The Alaska cities of Palmer and Wasilla lie in the Mat-Su Valley or “The Valley,” as it’s known by locals, just 45 minutes from Anchorage en route to Denali National Park. This Alaska region was carved by glaciers and is bounded by the Chugach and Talkeetna mountains and the Alaska Range. These towns are two of the fastest-growing areas of Alaska due to their proximity to Anchorage and the city’s country lifestyle.
The fertile farmland in the Palmer area of Alaska was first colonized in the 1930s under a U.S. Government “New Deal” agricultural experiment. Today, the area is known as “Alaska’s breadbasket” as rich soil and extended daylight allow local farmers to grow record-setting vegetables, including 100-pound cabbages and 40-pound beets! These impressive giants are on display at the Alaska State Fair in August.
Nearby Wasilla, Alaska, is the home of the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race, known as “the Last Great Race on Earth.” Many Iditarod mushers call this area their home. Other Wasilla attractions include Independence Mine State Historical Park and a reindeer and musk ox farm.
Begin your visit to Palmer and Wasilla here:
