Visit Palmer

18/09/2023

18/09/2023

As the leaves begin to change and the crisp autumn air settles in, we want to take a moment to reflect on an incredible summer season here in Palmer, Alaska.

This summer was truly one for the books, and it's all thanks to YOU, our wonderful visitors, and the warm-hearted Palmer community. We've had a RECORD NUMBER of visitors this year, and we're so grateful for each and every one of you who chose to explore and share in the magic of our beautiful town.

Getting to know all of you, hearing your stories, and sharing the unique charm of Palmer has been an absolute joy. From hiking in the breathtaking mountains to indulging in our local cuisine, we hope your time here was filled with unforgettable memories.
With the changing season, we have some updates to share about our business hours:

Starting this week, our new hours will be as follows:
Tuesday - Friday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday – Monday: Closed

We understand that fall brings its own kind of beauty and adventure, and we'll be here to enhance your experience with valuable information and helpful referrals.

Thank you for being a part of our Palmer family this summer. We can't wait to welcome you back as the seasons change and create more special moments together.

If you have any questions or need further information, please don't hesitate to reach out to us. You can always find us at 907-745-0665 or visit our websites at visitpalmer.com + palmermuseum.org.

Here's to the memories we've made and the ones still to come in this new season!

10/08/2023

Kyndle has just posted her report regarding her search for the obscure Bearberry Bluff trail. You can read it here: https://visitpalmer.com/things-to-do/kyndle-camps-the-quest-for-bearberry-bluff-july-19-and-july-28-2023/

08/08/2023

Blooming a little more brilliantly in Palmer. 😎🌼🌷🌸🌹

02/08/2023

There is something about this valley Palmer calls home. 🥰

28/07/2023

Some really cool kaleidoscopes have been added to our gift shop this week. The crew has been having so much fun making beautiful color collages out of different pieces of nature and fun tiny items from the shop that we decided we couldn't keep this interactive art show to ourselves, so we want to invite you down to play with our new toys! We've even turned it into a game with fabulous prizes, including the toy that inspired us. Check it out and visit us to learn more.

24/07/2023

Here is your weekly hiking report on the Crevasse-Moraine trail system, just off the Palmer-Wasilla Highway. https://visitpalmer.com/hiking/kyndle-camps-crevasse-moraine-july-5th-2023/
Stay tuned for Kyndle's next report on Bearberry Bluff and the Matanuska Experiment Farm Trails.

19/07/2023

We have a new hiking report on Hatcher Pass from the Kyndle Camps series! https://visitpalmer.com/lodging/kyndle-camps-hatcher-pass-june-30th-july-1st-2023/ Hiking reports on Crevasse-Moraine and Matanuska Green Belt Trails coming soon!

12/07/2023

We are so proud of our Visitor Information Center and Museum staff writer, Kyndle Kirby, for winning the Fireside Story Contest in which she describes her favorite thing about Palmer! You can read her full story in our blog here: https://visitpalmer.com/art/palmers-people-an-award-winning-short-story-of-the-2023-fireside-story-competition/

09/07/2023

A beautiful night for the Wine Walk benefiting the Palmer Museum of History & Art! 🍷 Cheers!

01/07/2023

Thinking of visiting Palmer and going hiking but don’t know where to start? Look no further! Visitor Services Specialist, Kyndle Kirby, is hiking all our most popular trails this summer and sharing her adventures on our Visit Palmer page under the blog tab. Click the link for more info.

Kyndle's first three hiking reports are posted on our Visit Palmer Page! Click the link below to read about the Matanuska River Park Trails, Butte Trails, and the Rail Trail.

In case you missed it, Kyndle Kirby, a Visitor Services Specialist at the Palmer Visitor Information Center and Museum, is hiking every one of our local hiking trails published in the tri-fold brochures posted on our museum wall.

Kyndle is a native Alaskan (but not an Alaska Native), born and raised in Palmer. She is now a local high school teacher and summer staff member at the Palmer Visitor Information Center and Museum. After each hike, she will publish a report about her adventures, including important details regarding current trail conditions, available restrooms, ADA accessibility, foraging, trail snacks, history, and much more!

If you'dike to follow her hiking and backpacking adventures in the backcountry, you can check in each week for new updates online at the Visit Palmer page under the blog tab or on the Visit Palmer page.

Next week she’ll be posting information on camping in Hatcher Pass.

https://visitpalmer.com/blog/

28/06/2023

The most traveled trail in Palmer….the Bodenburg Butte! 🥰 Excellent view of surrounding mountains, Knik Glacier in the distance, the Matanuska River and sprawling farmlands all a short 1.8 mile trail, elevation gain of 699 feet.

24/06/2023

The road from Hatcher Pass to Willow is open, and it does not disappoint! Your travel plans should include this scenic route. 🌥️🥰🏍️

07/06/2023

Kyndle Camps
Summer 2023

Summer has begun in Alaska, and Visitor Services Specialist, Kyndle Kirby, will be hiking every one of our local hiking trails published in the tri-fold brochures posted on our museum wall.

