There are a few animals native to Alaska that are very difficult to see in the wild, one of which is the musk ox. In Palmer you’ll find the Musk Ox Farm, which is a working farm producing fibers (a sort of wool called qiviut) where you can learn about the animals and see them up close, including babies! If this sounds fun to you, below you’ll find all the information for visiting and getting to see musk ox up close.
Why the Musk Ox Farm is Worth Visiting
What I really enjoy about the Musk Ox Farm is the education about something I thought would be completely uninteresting, just to learn all about one of the most unique animals in Alaska. The guided tour through the farm starts with some simple facts and an introduction to the musk ox, but then once you’re outside and meeting the many residents of the Farm you can’t help but be fascinated.
From learning about the harvesting of the super warm, super soft qiviut wool to how they choose to breed the herd, everything you didn’t know you didn’t know is simply captivating. If you want to get a whole lot of knowledge for the next trivia night, this is the place to go. Similar to the Reindeer Farm in Palmer, you’ll leave with a new love of the animals and fresh Alaska smarts!
Book this experience w/ pickup in Anchorage
Need to Know for the Musk Ox Farm in Palmer
I think this is a fun tour and a great way to see musk ox up close. Having said that, it is a farm environment and your shoes may get muddy. I tend to wear hiking boots most of the time when I’m traveling in Alaska, so that helps, but if you visit during the melt or after some solid rain, know that your feet may get wet in the squish. Besides that, visiting the Musk Ox Farm requires no big gear.
An umbrella could be good if you think there’ll be rain, but even that’s probably not needed most of the time. The animals tend to be very close, so photography is easy. You could bring a nice camera for capturing the wider shots with the mountains and the musk ox on the hills, but a phone camera will do well too.
Tips for Visiting the Musk Ox Farm
Musk ox are really cute, but they aren’t friendly, even if they’re on a farm. Unlike if you’re visiting the Reindeer Farm in Palmer where it’s very much like a large petting/education zoo, the Musk Ox Farm is there ONLY for your education and to observe musk ox. They are known to charge at the fences and are not fans of kids or dogs. That doesn’t mean it’s unsafe or scary, but just that as you tour you really are learning about them and getting to see them up close.
The best way to really enjoy the Farm is to ask ALL the questions you have. The team there is really smart and cares so much about their animals. They’re the only operating musk ox farm in the world and are aching to share their knowledge, so ask!
Directions and Parking at the Musk Ox Farm
If you’re staying in Anchorage, the Farm is less than an hour away. It’s on the edge of Palmer, so no doubt you’ll be near there at some point during your Alaska trip. There is plenty of parking at the Musk Ox Farm. Once you park, enter through the main building where you’ll find the gift shop full of musk ox knickknacks and qiviut (musk ox wool) products. There is also a small museum and information center all about the musk ox that you can check out before doing your tour of the farm.
Tour Operating Info
To complete your planning, here is all the information to plan and book your adventure.
- Operating Dates/Season: normal operating hours are Wednesday through Sunday, 11:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Tour office phone number: 907-745-4151
- Company website: Farm site and educational info
- Tour check-in address: 12850 E Archie Rd, Palmer, AK 99645
- Tour booking links: Musk Ox Farm tour
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 excited to experience the Musk Ox Farm and these cool creatures. Whether you’re into agritourism, unique Alaska animals or just want to see a baby musk ox, I know you’ll love it. If you have any questions about visiting Palmer, Alaska’s farm country, or the MatSu Valley, please leave a comment or send us a note. We’re always happy to help with travel planning for an Alaska Trip!
