Things to do & places to visit in Palmer, Alaska, United States

Palmer city in Alaska, United States. Timezone: America/Anchorage, current date and time: Saturday, May 11, 2024, 8:05.

Top things to do (29)

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 Alaska Backcountry Adventure Tours (916 reviews)
- Amazing glacier tour
Saturday: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM 4WD, ATV & Off-Road Tours • Nature & Wildlife Tours

This was our second trip with Brady out to the Knik Glacier and it did not disappoint! We began our day with a little bit of sunshine that later became liquid sunshine. Brady was an amazing guide that adjusted our tour based upon the changing weather conditions; however, even with the rain, he never lost his enthusiasm. In fact, he actually became more enthusiastic with the rain!! The glacier was massive and the views were epic. I highly recommend this trip. See more..
5.0 Alaska Horse Adventures (863 reviews)
- Fun ride!
Saturday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Horseback Riding Tours

We provide exciting horse related adventures for Alaskans, and Alaska guests! Trail rides, sleigh rides, packing in the mountains, you name it! Do you want an exciting, fast paced ride...? Or perhaps a calm, leisurely ride? Let us know your needs and wants, and we will try to accommodate you the best we can! See more..
5.0 Knik Glacier Tours (316 reviews)
- Excellent
Saturday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Nature & Wildlife Tours

We had such a good time on this trip! We were the only ones on the tour, plus a couple of guys were who going rafting, and we really enjoyed meeting them. The truck ride is super bumpy and fun, especially going though the water. The boat ride was awesome too, and you are given ear protection and heavy jackets. We floated by small icebergs, and the lake was just beautiful! After we landed at glacier camp, we climbed all around the area, and you can get a snack from the guide if you'd like. There is also a peanut-eating ground squirrel. :-) We spent quite a while walking around and taking pictures, and there were pieces of ice that you could pick up on the ground by the shoreline. This trip does require some mobility to climb into and out of the truck and the boat. We highly recommend it! See more..
5.0 Sunderland Ranch (35 reviews)
- No better way to spend the day!
Saturday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Horseback Riding Tours

Horse Adventure Trail Rides through mountain trails, over creeks and across fields. Ride through 400 acres of private farmland in the Chugiak Mountains. Wagon tours across our farm to feed elk and cattle. Farm tours includes hydroponic growing house. We also have a Bed and Breakfast and Legacy Mountain Lodge. Stay & Play! Horse arena, trail rides, wagon tours, kids camps and farm tours! Our summer kids day-camp programs incorporate horse skills, trail rides and other ranching activities. Get out here and enjoy a true Alaskan adventure! See more..
5.0 Government Peak Recreation Area (15 reviews)
- Amazing and breathtaking scenery and area
Spent More than 3 hours State Parks

Did I say it was "Amazing and breathtaking scenery and area". A 25 minute drive from Palmer brings you to the foot of 2 absolutely naturally wonderful areas to drive, see, absorb and photograph. The 2 areas are Government peak and Hatcher's pass. Thoroughly recommend this area to visit. You will need your own transport, not sure if there is public transport or tour guides/excursions. Plan to spend 3 to 4 hours as a minimum. See more..
5.0 Fishhook Golf Course (4 reviews)
- Beautiful Golf Course
Saturday: 8:00 AM - 9:30 PM Golf Courses

A family run 9-hole par 36 golf course on the doorstep of Alaska's wilderness. The course layout is challenging and adapted to the natural terrain with a hint of tradition Scottish links architecture. The course offers spectacular views of Pioneer Peak and the surrounding landscapes. Fishhook Golf Course also provides a full service covered driving range as well as the best practice facility in the state. Close to city attractions such as Lazy Mountain and the Butte, Matanuska Glacier, a neighbor to the Musk Ox Farm and on the start of the road leading to Hatcher's Pass and Independance Mine! The course is 3,663 yards from the blue tees for 9 holes. See more..
5.0 Shame Lamb Gallery (1 review)
- Should be Shane Lamb Gallery - great photos / excellent service / reasonable prices
This location was reported permanently closed Speciality & Gift Shops • Art Galleries
We stopped into a number of small shops during our visit and this is the only one where we bought artwork. Shane's photography is wonderful - creative, interesting, capturing the experience we had and hoped to have during our visit. Shane is a great guy to talk with and we enjoyed hearing stories behind some of the photos in his gallery. Highly recommend! See more..
5.0 Skeetawk (1 review)
- Private Snowboard Lessons
Saturday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Biking Trails • Hiking Trails • Ski & Snowboard Areas

Our kids had an amazing time with Chris. Very professional, understanding our kids experience level, and just overall great with teaching them. We highly recommend private lessons with him! See more..
4.5 Reindeer Farm (705 reviews)
- Exciting and Educational Reindeer Farm Experience
Saturday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Farms

we are more than a zoo! Plan to hand feed and interact with many of our friendly Reindeer, Moose, Bison, Yak, Elk, Alpaca, and Highland cattle. Learn about our Colony History, take a Pony ride and a tractor wagon ride. Please dress for the weather this is an outside activity! In October we have our Fall Festival, and in December we offer Santa tours! We are open year round, closed in the month of April for calving season. See more..
4.5 Musk Ox Farm (480 reviews)
- Soft, not cuddly
Saturday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Farms

Join us for a scenic walk around our property in Palmer while our staff shares with you our project history, the natural history of the musk oxen, and the incredible potential these arctic ungulates have to offer communities in the far north. You will see frisky calves, seasoned old bulls, and the largest captive herd of musk oxen in the world, don't forget your camera! To guarantee your spot, make your tour reservation today. See more..
4.5 Independence Mine State Historical Park (445 reviews)
- Fascinating gold mine history
Saturday: 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM State Parks • Mines

Park dedicated to the history of the gold rush. See more..
4.5 Palmer Visitor Information Center (148 reviews)
- Friendly helpful greeters, video and displays with history, artist of the week, extrnsive community garden
Saturday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Visitor Centers

We stopped at the visitor center during our visit through the area. We were welcomed warmly. My hubby enjoyed watching the history video while I wandered through the extensive adjacent garden. Recommend a pit stop here. See more..
4.5 Bodenburg Butte (139 reviews)
- Great views which certainly worth the hike
Hiking Trails • Geologic Formations

This is a relatively easy hike which includes climbing 505 stairs if you use a more civilized West loop. 360 Mat-Su valley views definitely worth the effort. If you have a binocular, you can even see the Knik glacier. There is a standard 5-dollar fee for parking at the National Park area. See more..
4.5 Lazy Mountain (28 reviews)
- Great views and very well maintained trails
Mountains

This is a really great trail that gets the blood pumping and it allows for super views on a clear day. I met a few other locals and all were very pleasant and friendly. As others mentioned, wait until its dry to have a great experience. See more..
4.5 Pioneer Falls (23 reviews)
- Hidden gem, short hike, roaring waterfall, beautiful scenery
Spent < 1 hour Scenic Walking Areas • Waterfalls

A visit to Pioneer Falls is well worth the time and effort. Finding it is a bit of a challenge. We set Google Maps to "Pioneer Falls Trailhead"; the trick was knowing that when Google says we arrived, we had to turn into a narrow gravel driveway with an unmarked mailbox. Just 100 yards up the gravel driveway, we arrived at an oval gravel parking area. As we exited the car, we could hear the roar of the rushing water. The trail is obvious, though not groomed, so care is needed over rocks and roots. The trail cuts through lush forest and stops at a narrow viewpoint next to the cascading falls. Being adventurous, we continued up a steep rocky trail and were rewarded with spectacular views of larger cascades. Note: I do not recommend this activity for small children since the views are restricted and the rocky edge must be respected. See more..
4.5 Colony House Museum (20 reviews)
- Loved it here, a real snapshot of Colony life.
Spent 1-2 hours History Museums

