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Sightseeing
Guided tours are available at the Glacier, it about 2 hour drive from Big Lake, but a very beautiful drive
105 recommandé par les habitants
Matanuska Glacier
30820 West Glenn HighwayGuided tours are available at the Glacier, it about 2 hour drive from Big Lake, but a very beautiful drive
Denali - formerly known as Mt. McKinley - looms large, dominating this region that is a must-see for any visitor to Alaska. The Alaska Range provides a host of recreational opportunities, from rafting to flightseeing. Many backcountry lodges can be found in Denali Country.
Talkeetna is the largest town in Denali Country, and has great views of the famous mountain. It is a hub of activity and is the base camp for climbers starting their ascent of the mountain. See this famous mountain in Denali Country - on the road, by air and even on the water. If you are looking for Denali day trip ideas, learn more about how to make the most of your Denali experience by visiting the communities of Willow, Talkeetna, Trapper Creek and Denali State Park.
Willow
Talkeetna
Trapper Creek / Petersville
Denali State Park
Mount McKinley (Denali)
Denali
Denali - formerly known as Mt. McKinley - looms large, dominating this region that is a must-see for any visitor to Alaska. The Alaska Range provides a host of recreational opportunities, from rafting to flightseeing. Many backcountry lodges can be found in Denali Country.
Talkeetna is the largest town in Denali Country, and has great views of the famous mountain. It is a hub of activity and is the base camp for climbers starting their ascent of the mountain. See this famous mountain in Denali Country - on the road, by air and even on the water. If you are looking for Denali day trip ideas, learn more about how to make the most of your Denali experience by visiting the communities of Willow, Talkeetna, Trapper Creek and Denali State Park.
Willow
Talkeetna
Trapper Creek / Petersville
Denali State Park
Mount McKinley (Denali)
Set in the Talkeetna Mountains, between the towns of Willow and Palmer, Hatcher Pass is a favorite local hot spot for recreation or a scenic drive. Hike in alpine tundra dotted with wildflowers and ptarmigan; ski fresh, deep powder; or visit Independence Mine Historical State Park. And it’s all just a 90-minute drive from Anchorage. Follow the guide below for the best stops along this scenic road.
You can get here via Hatcher Pass Road (aka Fishhook Road), which winds through the mountains for roughly 60 miles between Palmer and Willow. Most visitors don’t drive the road all the way through. Instead, travel to the top of the pass and Independence Mine, where you can learn about gold mining in the area between 1938 and 1950. Salmon Berry Tours offers a fascinating, 45-minute walking tour that explores the historic mine buildings.
The area also provides access to fantastic hiking trails, and it’s the perfect place to enjoy a scenic picnic lunch at 4,000 feet. Look for paragliders launching off steep hillsides, and keep an eye out for whistling marmots, pikas, falcons, and golden eagles. In late summer, you’ll find terrific blueberry picking up here as well. And in good weather, you can see the Chugach Range, Alaska Range, and Palmer’s Pioneer Peak.
In winter, the state maintains the road to Independence Bowl, offering easy access to snowy mountains. The pass gets some of the earliest snow in the state, and the skiing is so good that it used to be the training grounds for the Junior Olympic ski team.
26 recommandé par les habitants
Hatcher Pass Lodge
Gold Cord RoadSet in the Talkeetna Mountains, between the towns of Willow and Palmer, Hatcher Pass is a favorite local hot spot for recreation or a scenic drive. Hike in alpine tundra dotted with wildflowers and ptarmigan; ski fresh, deep powder; or visit Independence Mine Historical State Park. And it’s all just a 90-minute drive from Anchorage. Follow the guide below for the best stops along this scenic road.
You can get here via Hatcher Pass Road (aka Fishhook Road), which winds through the mountains for roughly 60 miles between Palmer and Willow. Most visitors don’t drive the road all the way through. Instead, travel to the top of the pass and Independence Mine, where you can learn about gold mining in the area between 1938 and 1950. Salmon Berry Tours offers a fascinating, 45-minute walking tour that explores the historic mine buildings.
The area also provides access to fantastic hiking trails, and it’s the perfect place to enjoy a scenic picnic lunch at 4,000 feet. Look for paragliders launching off steep hillsides, and keep an eye out for whistling marmots, pikas, falcons, and golden eagles. In late summer, you’ll find terrific blueberry picking up here as well. And in good weather, you can see the Chugach Range, Alaska Range, and Palmer’s Pioneer Peak.
