SUMMER FUN IN PALMER
When summer hits, Palmer bustles with activity. With many boutique shops, bars, restaurants, tours, and trails, there is something for the whole family. From May through August, events like the Friday Fling bring local farmers and entertainers together and the end of the season is capped with the Alaska State Fair.
Popular Summer Options
Palmer, AK 99645
Explore Alaska Like a Local and ride off into Alaska’s wilderness with Alaska Backcountry Adventure Tours. Alaska Backcountry Adventure Tours offers Alaska vacations, packages and tours.
Palmer, AK 99645
Experience the rich culture and history behind Alaska's farms and food. Join us for an in-depth half day farm tour, perfect for folks looking for the ultimate Anchorage day trips, with stops at historical sites, living homesteads, and urban food landscapes to understand the lives of Alaska's farmers, ranchers, and homesteaders who call Alaska home.
Featuring several riding tours in the Greater Palmer area from 1.5-3 hours, Alaska Horse Adventures is open Year Round. Additionally, they have a 6 hour Kayak tour in the Butte.
Palmer, Alaska 99645
They invite you to not only enjoy our annual event "Alaska State Fair", but also take advantage of the year-round events and services the Alaska State Fair has to offer. They have a range of facilities available to rent throughout the year, and host diverse events
Palmer AK 99645
Alaska Zipline Tours & Adventure Park
Alaska Zipline Adventure Park is Alaska’s first and only all-tandem side-by-side zipline course conveniently located just a short 90-minute drive north of Anchorage. Our Alaska zipline tours are one of a kind, situated on a 280-acre working farm surrounded by majestic mountains with stunning 360-degree views, all just outside Palmer, AK.
In addition to our Alaska zip line tours, our adventure park also offers full horseback trail rides, western arena activities, kids summer ranch camps, a retreat center and more! There is nothing else like it anywhere in Alaska.
This 1.6 mile trail is fully paved and perfect for people of all ages. Though just outside Palmer, it offers a variety of activities such as disc-golf, running, biking, and even Nordic skiing in winter.
For directions and additional information, please contact the Matanuska-Susitna Borough Community Development Department of click on the website link above.
Palmer, AK 99645
Backcountry Bike & Ski offers daily and weekly rentals for cross country skis. They rent Rossignol waxless ski packages that include skis, boots, and poles. Also, they offer bikes and fat tire bikes for rent.
Part of a 30+ mile network of trails in the Matanuska Greenbelt, it cuts through the forest in a loop just over a mile long. These dirt trails are dotted with about 100 signposts to help with navigation and provide hours of exploration.
For directions and additional information, please contact the Matanuska-Susitna Borough Community Development Department or click on the website link above.
Palmer, AK 99645
They create unique, high quality, reserve style ales and lagers in order to bring new craft drinkers and seasoned "craft life" veterans together, push the limits of craft brewing in Alaska.
Palmer, AK 99645
Bushes Bunches Produce Stand is a family owned business that opened in 1954. They supply Palmer, Alaska and the surrounding areas of Wasilla and Anchorage with fresh local produce at our farmers market stand located just outside of Palmer. They are more than just a produce stand. With over 14 acres in production they are an active Alaska farm specializing in local vegetables.
Palmer, AK 99645
He takes a lot of awesome Alaska photos.
The Crevasse-Moraine trail system features over 6 miles of interconnected trails and is is open year round. These trails run along what was once a glacier bed and ranges widely in difficulty from trail to trail.
For directions and additional information, please contact the Matanuska-Susitna Borough Community Development Department or click on the website link above.
Drill Team Six Fishing Excursions is ready to take you on your next adventure! Located just 50 minutes from Anchorage, we provide YEAR-ROUND all-inclusive fishing packages. Trips range from guided salmon & lake boat charters to a variety of ice fishing excursions. Fish May-Oct on our spacious 20ft jet boat with the capacity for up to 6 people. If you enjoy the cooler weather, we offer a variety of ice fishing excursions Dec-Apr. Enjoy the beautiful back country of Alaska by snowmobile on one of our remote Northern Pike day trips. Targeted species (depending on season) include: King & Silver Salmon, Rainbow Trout, Arctic Char, Northern Pike and Burbot. All packages include safety equipment, bait, gear, tackle and heated shelters for ice fishing. At the end of your trip we will fillet your fish along with placing them in a bag for easy transport. Licensed, insured and USCG certified. We are a Veteran owned/operated family-oriented small business. Ask about our MILITARY & 1ST RESPONDER discounts. Also, like and follow our FB for future giveaways. Copy link to connect to FB: https://www.facebook.com/DrillTeamSix/.
This 4+ mile trail takes you up Eska Peak to spectacular views of the Chugach Range. The trek crosses through woodland and lush alpine growth before reaching the falls and peak respectively.
