wandering through a movie set. This hike can take up to 8 hours. Be prepared for changing weather and bring food!
Food
Live music in the summers, outdoor seating, beer, and some dang good pizza - a must visit for people watching and meeting locals.
79 locals recommend
Palmer City Alehouse
320 E Dahlia AveLive music in the summers, outdoor seating, beer, and some dang good pizza - a must visit for people watching and meeting locals.
The best Asian fusion food in town with fast take-out and great casual atmosphere.
13 locals recommend
Basil Ginger
850 Roberts StThe best Asian fusion food in town with fast take-out and great casual atmosphere.
Wasilla’s best surf and turf with spectacular views of the Chugach Range.
32 locals recommend
Settlers Bay Lodge
5801 S Knik Goose Bay RdWasilla’s best surf and turf with spectacular views of the Chugach Range.
Late nite spot for fries, shakes, fine mob rolls and anything else you could possible want after an evening out. The food is greasy and low-quality but it hits the spot.
16 locals recommend
Valley Hotel Open Café
606 S Alaska StLate nite spot for fries, shakes, fine mob rolls and anything else you could possible want after an evening out. The food is greasy and low-quality but it hits the spot.
A nice cafe with alternative-diet options. A nice spot in down town Palmer to get some work done or have coffee with a friend.
47 locals recommend
Vagabond Blues
642 S Alaska StA nice cafe with alternative-diet options. A nice spot in down town Palmer to get some work done or have coffee with a friend.
This is a great place for brunch that features seasonal Alaskan ingredients. The restaurant is in a pre-statehood house with a vintage vibe and stunning mountain views.
Feather & Flour
This is a great place for brunch that features seasonal Alaskan ingredients. The restaurant is in a pre-statehood house with a vintage vibe and stunning mountain views.
Drinks
Intimate dining and wining in the heart of Wasilla with small plates. Outdoor seating in summer.
33 locals recommend
The Grape Tap
322 N Boundary StIntimate dining and wining in the heart of Wasilla with small plates. Outdoor seating in summer.
Keely and her baristas will make your morning. The coffee’s great and their customer service is even better!
Keely's Coffee House
1265 S Seward Meridian PkwyKeely and her baristas will make your morning. The coffee’s great and their customer service is even better!
One of three bars on the Palmer main drive. This is wear the night life happens. Disclaimer: Alaskan bars are rustic, do not expect a city club or refined crowd.
11 locals recommend
Klondike Mike's Saloon & Road House BBQ
820 S Colony WayOne of three bars on the Palmer main drive. This is wear the night life happens. Disclaimer: Alaskan bars are rustic, do not expect a city club or refined crowd.
203 Kombucha
105 S Valley WayIf you’re into kombucha this is the place for you!
Activities
Meet the prehistoric sheep of the arctic at one of the only domesticated musk-ox farms and learn about their uber-warm fiber.
74 locals recommend
The Musk Ox Farm
12850 E Archie RdMeet the prehistoric sheep of the arctic at one of the only domesticated musk-ox farms and learn about their uber-warm fiber.
A family favorite! Meet the reindeer of Palmer, AK and their deer cousins.
101 locals recommend
Reindeer Farm
5561 Bodenburg LoopA family favorite! Meet the reindeer of Palmer, AK and their deer cousins.
Take a flight seeing tour up to Ruth Glacier and experience North America’s highest peak by air.
30 locals recommend
K2 Aviation
14052 E 2nd StTake a flight seeing tour up to Ruth Glacier and experience North America’s highest peak by air.
Touch the Matanuska Glacier, lead by a professional.
13 locals recommend
Matanuska Glacier Adventures of Alaska
66500 Glacier Park RdTouch the Matanuska Glacier, lead by a professional.
Take a day trip to Girdwood and the quaint ski town with great hikes in the summer.
24 locals recommend
Alyeska
Take a day trip to Girdwood and the quaint ski town with great hikes in the summer.
City advice
Getting around
Rent a Car
Having a vehicle is important in Alaska. Public transit is almost non-existent. Renting a sedan will get you access to most places. In winter (Oct-Apr) a 4X4 is recommended due to occasional snow and icy roads.
Customs and culture
Dress for Comfort
There are very few places in Alaska that will require or even notice your attire. Wearing jeans and a t-shirt is acceptable in almost every establishment.
Book before you go
Don’t over-book
Alaska has crazy weather mood swings. If you’re planning on flying to a glacier or taking a boat tour, you should check the forecast a day or two before and book then.
What to pack
Winter Packing
November-March can be cold! Bring warm socks, pants, boots, hats, gloves, scarves, coats and sweaters.
Travelling with kids
Bring or Buy Afterbite
Mosquitoes are basically the state bird of Alaska. Kids tend to welt up when bitten, a tube of Afterbite on a hike can be a life saver.
Useful phrases
It’s Not Snowmobile
Alaskans say snow machine, it’s barely different but we’ll notice.