Palmer

Travel Guide
Palmer showing mountains and off road driving as well as a small group of people
The breadbasket of the Matanuska Valley combines the spirit of Midwestern ranching with breathtaking Alaskan mountain scenery.

Discover the fascinating history behind the south-central Alaskan city of Palmer, an agricultural heartland and a commuter town for Anchorage. Palmer was established at the height of the Great Depression, when a community of struggling farmers and their families were relocated from the Midwest to Alaska to forge a pioneering agricultural initiative. Check out Palmer’s original 1930s farmsteads and taste some of the state’s best produce as you explore the wide pastoral roads that loop the town. Rippling hayfields dotted with rustic old red barns foreground the magnificent distant mountain peaks.

Plan your visit to Palmer with a trip to the Palmer Visitor Center, located in a pretty log cabin. The Palmer Museum of History and Art is also located here. Next door, be sure to take a look at the Matanuska Valley Agricultural Showcase, where you can see a pleasant flower garden and some of the region’s huge vegetables. With up to 20 hours of sunshine in summer, Palmer’s vegetables are famously big. Sample some local produce, pick up handmade craft items or watch live music at the weekly Friday Fling market held here during summer.

Stop by the Colony House Museum to explore a beautifully preserved 1930s farmhouse. See other heritage farmsteads around the town’s scenic Farm Loop Road.

Take a daytrip from the town and view a panorama of the Talkeetna Mountains from the walking paths in the Hatcher Pass area. Independence Mine State Historical Park is filled with gold-mining artifacts and heritage mining buildings. Experience the majesty of the Knik Glacier on a scenic airboat ride up the mighty Knik River. Ski on groomed trails or explore the hiking tracks on nearby Lazy Mountain.

Palmer is 42.7 miles (68.7 kilometers) northeast of Anchorage, which has an international airport. Be prepared for cold, snowy winters. The best time to visit Palmer is in late summer for the Alaska State Fair, a fun-filled 12-day event ending on Labor Day. Join the carnival, watch a rodeo, enjoy local live music acts and get a good position to view the fair’s crowning event: the giant cabbage weigh-off.

The Pioneer Motel
The Pioneer Motel
2.5 out of 5
124 W Arctic Ave, Palmer, AK
The price is RM588 per night from 11 Apr to 12 Apr
RM588
per night
11 Apr - 12 Apr
Stay at this motel in Palmer. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (511 reviews)
"Great overnight stay and place was very clean and would stay again!"

Reviewed on 26 Feb 2024

The Pioneer Motel
Eagle Hotel
Eagle Hotel
2.5 out of 5
918 S Colony Way, Palmer, AK
The price is RM611 per night from 30 Mar to 31 Mar
RM611
per night
30 Mar - 31 Mar
Stay at this hotel in Palmer. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Palmer Visitor Information Center and Mat-Su Visitors ...
6.4/10 (227 reviews)
"Has beautiful scenery"

Reviewed on 20 Mar 2024

Eagle Hotel
Alaska Glacier Lodge
Alaska Glacier Lodge
3.5 out of 5
29979 E Knik River Rd, Palmer, AK
Stay at this 3.5-star lodge in Palmer. Enjoy free parking, a terrace, and daily housekeeping. Discover genuine guest reviews for Alaska Glacier Lodge along with ...
9/10 Wonderful! (97 reviews)
"Everything was very good except for the cleanliness in the cabin. There were some areas that clearly had not been cleaned including the bathroom. Excellent staff especially the reception."

Reviewed on 11 Mar 2024

Alaska Glacier Lodge
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Colony Suites
Colony Suites
4 out of 5
380 S Colony Way, Palmer, AK
Stay at this 4-star apartment in Palmer. Enjoy free parking, private yards, and laundry facilities. Our guests praise the clean rooms in our reviews. Popular ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (70 reviews)
"Cozy, cute, central, clean, comfortable, great views."

Reviewed on 20 Feb 2024

Colony Suites
Alaska Back Country Cottages
Alaska Back Country Cottages
3 out of 5
3901 S Lindsey Cir, Palmer, AK
Stay at this 3-star cottage in Palmer. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and private yards. Popular attractions Bodenburg Butte and Reindeer Farm are located nearby. ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (50 reviews)
"Great place will be staying again"

Reviewed on 10 Mar 2024

Alaska Back Country Cottages
Hatcher Pass Cabins
Hatcher Pass Cabins
2.5 out of 5
9000 N. Palmer Fishook Rd., Palmer, AK
Stay at this cabin in Palmer. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a terrace. Popular attractions Musk Ox Farm and Finger Lake State Recreation Area are located ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (62 reviews)
Great cabin.
"This cabin is a great place to have a wonderful Alaskan experience. It has everything you need in a cozy location. Service from staff was quick and easy."

Reviewed on 29 Jan 2024

Hatcher Pass Cabins
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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