Having a Palmer itinerary isn’t probably on a lot of first-time trippers Alaska plan. Most people don’t know to visit because unless you’ve lived here, you don’t know how cool it is. It’s like somebody not knowing how cool St Augustine, Florida is and thinking the state is only Disney World. Palmer is THE playground for nature in Southcentral AK. Part of the MatSu Valley, Palmer is where you go for glaciers via land, rough and tumble outdoors stuff, and good food.
This 3 day Palmer itinerary is great to add onto a trip full of hiking Denali National Park or an Anchorage itinerary. You can tack on a few days in Palmer to check off the boxes for walking on glaciers or seeing a musk ox. I think Palmer is fun any time of year! If you have any questions about visiting Palmer or building a full Alaska trip plan, please leave a comment or send us a note. We’re happy to share more and provide additional recommendations.
Need to Know for Visiting Palmer, Alaska
Palmer, Alaska is located northeast of Anchorage. It’s an easy day trip drive or you can make it your home base for adventures in the Chugach Mountains. I think it’s best as a multi-day visit because there’s so much to do, but if you’re crunched for time or just have a jam packed schedule, you need to do what works best for your travel plans.
Alaska Native Land Acknowledgement: Honoring the Peoples of the MatSu Valley
I think it’s very important to understand the background of any area we travel to. Sometimes that history is beautiful, sometimes it’s ugly or messy, and sometimes it’s both. Alaska was taken from several large groups of people, many of whom were forced to attend Indian Schools to be re-educated. Alaska has a history of segregation between white people and the different tribes who’ve called this land home for tens of thousands of years. This is why it’s important to acknowledge the people and make an effort to learn and travel responsibly.
We acknowledge that the lands we visit or on which we live here are the traditional lands of the Athabascan, Dena’ina, Tanana, Alutiq, Aleut, Yupik, Inupiaq, Eyak, Tlingit, Haida, Tsimshian and other Peoples that have stewarded this land throughout the generations. We acknowledge the history and current lives of these people and aim to interact with and visit their ancestral lands respectfully and with gratitude.
When to Visit Palmer
Palmer is a good sized town and is THE farming community of Alaska, so it’s not only tourism to keep it going. You can actually visit Palmer any time of year. Of course you’ll have the best weather in summer with nice temperatures ranging from the low 60s to the mid 80s F, but late spring and fall are actually my favorite seasons here. I love late spring because the temperatures are warming up and the nature is fully awake, with spring green taking over the valleys. Tourism businesses that closed for the winter tend to open in the first week or two of May, so you can enjoy almost everything you can in peak summer.
NOTE: the Alaska State Fair is held in Palmer every summer, typically from August 15th through September 1. This is where you can eat all the Alaskan things and see the GIANT produce. This is where the humongous pumpkins and cabbages are showcased.
Fall is my other favorite season in Southcentral Alaska, or to do an Alaska road trip. I’m a sucker for fall colors and the MatSu valley is amazing for them. Fall in the MatSu is quiet as tourism has calmed down, but it’s also when you can’t visit Denali NP or enjoy a lot of the water activities. That means fall is for HIKING… and eating. Also, fall is when you really get to start seeing the Northern Lights!
Temperatures in the spring and fall tend to be in the 50s and 60s F most days, unless there’s either lingering or early snow. I always pack for the weather I want to have, but know I should pack for layers in every season, While you don’t need to be loaded up on snow gear for most of the year, be sure to bring a warm coat and gloves because some activities will bring the chill.
Getting to Palmer, AK
Palmer is about an hour (little more) from Anchorage. You’ll get to drive through Eagle River and cross through the wetlands at Reflection Lakes, and then into the breadbasket of Alaska you go. It’s all freeway and highway driving, but it is moose territory so drive cautiously. If you have time and want to make a quick stop to hike at Thunderbird Falls or check out Eklutna Lake, it’s on the way to Palmer.
If you’re not planning on staying in Palmer but are interested in the different activities, you can always drive yourself or book tours from Anchorage. For things like flightseeing or even visiting the musk ox farm, there are tours that will get you to Palmer so you can just enjoy the scenery along the drive. I like the freedom of having my own transportation, so for this Palmer itinerary I think a car is best.
If you’re adding Palmer to your trip to Denali NP, it’s very easy to drive over Hatcher Pass when you’re heading south toward Anchorage. Just past Talkeetna you’ll be able to turn onto the road that takes you through one of the most beautiful valleys in AK. There are mining claims, roadside camping, bears on the hillsides and it’s beautiful. You’ll love it!
