palmer-alaska

The Alaska State Fair runs in Palmer, 42 miles from Anchorage, in late August — giant vegetables, carnival rides, livestock, and live music.

The Alaska State Fair in Palmer is one of Alaska’s biggest annual events — 12 days of giant vegetables, live music, reindeer sausage, carnival rides, and local traditions that mark the end of summer in the Matanuska-Susitna Valley.

Discover the Mat-Su Valley on a day trip from Anchorage: Palmer's colony history, giant vegetables, the Iditarod HQ in Wasilla, and the Musk Ox Farm.

The Musk Ox Farm in Palmer is 45 minutes from Anchorage and unlike anything else in the world. Here is what to know before your visit.

Palmer is 45 minutes northeast of Anchorage: Alaska's agricultural hub, the world's only Musk Ox Farm, the Alaska State Fair, and Hatcher Pass alpine views.

Bodenburg Butte near Palmer delivers sweeping Mat-Su Valley panoramas — Pioneer Peak, Matanuska River, and Chugach peaks — in just 1.5 miles round trip.

5 miles round trip, 2,850 feet of gain, 360° views of the Mat-Su Valley. The best panoramic summit accessible from the Anchorage day-trip radius.

Knik Glacier sits at the end of Knik River Road from Palmer — massive blue ice accessible by ATV or foot, no admission fee, no guided tour required.

Palmer, Alaska guide: Colony history, the Alaska State Fair, Bodenburg Butte, Hatcher Pass, local breweries, dining, lodging, and best times to visit.

A chain of calm lakes near Palmer for kayaking, fishing, and camping — Kepler-Bradley Lakes State Recreation Area is an easy Mat-Su Valley day trip.