For directions and additional information, please contact the Matanuska-Susitna Borough Community Development Department or click on the website link above.
Palmer, AK 99645
Check their event calendar. The 520-seat Glenn Massay Theater is able to host a variety of events including plays, musicals, lectures, conferences, concerts, competitions, festivals, benefits, recitals, movie screenings, receptions, and more.
This 16 mile (round trip) trail follows the Little Susitna river up to it's headwaters. One of four major trails in Hatcher Pass, north of Palmer, it has a gradual incline for the first few miles before becoming much steeper. It is open to hiking, biking, and skiing, and you can even do a little gold panning along the way.
For directions and additional information, please click on the website link above or alaska.org/detail/gold-mint-trail.
Government Peak offers popular summer hiking trails just north of Palmer. The Main trail to the peak can be daunting, though it offers some of the best views of the area all the way to the Knik Glacier. Multiple trails for biking and horseback riding also traverse the area. Note that the parking area is open from 8 AM to 8 PM, so be careful not to get locked in.
For directions or additional information, please contact the Matanuska-Susitna Borough Community Development Department or click on the website link above.
In the peak winter months Government Peak features 9 miles of combines trails for skiing, skijoring, sledding, snowshoeing and more. Take in the sights as you adventure along the Chugach mountains just north of Palmer. Note that the parking area is open from 8 AM to 8 PM, so don't get locked in.
For more information, please contact the Matanuska-Susitna Borough Community Development Department or click on the website link above.
Two trails, the Lazy Moose Trail and Lazy Mountain Trail, are the primary ascent of the mountain. The former is a longer, winding trail with moderate slopes and an easier climb, while the latter is much shorter and more difficult as it offers the straightest path to the peak. From the top you can see the Chugach and Talkeena Ranges.
For directions and additional information, please contact the Matanuska-Susitna Borough Community Development Department or click on the website link above.
Palmer, AK 99645
They offer FREE walking tour of our snowy Farm with director Jodie Anderson as she provides information and history. The Matanuska Experiment Farm and Extension Center is a working research farm serving Southcentral Alaska. It has 260 acres of cultivated land and 800 acres of forestland.
This trail is just over 4 miles long from end to end and showcases phenomenal views of the Matanuska and Knik rivers, and of Cook Inlet. The climb starts out easy, but increases in difficulty as you go, and you will certainly want to bring appropriate attire for changing weather.
For directions and additional information, please contact the Matanuska-Susitna Borough Community Development Department or click on the website link above.
The Matanuska River Park Campground, located near the Matauska River Bridge just on the eastern edge of Palmer, features a little fun for everyone. The campground features over one and a half miles of easy trails with exquisite views of Lazy Mountain and the Matanuska River.
For directions or additional information, please contact the Matanuska-Susitna Borough Community Development Department or click on the website link above.
Palmer, AK 99645
The Miners are only one of six teams that make up the Alaska Baseball League, one of the top summer collegiate leagues in the country. Games start early June and continue until the beginning of August.
Palmer AK 99645
They are based in downtown Palmer, AK and offer a spectrum of fun yoga classes for people of all backgrounds and skill levels in an inviting atmosphere. Their classes are drop in friendly.
This trail offers an easy forested 2 mile trek through the woods around Lazy Mountain. It also features three access points, year-round availability, as well as public restroom and picnic areas.
For directions and additional information, please contact the Matanuska-Sustina Borough Community Development Department or click on the website link above.
Palmer, AK 99645
Just a couple minutes North of downtown Palmer, the Musk Ox Farm is a non-profit organization dedicated to the domestication of the musk ox and to the promotion of qiviut production as a gentle and sustainable agricultural practice in the far north. Tour the farm and learn about these arctic ungulates!
SUTTON, AK 99674
Based out of Sutton, just north of Palmer, NOVA Alaska Guides has incredible experiences for everyone. Established in 1975, NOVA is Alaska’s oldest river rafting tour company under original ownership. Since 1975, we have accomplished many firsts in guided adventure travel in Alaska, including the first to offer commercial whitewater rafting on Alaska rivers and the first guided hikes on the Matanuska Glacier more than 25 years ago.
Our early wilderness trips included several first descents and trips through the newly formed National Parks and Refuges with organizations like National Geographic, Connaissance du la Mode and the National Audubon Society. Our expertise in this theater has grown over the years to include combination trips that offer mountain and glacier trips with river trips.
