Palmer is the ninth-largest city in Alaska. Located on the Matanuska Valley, it lies 42 miles northeast of Anchorage. It is part of the Anchorage Metropolitan Statistical Area. There are many attractions in and around Palmer. These include the Knik Glacier, Reindeer Farm, and Arkose Brewery.
Arkose Brewery
While in Palmer, you should stop by Arkose Brewery for a beer tasting tour. The tour is only thirty minutes long and includes samples of different beer varieties. In 2012, Stephen and June Gerteisen founded the craft brewery, which serves 16 different beers on tap at any one time. The brewery also sells bottles and hosts community events.
The city’s visitor center has a map of attractions and a history museum. You can also take a guided tour of the city’s points of interest. The visitor center is located near the Palmer airport. You can also walk the Matanuska Valley Trail for an unforgettable 360-degree view of the Matanuska Valley.
In Palmer, you can enjoy outdoor activities and see the northern lights. Other fun things to do in Palmer include dog sledding, snowmobiling, and hiking. The city is also a popular destination for helicopter tours. While the weather is great year-round, you can find a variety of activities for your family to enjoy. One of the most fun activities in Palmer is the Alaska State Fair. This event is held in late August.
If you are planning a trip to Palmer, you can book an affordable car rental through Hotwire. The website is partnered with trusted car rental companies in Palmer and offers great deals on car rentals. You can even save up to 60% by booking your rental through Hotwire.
Another popular place to visit in Palmer is the Palmer Museum of History and Art. It features a great collection of art and local history. The museum also features bicycle rentals. You can also try one of the local breweries. The Arkose Brewery is near the fairgrounds, while Bleeding Heart Brewery is near downtown Palmer.
You should also take the time to visit the Matanuska River Park. The park has a bike park, a skills area, and a flow trail, which connects to the larger River Park Trails. Local crafts, fruits, and vegetables are also sold at the local market. Fireside Books also hosts special events throughout the year.
Knik Glacier
If you’re in the mood to explore the wilderness, Knik Glacier is an excellent destination. Although the glacier is not easily accessible by car, there are many tour options to explore the area. One such option is a 25-mile ATV trail that will take you up the Knik River. From here, you can catch panoramic views of the surrounding landscape and see wildlife. The tour can last anywhere from six to eight hours.
There are flightseeing tours available to fly over the Knik Glacier. You can also choose a hiking, kayaking, or dog mushing tour. There are also tours that include the nearby Lake George and Colony Glaciers.
Once you’ve gotten your fill of sightseeing, be sure to try dog sledding. Dog sledding is a classic Alaskan excursion that involves riding on a sled pulled by pups. The experience is popular in Alaska and is considered an authentic Alaskan experience.
If you’d like to experience nature up close, the Reindeer Farm is another great place to visit. It’s located just 1.6 kilometers from the Old Glen Highway on the Est Knik River Road. Though the trail is a bit steep and slippery, the view is breathtaking.
Another great place to visit in Palmer Alaska is the Palmer Racetrack. The track is surrounded by dramatic mountains and is best accessed via the Old Glenn Highway or a different route through the mountains. There are a number of local breweries near the town center.
Palmer’s historic roots go way back to the pre-Civil War days. During the New Deal, more than 200 families relocated to Palmer as part of Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal in 1935. The town’s museum features a number of historical artifacts and exhibits. During your visit, be sure to take a Palmer Walking Tour. Afterward, travel to the historic Colony House Museum for an up-close view of the area’s history.
Palmer also hosts a state fair every year. The fair is an important event for the local community, and visitors can take part in many activities. It hosts many contests and features, including contests for the biggest vegetables and livestock. It typically starts in late August and continues throughout September, and the town is full of visitors.
Colony House Museum
If you’re visiting Palmer, Alaska, you should take time to visit the Colony House Museum. This beautifully restored house dates back to 1935. It’s run by passionate descendants of the pioneers who settled here. Inside, you’ll find interesting artifacts and learn about the life of early settlers. The museum also includes a beautiful Christmas display.
The original colony house was restored by the Palmer Historical Society in 1935. This house was once home to Oscar and Irene Beylund. The museum has many artifacts from the period and is a great way to learn more about Palmer’s history. The museum also holds various events throughout the year, including the annual Colony Days and Colony Christmas.
Another great place to visit in Palmer is the Mat-Su Visitors Center. This center is located at 723 S. Valley Way and has exhibits and a video playing in the lobby. Visitors can learn about the history of Palmer and find out where to go next. There are also free maps available at the Visitor Information Center.
While you’re in Palmer, you can also spend some time exploring the area’s back roads. The Farm Loop Road and Glenn Highway lead to the original colony farms. You’ll also find roadside vegetable stands in the summer. The annual Alaska State Fair is also a must-see for many visitors. This 12-day event has many attractions, including a rodeo, carnival, and world-record vegetables.
The town also offers several craft beer breweries. Arkose Brewery, which opened in 2011, has been brewing unique craft beers using traditional methods. The brewery has a full menu of beers made locally. There are also classic cocktails and bites for diners.
If you’re planning a vacation in Palmer, make sure to put it on your itinerary. The town is beautiful and tranquil. Visitors from around the world stop in Palmer for a visit. There’s plenty to see and do in Palmer, and the welcoming community here will make sure you have a great time.
If you’re interested in learning about the early history of the area, you’ll want to check out the Colony House Museum. The house was originally built in 1935 as a New Deal resettlement project. Today, descendants of the original colonists work in the museum and are tour guides. The interior of the house was furnished in the 1930s and 1940s, and features original Sears and Roebuck furniture. There’s also a garden on the grounds.
Reindeer Farm
One of the most popular activities in Palmer is visiting a reindeer farm. Here, visitors can enjoy activities like petting reindeer and feeding them. They can also enjoy horseback riding and winter sled rides. A working farm is also a great place to learn more about Alaskan agriculture.
The farm is 45 minutes north of Anchorage. Admission is $11 for adults and $9 for kids. A tour of the reindeer’s pens is offered by appointment only in winter, so be sure to wear a pair of dirty shoes!
If you enjoy hiking, consider hiking the Matanuska Valley Trail, a 1.5-mile trail with an elevated area. The trail has an easy difficulty rating and is not too strenuous. However, it does have a few steps and stairs. It is the perfect place for a relaxing day away from the bustling city life.
Another great place to visit in Palmer is the Reindeer Farm, located just outside of town. Here, guests can get up close to reindeer and other farm animals. The Reindeer Farm offers a self-guided tour, or you can opt for a VIP tour. The farm even offers horseback rides through its farm. It is definitely a fun day trip for kids and adults alike.
If you are interested in learning more about the wildlife in Alaska, then the Reindeer Farm is definitely a great place to visit. It’s a family-run farm and offers educational experiences, fun food, and even hay rides. Visitors can also enjoy a hay maze, wooden construction site, and bouncy castles.
The Reindeer Farm is located on a 200-acre plot. Originally part of an agricultural colony, it is now a popular place to visit in Palmer, Alaska. The Williams family had originally intended to have a moose farm, but due to restrictions on owning moose in the state, they had to settle for reindeer instead. In 1987, the Williams family bought 20 reindeer, and today, the reindeer farm is home to more than 300 reindeer.
While you’re visiting Palmer, make sure to stop at the Visitor Information Center. This center provides information on Palmer’s history and attractions, and can help you plan a memorable day out. It also has a museum and complimentary maps.