The 10 Best Hidden Gems Things to do in Palmer, Alaska (AK)

We offer an exciting way to experience Alaska year-round with our half-day, full day, and multi-day tours. With fully guided ATV and side-by-side tours in the summer and fully guided snowmobile tours in the winter, we specialize in experiencing glaciers. Let us be your guide to the backcountry of Alaska!

We provide exciting horse related adventures for Alaskans, and Alaska guests! Trail rides, sleigh rides, packing in the mountains, you name it! Do you want an exciting, fast paced ride...? Or perhaps a calm, leisurely ride? Let us know your needs and wants, and we will try to accommodate you the best we can!

The Palmer Farm and Food Tours offer two tour opportunities from June 15-September 15, 2019 season. In less than three generations, historic Palmer, Alaska transformed from a remote outpost to a bustling rural town. Journey with our guides as they take you on the history of farming and food on our three farm tour in Palmer, Alaska. Experience how Alaskans lived then and now and the challenges they have faced in growing food for our communities. Vistors to Palmer have a unique opportunity to visit three local farms, delight in an Alaskan grown meal, learn about local urban farming and visit a local farm stand to get the complete picture of Alaskan farming from field-to market-to fork. Alternatively, you can choose to go to a brewery for the afternoon tour after visiting two farms. We are very flexible, so call in advance of booking if you don't see a tour option fit for you and your schedule.

OPEN BY RESERVATION ONLY: please visit our website to learn more about our COVID safety protocols and book your tour: muskoxfarm.org. Join us for a scenic walk around our property in Palmer while our staff shares with you our project history, the natural history of the musk oxen and the incredible potential these arctic ungulates have to offer communities in the far north. You will see frisky calves, seasoned old bulls and the largest captive herd of musk oxen in the world, don't forget your camera!

Park dedicated to the history of the gold rush.

Hands on, in the pen, hand feed Reindeer, Moose, Bison, yak, and elk. We will give you a little information about the animals, and then in the pen you go. Please dress for the weather this is an outside activity! In October we have our Fall Festival, and in December we offer Santa tours! We are open year round, but reservations must be made in advance. In the summer May-Aug we offer Horseback trail rides up the Butte with views of the Knik Glacier, and vast farmland and beautiful mountains.

FIshtale River Guides run guided Alaska salmon fishing trips and tours on the Little Susitna River and Deshka River located a 90 minute drive north of Anchorage or a 45 minute drive from Wasilla. Catch Alaska-sized king salmon, silver salmon, and / or chum salmon during summer months from mid-May through early September. Glide from fishing hole to fishing hole aboard a flatbottom jet boat customized for guest's comfort and to run through shallow riffles. Quietly drift through long runs of salmon holding water while casting Flashtrap Spinners or floating Fire-Cured salmon roe under ESB Bobbers. Experience the thrill of hooking and battling large ocean-run salmon that explode from the scenic small rivers you will be fishing. Frequent wildlife sightings of bald eagles, beavers, and waterfowl, with less frequent sightings of moose, coyotes, foxes, otters, and seals. Guide will bait your hooks and fillet your catch on summer salmon fishing charters. Family friendly, non smoking. Winter ice fishing tours on Mat-Su Valley lakes located closer to Anchorage, Wasilla and Palmer are also available. Free salmon availability chart, photo viewing, and daily fishing reports posted on website.

The Colony House Museum is a Colony House from the 1935 Matanuska Valley New Deal relocation project. $2 entry - best deal in town!