 Alaska's best kept secret!Palmer is a small community of about 5000 people, tucked up next to the mountains in the beautiful Matanuska Valley. Palmer was originally settled during the Great Depression when the U.S. Government relocated people, mostly from Minnesota and Wisconson to the Matanuska Valley. Many remenence of the original Colonists can still be seen today.
Mountains, wetlands, rivers, lakes and lots of wildlife roaming the forests, Palmer has a diverse landscape that offers unique photo opportunities. It's also my home town so I am especially fond of this little spot.
Palmer is also known for it’s agriculture, with many world record vegetables coming from this area and is the home of the Alaska State Fair. Palmer likes to call itself Alaska’s Best Kept Secret, and is a nice, quiet, friendly place to visit. Plan on spending a day in Palmer, visit some of the historical sites and local attractions.
 Palmer Visitors Center- Right in the heart of Palmer is the Palmer Chamber of Commerce Visitors Information Center and Museum. This is a very useful stop if you are planning on spending a day or two in the Matanuska Valley. Museum, Information, Gift Shop and a Garden Tour in the summer months. Palmer's Visitors Center is known for having high quality Alaskan hand-crafted arts and gifts. (907)745-2880.  Friday Fling- Each friday is the summer Palmer has a downtown Flea Market style Fling. Local artisans and merchants display unique Alaskan goods, along with local musicians playing for your enjoyment. If you are around on a Friday, plan on visiting the downtown area. Hatcher Pass- Plan a day trip to Hatcher Pass and Independence Mine. Visit a historical Gold Mine from the early 1900's. If you enjoy hiking, hatcher pass offers alpine trails and fanastic viewing of the Matanuska Valley from a birds eye view. A good chance to hike in Alaska's mountains to alpine lakes. Reindeer Farm-Located just outside of Palmer, visitors can photogragh, feed, and pet this majestic Nomad of the North. The reindeer farm offers tours, horse rides and a gift shop. Hiking trails are nearby. (907)745-4000. Lakes for fishing- Palmer has many local lakes that offer trout fishing for the novice and avid fisherman alike. Check the Visitors Center in Palmer for maps and access to local lakes. Alaska State Fair- This eleven-day fair is the largest event in Alaska each year. Drawing 200,000 plus people (that's a lot by Alaska standards) this annual event always ends on Labor day. Known for producing world record sized vegetable entries, the Alaska State Fair is a must see for those visiting our great state. |