In winter, the state maintains the road to Independence Bowl, offering easy access to snowy mountains. The pass gets some of the earliest snow in the state, and the skiing is so good that it used to be the training grounds for the Junior Olympic ski team.
City/town information
Nestled between two lakes, Wasilla is home to the world-famous Iditarod Sled Dog Race Headquarters and is a bustling hub of the Mat-Su Valley. It is one of the fastest-growing areas in Alaska, but it still retains a small-town feel. Wasilla begins about 40 miles north of Anchorage along the Parks Highway (Hwy. 3) and continues along the Parks Highway for several miles. With its sister city, Palmer, the area is considered the "Core Area" of the Mat-Su Valley, representing the largest population base of the 23,000-square feet Mat-Su Borough.
Big box stores and quaint, family-operated shops provide visitors with shopping opportunities both big and small. Restaurants of all varieties can also be found in Wasilla, from cultural cuisine to fine dining
Wasilla celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2016, beginning as a small mining outpost. History buffs will appreciate the area's mining history and exploring the Old Townsite Park (including Wasilla's first schoolhouse) at the Wasilla Museum. Fresh produce is available weekly at the museum's farmers market every Wednesday during the summer. Check out the impressive collection of planes, trains and automobiles housed at the Museum of Alaska Transportation and Industry. Independence Mine, in Hatcher Pass, is just a 20-minute drive from downtown Wasilla.
Wasilla has a full range of personal and business services available for travelers. There are also RV parks located on the north and south ends of the town to accommodate those in motorhomes looking to extend their stay.
Other top Wasilla attractions include the Veterans Wall of Honor, the gateway to Hatcher Pass and lake fishing opportunities.
16 recommandé par les habitants
Wasilla
Nestled between two lakes, Wasilla is home to the world-famous Iditarod Sled Dog Race Headquarters and is a bustling hub of the Mat-Su Valley. It is one of the fastest-growing areas in Alaska, but it still retains a small-town feel. Wasilla begins about 40 miles north of Anchorage along the Parks Highway (Hwy. 3) and continues along the Parks Highway for several miles. With its sister city, Palmer, the area is considered the "Core Area" of the Mat-Su Valley, representing the largest population base of the 23,000-square feet Mat-Su Borough.
Big box stores and quaint, family-operated shops provide visitors with shopping opportunities both big and small. Restaurants of all varieties can also be found in Wasilla, from cultural cuisine to fine dining
Wasilla celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2016, beginning as a small mining outpost. History buffs will appreciate the area's mining history and exploring the Old Townsite Park (including Wasilla's first schoolhouse) at the Wasilla Museum. Fresh produce is available weekly at the museum's farmers market every Wednesday during the summer. Check out the impressive collection of planes, trains and automobiles housed at the Museum of Alaska Transportation and Industry. Independence Mine, in Hatcher Pass, is just a 20-minute drive from downtown Wasilla.
Wasilla has a full range of personal and business services available for travelers. There are also RV parks located on the north and south ends of the town to accommodate those in motorhomes looking to extend their stay.
Other top Wasilla attractions include the Veterans Wall of Honor, the gateway to Hatcher Pass and lake fishing opportunities.
With 67 miles shoreline, the size of this lake is downright remarkable and truly lives up to its name. Big Lake, located north of Wasilla on the Parks Highway (Hwy. 3), offers a bounty of year-round recreation.
In the summer, Big Lake is abuzz with activities of all kinds. Recreational boaters flock to the area, to spend an afternoon exploring the lake or to wet a line and fish for the many species of fish available. The lake is also a popular place for people to ride personal watercraft, waterski or even swim. The town offers a full range of services, including a grocery store and several types of accommodations, from small bed and breakfasts to extravagant lodges with lakeside settings.
In the winter, the activity level only increases in Big Lake, as it's a recreational hub for a variety of activities. Once the lake freezes, an elaborate "ice highway" of roads is created, making access to all areas of the lake even easier in the winter than in the summer. Big Lake has a maintained and groomed snowmobile trail system that is one of the most popular in all of Alaska. You can rent a snowmobile and explore yourself, or hire a guide for a truly immersive experience. Dog mushing and cross-country skiing are also popular with the locals and visitors alike.
Big Lake has a slower pace of life, but the views are grand - marvel at Mount Susitna, Denali and the Talkeetna Mountains while spending time in Big Lake. Take it easy and camp or stay at one of the lodges, and you won't be disappointed. Take a self drive around the area and you'll find signs of one of the worst natural disasters in the Valley's history - the 1998 Miller's Reach Fire. The natural vegetation is slowly returning to its pre-fire stages, but it's a reminder to always stay "fire wise" in the outdoors.