Palmer, AK 99645
Palmer Golf Course is one of the most scenic places to play golf in the world. You are treated to spectacular views of Pioneer Peak, the Matanuska River and Knik Glacier. Their 7300 yard, par 72, Championship course consistently ranks in the top five of Golf Digest's, "Best of State" edition.They also have one of the finest practice facilities in the state
A beautiful, non-motorized trail that follows an old railroad bed along the Matanuska River. The trail can be started either from downtown Palmer, or Moose Creek, and runs approx. 6 miles from end-to-end.
For additional information, please contact the Matanuska-Sustina Borough Community Development Department or click on the website link above.
Palmer, AK 99645
The Palmer Museum and Visitor Center showcases exhibits & artifacts covering the history of Palmer, as well as a selection of art curated from local artists. Additionally, they offer both an audio tour and a guided walking tour of Palmer's historic district from June through August. Outside is a beautifully kept garden, featuring myriad trees, vegetables, and flowers. Come by to enjoy the local history or plan your Palmer adventure!
A rugged, mountainous trek for the experienced outdoors-man. This 12 mile trail ascends to over 6,000 feet above the Valley. While you can complete this hike over a single day with enough planning, it is encouraged you make camp and spread it out over at least two. The climb is challenging and requires firm knowledge and safety skills to complete; however, the views from the top are one of a kind.
For directions and additional information, please contact the Matanuska-Borough Community Development Department or by clicking on the website link above.
The Plumley-Maud Trail is a relatively flat trail that runs through the woodlands of the Butte, just Southeast of Palmer. Between 5 and 10 minutes drive, depending on which end of the trail you start, it is accessible on foot, as well as by ATV or even horse and is open for use year-round. If you are looking for a gorgeous jaunt through the birch and spruce forests in the area, this trail is for you.
For additional information, please contact the Matanuska-Susitna Borough Community Development Department or click the website link above.
Pyrah's is an authentic Matanuska Valley farm with an astounding presence in the community. They host several events throughout the year such as the Fall Harvest Festival and Country Christmas, as well as being a "U-Pick" farm where you can gather your vegetables fresh from the field.
Palmer, AK 99645
His artwork is in full production or at least as full as the sunshine and the salmon allow. Step into his gallery and see what he offers.
This trail, approximately 9 miles round trip, follows an old mining road in Hatcher Pass. You will hike over 2,000 feet of elevation gain and witness the tarn that feeds Reed Lake, gorgeous waterfalls, the lake itself, and Reed Creek flowing down the mountain.
For directions and additional information click on the website link above or alaska.org/detail/reed-lakes-trail.
The Reindeer Farm sits at the feet of Bodenburg Butte just 10 minutes out of downtown Palmer. The farm site was originally part of the Matauska Colony Project, operating as a dairy farm, but would move to reindeer and various other animals in the 1980s. Being the only stop in the valley to offer tours of a maintained herd of 100-300 reindeer, 2 elk, a bison, and a moose (including petting and feeding), as well as horseback tours, it is an incredible experience for the whole family.
Palmer, AK 99645
Rival Park Motocross is one of a handful of maintained motocross tracks in the Southcental area and only 5 minutes from downtown Palmer.
Welcome to Rival Park Motocross's official website! We were established in April of 1996. We held our first race May 1997. We are located at 318 N Old Glenn Highway. We are a groomed, maintained, watered and supervised track. We have a set practice schedule on Tuesday's and Thursday's from 6:30 pm to 10:00 pm. We also like to have races when we can get a Saturday that does not interfere with the Racing Lions schedule. We try to open our track as soon as mother nature tells us it's spring around May 15TH or so..we close our track around August 31st. We have a big bike track as well as a 50cc track (just for the little guys). We charge $10.00 to come to our track to practice..but trust us, you get your money's worth!
Sunderland Ranch, located just outside of Palmer, offers a variety of options for your Palmer trip. With a B&B, horseback riding, and even Day Camps for children to learn ranch-related skills, you're sure to have a blast.
Palmer, AK 99645
Fun projects, something for the entire family, delicious espresso, hand scoop ice cream, and gourmet confections await at The Art Cafe AK that is do it yourself home for artists and aspiring artists.
Palmer, AK 99645
They specialize in the finest art prints with a tremendous variety of styles from nationally known and Alaska artists. They carry a large selection of limited edition prints, posters, giclee prints and canvases, some sold out at publishers and other hard to find prints.
If you're looking for a quick, middling difficulty hike with phenomenal views of Palmer and the surrounding valley, you cannot beat the West Butte Trail. Situated only 10 minutes outside the city, this trail traverses the 800+ foot Bodenburg Butte and is maintained by the Matanuska-Susitna Borough. It features several benches, a shaded ascent, and is topped by a view Lazy Mountain, Pioneer Peak, Matanuska Peak, the Knik Glacier, the Talkeetna Range, and more.
For additional information, contact the Matanuska-Susitna Borough Community Development Department or by clinking the website link above.
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