Kyndle is a native Alaskan (but not an Alaska Native), born and raised in Palmer. She is now a local high school teacher and summer staff member at the Palmer Visitor Information Center and Museum. After each hike, she will publish a report about her adventures including important details regarding current trail conditions, available restrooms, ADA accessibility, foraging, trail snacks, history, and much more!

If you'd like to follow her hiking and backpacking adventures in the backcountry you can check in each week for new updates online at the Visit Palmer page under the blog tab or on the Visit Palmer page.

Photo taken last summer at Upper Reed Lakes in Hatcher Pass.

30/05/2023

Not a better day to see the summit of Lazy Mountain! 🇺🇸🥰⛰️

21/05/2023

The dog days of summer are quickly approaching. 🐕🐾☀️ And we are ALL looking forward to it, our two legged friends and four. 😜

12/05/2023

Sweet memories to be captured in Palmer, Alaska. 🥰

05/05/2023

Thinking of visiting Palmer for the 2023 Great Alaska Aviation Gathering?! The Alaska Airmen’s Association will be hosting the largest free aviation event in the nation on May 6th and May 7th at the Alaska State Fairgrounds and the Palmer Municipal Airport. If you are interested in attending consider visiting us at the Palmer Visitor Information Center and Museum where the coffee is always hot and the books tell the stories of Alaska aviation!

10/04/2023

Alaska Raceway Park is a Palmer, Alaska, motorsports complex, conducting races from Mother's Day to Labor Day. Located near Butte, the Knik River, and Knik Glacier at Mile 10.4 of the Old Glenn Highway, it is about 41.5 miles northeast of Anchorage, Alaska. Nearby 6,398-foot Pioneer Peak looms over the finish line, providing a scenic racing venue recognized worldwide among race fans

ARP features a 1/4-mile drag strip, being the NHRA's northernmost drag racing venue. Additionally, they hold NASCAR-sanctioned races at their 1/3-mile asphalt oval track!

For more information about Alaska Raceway Park or to check out their schedule, please visit raceak.com.

08/04/2023

The views never get old. 🥰😎

05/04/2023

Did you know that you can rent bikes at the Palmer Visitor Information Center?

They will have 6 bicycles available for day rentals (9 am to 5 pm) from May 1st to September 15th. The rental is only $25 and can be scheduled in advance at palmermuseum.org, or in-person with Visitor Center Staff.

31/03/2023

Palmer’s premier outdoor farmers market, Friday Fling! Six weeks away!! Family fun all summer long starting on Friday, May 12th. ☀️🌸

27/03/2023

Williams Reindeer Farm is a family-owned and operated farm located in Palmer, Alaska.

The farm started originally as a colony farm as part of the colony project in 1935. The farm remained a dairy through the 1950s when Leonard Williams and his wife Susie purchased the farm. Here they raised their 3 children. Leonard’s son Tom bought the farm from his parents and raised his own children on the farm. In 1987 Tom was able to purchase his first 20 reindeer from Canada. Today the farm is owned and operated by Tom’s eldest daughter Denise and her family.

Originally Tom purchased the reindeer with the intention of being a meat farm and selling the deer for meat. People started coming to the farm just to see what a reindeer would look like! Since the 1990s the farm has offered educational and agritourism experiences. The farm is a fun place to learn about, pet, and feed reindeer!

Since the first reindeer arrived on the farm in 1987, they have added a variety of other animals as well. If you visit the farm you can interact with a learn about reindeer, moose, Rocky Mountain Elk, yaks, alpacas, highland cattle, bison, and more! Tours can be booked online, or stop by as a walk in May 1st- Early September 10:00am-5:00pm daily.

During the summer months, the farm also offers a Food Truck, Espresso Stand, and Kid Play area. Try a reindeer sausage, or cool off with our signature Fireweed Milkshake!!

In October they host a fall family fun event including a pumpkin patch. In the winter and Christmas seasons, and also have tours and events on the farm.

They would love to have you by for a visit!

26/03/2023

All roads should lead to Palmer, Alaska! 😎

20/03/2023

The Musk Ox Farm is open year-round and offers 45-minute guided walking tours, educational programs, workshops, and special events. Learn more than you ever imagined about these incredible Arctic animals! Experience rare qiviut yarn, hand-crafted garments, and unique gifts made by Alaskan artists in the gift shop. Visit muskoxfarm.org for current hours or to book your tour today!

17/03/2023

Matanuska Glacier 😇

Our resident glacier angel 😇🐶

17/03/2023

When you look at a picture and hear the sounds of the Little Susitna. 💦🥰

08/03/2023

The sun feels soooo good . . . to humans and reindeer! 🦌

08/03/2023

Hatcher Pass is a state recreation area and must-see part of any trip to the Palmer region. ⛰️😎