3 Days of Adventure in Palmer, AK
Time to dig into our daily plans for a fun Palmer itinerary. You’re going to be busy, but there’ll be plenty of down time to enjoy the views and good food, so don’t stress. Something you’ll love about visiting Palmer is the proximity of such diverse activities to the town itself. You can easily pop back and forth to the wilderness without it eating up all your time.
For dining recommendations, we’ve got those each day and at the end of our Palmer itinerary. With each day you’re returning to town, so you can take our picks and choose a different one for each day. If there’s a specific restaurant recommendation based on location, that’s noted below.
Palmer Itinerary Day 1: Matanuska Glacier and Local Fun
Your first day in Palmer is set up to be a beautiful one. Starting the day with exploring a glacier and hiking across it and ending with musk ox and strolling through town, you’ll feel right at home in Alaska. Today is a great mix of Alaskan activities you can’t do anywhere else.
Morning Glacier Exploration
Drive to Matanuska Glacier (about an hour from Palmer): Start your day early with a scenic drive along the Glenn Highway to the Matanuska Glacier, one of Alaska’s most accessible glaciers. Take a guided hike on the glacier to explore its ice formations, crevasses, and bright blue meltwater pools. Many tours offer crampons and equipment, making it a safe and exciting adventure. I absolutely loved the experience of hiking at Matanuska Glacier with Greatland Adventures and highly recommend them.
After you’ve gotten to hike on the glacier, head to the Long Riffle Lodge for a meal looking out at the Matanuska Glacier. The Lodge dining room has a scenic view of the glacier, a good menu, good beer selection and good prices. The other lunch option is if you happened to pack a picnic to enjoy in a scenic spot along the highway. Turkey Red in Palmer is a great spot to pre-order or get a grab-n-go lunch to bring on our outing.
Afternoon of Musk Ox and Farm Life
Drive back to Palmer in the afternoon. Visit the Musk Ox Farm, where you can see these fascinating, prehistoric-looking animals up close and learn about their role in Alaska’s history and the sustainable harvest of qiviut, their ultra-soft underwool. Take a tour of the farm to see the musk oxen and learn about the farm’s conservation efforts.
After the Musk Ox Farm, head downtown to the Palmer historical society / museum and check out the community garden. The MatSu Valley is known for absolutely giant produce, so if it’s the season, maybe you’ll get to see some being showcased downtown. If not, there are giant cabbage sculptures and photo ops to keep the farm fun alive any time of year. This even is pretty mellow, so if you want to add a visit to the Matanuska Brewing Co or Bleeding Heart Brewery, this is a great opportunity to put it on your Palmer itinerary.
Day 2 of Palmer Itinerary: Reindeer Farm and ATV Adventure
If you’ve checked out any of our other Alaska itineraries you know that I love adding hiking whenever possible. Palmer is set between lots of mountains, but today’s hike doesn’t go to the mountains. You’ll see…
Morning at the Reindeer Farm and Hiking the Butte
This morning after breakfast, head to the Reindeer Farm in Palmer for a fun and interactive experience with Alaska’s famous reindeer. Feed and pet the reindeer, and learn about their care from knowledgeable guides. The farm also has other animals, including moose and elk, making it a great family-friendly stop.
And since you’re already in this part of Palmer, you MUST do the hike up the Butte. Bodenburg Butter is right next to the Reindeer Farm, so just drive the five minutes to the trailhead on the west side and hike up. It’ll take you an hour and a half or so, and the view is beautiful. Google Maps link to trailhead.
Head to lunch in Downtown Palmer. Stop at a local café or restaurant, like Turkey Red or Vagabond Blues, for a fresh, local meal (more recommendations at the end). Palmer has a charming downtown area that’s fun to explore on foot so if you didn’t explore at all last night, do it this afternoon. It won’t take long.
Afternoon of ATV Adventures
One of the most local Alaskan things to do is to have an ATV adventure. Book an ATV tour in the Hatcher Pass area or Knik River Valley. I went out with Alaska Backcountry Adventures and did 25 miles along the Knik River. It was awesome to traverse all kinds of ground and get muddy while still seeing the beautiful landscape.
Guided tours take you through rugged mountain terrain, river crossings, and scenic views of the Chugach and Alaska Ranges. Some tours are lucky and get to see wildlife along the way, but with ATVs and their noise, it’s not a guarantee. But you should always keep your eyes peeled for Alaska wildlife!