12 recommandé par les habitants
Big Lake
With 67 miles shoreline, the size of this lake is downright remarkable and truly lives up to its name. Big Lake, located north of Wasilla on the Parks Highway (Hwy. 3), offers a bounty of year-round recreation.
In the summer, Big Lake is abuzz with activities of all kinds. Recreational boaters flock to the area, to spend an afternoon exploring the lake or to wet a line and fish for the many species of fish available. The lake is also a popular place for people to ride personal watercraft, waterski or even swim. The town offers a full range of services, including a grocery store and several types of accommodations, from small bed and breakfasts to extravagant lodges with lakeside settings.
In the winter, the activity level only increases in Big Lake, as it's a recreational hub for a variety of activities. Once the lake freezes, an elaborate "ice highway" of roads is created, making access to all areas of the lake even easier in the winter than in the summer. Big Lake has a maintained and groomed snowmobile trail system that is one of the most popular in all of Alaska. You can rent a snowmobile and explore yourself, or hire a guide for a truly immersive experience. Dog mushing and cross-country skiing are also popular with the locals and visitors alike.
Big Lake has a slower pace of life, but the views are grand - marvel at Mount Susitna, Denali and the Talkeetna Mountains while spending time in Big Lake. Take it easy and camp or stay at one of the lodges, and you won't be disappointed. Take a self drive around the area and you'll find signs of one of the worst natural disasters in the Valley's history - the 1998 Miller's Reach Fire. The natural vegetation is slowly returning to its pre-fire stages, but it's a reminder to always stay "fire wise" in the outdoors.
Food scene
Alaska has a growing craft beer scene, and the Mat-Su Valley is no different. With five breweries located throughout the Valley from Palmer to Talkeetna, locally brewed ales and lagers are around every corner. From hoppy IPAs to subdued pale ales and robust stouts, local brewers are highlighting different styles and techniques throughout the Valley.
In Talkeetna, Denali Brewing Company is Alaska's second-largest brewery, and has award-winning beers available both in town at Denali Brewpub, and also at the brewery's tasting room and production facility on Talkeetna Spur Road. Denali Brewing Company beers are also available at retail outlets around Alaska.
In Wasilla, Last Frontier Brewing Company operates a brewpub, offering their locally made beers on the menu. Along the Palmer-Wasilla Highway, Bearpaw River Brewing Company has a unique tasting room with a variety of beers on tap, with a food truck available nearby. Palmer's original brewery, Arkose, is located on Steel Loop and offers events such as beer and chocolate pairings and "Beer Meets Canvas," in which you get a pint and all the art supplies you need for an afternoon of creativity. Arkose is also available at retail outlets and grocery stores. Bleeding Heart Brewery in downtown Palmer is known for its unique creations. The Valley's newest brewery is Matanuska Brewing Company, also in downtown Palmer. Along with their craft brews, they offer a one-of-a-kind dining experience that has quickly gained popularity among the locals.
Grab a growler and taste what local brewers are turning out - you'll be impressed. Just remember to enjoy responsibly.
Matanuska-Susitna
Alaska has a growing craft beer scene, and the Mat-Su Valley is no different. With five breweries located throughout the Valley from Palmer to Talkeetna, locally brewed ales and lagers are around every corner. From hoppy IPAs to subdued pale ales and robust stouts, local brewers are highlighting different styles and techniques throughout the Valley.
In Talkeetna, Denali Brewing Company is Alaska's second-largest brewery, and has award-winning beers available both in town at Denali Brewpub, and also at the brewery's tasting room and production facility on Talkeetna Spur Road. Denali Brewing Company beers are also available at retail outlets around Alaska.
In Wasilla, Last Frontier Brewing Company operates a brewpub, offering their locally made beers on the menu. Along the Palmer-Wasilla Highway, Bearpaw River Brewing Company has a unique tasting room with a variety of beers on tap, with a food truck available nearby. Palmer's original brewery, Arkose, is located on Steel Loop and offers events such as beer and chocolate pairings and "Beer Meets Canvas," in which you get a pint and all the art supplies you need for an afternoon of creativity. Arkose is also available at retail outlets and grocery stores. Bleeding Heart Brewery in downtown Palmer is known for its unique creations. The Valley's newest brewery is Matanuska Brewing Company, also in downtown Palmer. Along with their craft brews, they offer a one-of-a-kind dining experience that has quickly gained popularity among the locals.
Grab a growler and taste what local brewers are turning out - you'll be impressed. Just remember to enjoy responsibly.