The Colony House Museum is a Colony House from the 1935 Matanuska Valley New Deal relocation project. $2 entry - best deal in town! See more..
4.5 Reflections Lake (16 reviews)
- Beautiful and Quiet Walking Trail
Spent < 1 hour Bodies of Water

This lake is right next to the highway. I drive by this lake hundreds of times a year. I finally decided to stop here with my family one weekend to see this lake. I was surprised to find a beautiful and quiet walking trail around the lake. There is also an observation tower that cannot be seen from the highway. Don't pass up this easy to access lake and it's beautiful scenery. See more..
4.5 Arkose Brewery (14 reviews)
- Super
Saturday: 2:00 PM - 7:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Breweries

Palmer's 1st craft brewery. Up to 18 beers on tap with growlers, bottles and 5-gallon kegs-to-go. Independent and Veteran-Owned. Cheers! See more..
4.5 Palmer Golf Course (10 reviews)
- Best view and the most fun
Golf Courses
While I am not a big golfer, I love the challenge the river bluff offers. I've sent a few balls down there, and there is no way to recover those balls! I love the planes flying overhead and the views are amazing. See more..
4.5 National Tsunami Warning Center (9 reviews)
- Interesting. Informative. Free.
Spent 1-2 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks

I revisited the National Tsunami Warning Center for the 1st time since I was in junior high. My husband, 5 year old daughter and 70+ year old mother went with me. Awesome to see the technology advancements of the last 20 years. I am NOT in the industry but my daughter was curious about earthquakes so we took her to the experts. Recommend stopping by to learn about what they do and see it all in action. See more..
4.5 Crevasse Moraine Trail System (5 reviews)
- Great Trail System
Hiking Trails

I love hiking on the Crevasse Moraine Trail system great for all hiking experience levels. They also have some great mountain bike trails. See more..
4.0 Mat-Su Convention & Visitors Bureau (19 reviews)
- Good tips
Saturday: Visitor Centers

We market the Mat-Su Valley as a prime Alaska visitor destination. It is the region just north of Anchorage, Alaska all the way to Denali National Park, encompassing 23,000 square miles. Talkeetna is the Gateway to Denali and the home for flightseeing, river tours and adventure related to Denali. Wasilla and Palmer are the two largest towns, while the Glenn Highway National Scenic Byway extends to Matanuska Glacier, Alaska's largest road-accessible glacier. See more..
4.0 Matanuska Brewing (14 reviews)
- Beer tasting with a side of fries
Breweries

We stopped at the brewery while we we were waiting for our Airbnb to be ready and we totally enjoyed our experience. Great tasting beers, attentive staff, the owner introduced himself and offered me a job (lol, he thought I was a new employee!) and we had some tasty fries with malt vinegar. AND they have a beer vending machine. It was a great time. See more..
3.0 Four Corners Lounge (1 review)
- May-Su Valley local spot
Saturday: 12:00 PM - 5:00 AM Bars & Clubs
They have live bands and karaoke. Select local brews on tap and a huge back deck. There are pool tables and lots of TV's. It opens at 8 am everyday. On game days there's crock pots of mystery offerings. See more..
First Baptist Church Of Palmer (0 review)
Churches & Cathedrals
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Alaska State Fair (0 review)
Spent More than 3 hours Cultural Events
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The Christmas Factory (0 review)
Theaters
Experience Magic this Holiday Season when you tour through Santa's handcrafted workshop. Visit Mrs. Claus, Live Reindeer, Elves, Santa's sleigh, the workshop, and Santa himself. See more..
Mat-su Jewish Center Of Alaska (0 review)
Religious Sites
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Colony Junction (0 review)
Antique Shops
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OTG Rentals (0 review)
Spent More than 3 hours Ski & Snow Tours • Gear Rentals

We offer the best snowmobile/snowmachine rentals in the state of Alaska. Everything from the latest and greatest mountain sleds to utility sleds. We also guide riders all over the state of Alaskal See more..