After a day of reindeer, hiking and ATVs I think dinner at Humdinger’s Gourmet Pizza Co. is a great idea. Grab a casual dinner at Humdinger’s wood-fired pizzas and then head back to your lodge/cabin/hotel to take a disco nap before waking up at 2:00 am to see if the Northern Lights are out.
Palmer Itinerary Day 3: Flightseeing and Hatcher Pass
We’re saving today for the last day of our Palmer itinerary because it’s the BEST day. Today is the day that really showcases the rugged beauty of Alaska and makes your jaw drop. I didn’t realize that I was still a person who could be overcome by nature and landscapes, but today is the day that made me tear up with the views.
Morning Flightseeing Tour
Start your day with a thrilling flightseeing tour over the Chugach Mountains, the Knik Glacier, and perhaps even Denali if the skies are clear. This part of our Palmer trip is going to be the most expensive recommendation we have, but it’s really remarkable and unforgettable. If you can fit a multi-landing helicopter tour into your budget, I really feel that it’s worth it. I went out with Alaska Helicopter Tours based at the Alaska Glacier Lodge and was jaw-dropped the whole time.
We saw mountain goats from the helicopter, landed on top of a cliff overlooking rivers and glaciers, landed at the face of a glacier as it calved off into the valley, and even landed on Knik Glacier. We walked on the ice and saw glacial ponds and streams. It was so beautiful and unforgettable.
Afternoon of Hatcher Pass Hiking
After your flight, have lunch at a local spot back in town, like Noisy Goose Café, known for its homey atmosphere and Alaskan comfort food, or drive up to Hatcher Pass for a meal at the Hatcher Pass Lodge. and then an afternoon of hiking and scenic exploration. There are some great trails here, including my eldest’s favorite hike in all of Alaska: the Lane Basin Trail.
You can take your pick though. Lane Basin is really beautiful, set at the end of the Archangel Valley, and the Gold Mint Trail (an easier option) is just at the start of the climb up Hatcher Pass. A really cool trail if you want a little more challenge is the Reed Lakes Trail (a bit more of a climb but with beautiful alpine lakes).
Located near the Hatcher Pass Lodge is Independence Mine State Historical Park. If time allows, stop at Independence Mine visitor center and learn about the old gold mine with historic buildings and interpretive displays. It’s a great way to learn about Alaska’s gold rush history while taking in mountain views. And then since you’re here, do the short hike up to Gold Cord Lake. It crosses streams and boulders, which look daunting, but at the top is one of the prettiest lakes you’ll see during your Alaska trip.
Tonight, either have dinner down in Palmer or drive back to Anchorage or wherever you next part of your travel plan goes. If you want to finish your Palmer itinerary with a really great meal, reserve a seating in advance at Feather and Flour for a beautiful prix fixe meal. I love it!
More Things to Do around Palmer
Palmer is a really cool, beautiful town. Located in the MatSu Valley northeast of Anchorage, you’ll find a very walkable downtown area with parks, shops, galleries, three breweries, bars and restaurants. Here are a few additional things you can add to your time in Palmer to make the most of your visit:
- hiking – between state parks and forest lands, there are lots of trails
- fishing – from salmon to trout, there are plenty of options for rivers, lakes and guided trips
- ATV tours – the Knik River is a local favorite for off-road exploring
- Matanuska Glacier – not far from Palmer is the only glacier you can drive directly up to
- Agritourism – Palmer is farm country, from musk ox and reindeer to giant prize winning vegetables
- Kayaking tour or rentals – there are lots of great paddling spots around Palmer
Dining in Palmer
I’ll be honest, Seward is not my favorite town for cuisine in Alaska. That doesn’t mean it’s bad, but its options are limited. I always like to set realistic expectations for anyone visiting a place for the first time. Having said that, here are our top picks for dining in Palmer:
- Feather and Flour – farm to table dining w/ a prix fixe menu
- Palmer Ale House – awesome pizza and more
- Turkey Red – great deli sandwiches and to-go meals
- Matanuska Brewing Co – burgers, salads, beer and more
- La Fiesta – a good solid Mexican restaurant
More ideas for your visit to Palmer:
Where to Stay Around Palmer
Use the map below to find a good spot to stay for your time in Palmer, from a cabin to a lodge, a treehouse to a hotel.
I hope you’re now planning to add a Palmer itinerary to your Alaska trip. It’s such a fun, beautiful place and is great to visit with kids. You get some opportunities for things to do here that you won’t find anywhere else in Alaska. If you have any questions about visiting Palmer, planning an Alaska road trip or need some specific recommendations please leave a comment or send us a note. We’re always happy to share more!
