Wasilla is located just outside of Anchorage in Southcentral Alaska and serves as the gateway city to some of Alaska’s most breathtaking natural scenery and recreational opportunities.
While not as large as Anchorage, Wasilla has developed into an attractive destination in its own right with vibrant downtown and a diverse selection of attractions that highlight the best of Alaskan culture, history, adventure and outdoor activities. This guide covers 12 of the most popular and interesting things to see and do in Wasilla.
Alaska Aviation Heritage Museum
Aviation plays a huge role in Wasilla’s history and culture given its remoteness and the crucial role air transportation has played in connecting communities across Alaska. The Alaska Aviation Heritage Museum does a fantastic job showcasing this history through its collection of historical aircraft on display both indoors and outdoors. Highlights include a de Havilland Beaver seaplane, a Cessna 180 Skywagon and a Boeing-Stearman biplane. The museum also features exhibits on the early bush pilots who pioneered flying in the Alaska wilderness as well as the development of commercial aviation in the state. Aviation enthusiasts and history buffs will find the museum absolutely fascinating.
In addition to the aircraft displays, the museum hosts special events throughout the year like fly-ins where visitors can check out vintage planes up close and meet pilots. Educational programs are also offered to teach kids and adults alike about Alaska’s rich aviation legacy. The museum is located just a short drive from downtown Wasilla making it very accessible.
American Birkebeiner Trail
During the winter months, some of the top outdoor attractions in Wasilla revolve around snow-based activities like cross-country skiing, snowmobiling and dogsledding. One of the premier trails for cross-country skiing is the American Birkebeiner Trail, which originates in Wasilla and winds 51 kilometers through forests and fields all the way to the town of Cable, Wisconsin. The trail is groomed for both classic and skate skiing styles and offers skiers options for shorter loops as well as the full distance.
In February, the trail hosts the American Birkebeiner cross-country ski marathon, one of the largest in North America that draws over 10,000 participants. Those not interested in racing can still enjoy scenic skiing on the trail any time during winter. Rentals and instruction are available in Wasilla as well if you want to try the sport. The great trail access right from downtown makes Wasilla an excellent winter ski destination.
Matanuska Glacier
Only about an hour’s drive north of Wasilla sits the Matanuska Glacier, one of Alaska’s most accessible valley glaciers. Visitors can take a guided hiking tour onto the edge of the expansive glacier for breathtaking views of the immense river of ice slowly creeping down from the Chugach Mountains. Guides share information about glacier formation, movement patterns and provide all necessary gear like spikes, helmets and rope systems to make the tour perfectly safe but still give you the thrill of being on an active glacier.
For those who prefer to stay on land, there are also scenic hiking trails from the Matanuska Glacier Visitor Center that provide stellar vantage points for photographing the glacier from a distance. Ranging from easy half-mile trails to more strenuous all-day adventures, there are options for all fitness levels. With a convenient location just off the Glenn Highway, a visit to Matanuska Glacier gives nature lovers and photographers alike a thrilling taste of Alaska’s glaciated environments.
Pioneer Peak Trail
As one of the top day hiking destinations near Wasilla, the Pioneer Peak Trail delivers jaw-dropping views of the Alaska Range and Matanuska Valley from its lofty heights. The 3.8-mile out-and-back trail climbs nearly 1500 feet up a mountain ridge to reach the fire lookout station on top of 3250-foot Pioneer Peak. Along the way, you’ll pass through various alpine habitats and be treated to ever-expanding vistas south towards Anchorage and the Knik Arm. Pioneer Peak is considered an essential hike for the incredible panoramas.
While the elevation gain makes it a challenging afternoon hike, most fit hikers can complete the climb in 3-4 hours roundtrip. It’s best attempted from June to September when trails are free of snow. With a trailhead located just west of Wasilla, Pioneer Peak offers locals and visitors one of the best day trips to take in the area’s magnificent scenery from above.
Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center
For an up-close wildlife encounter without having to venture into the wilderness, the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center provides a unique educational experience. Located at the base of the Chugach Mountains about a 20-minute drive from Wasilla, the center houses over 50 species in expansive natural habitats. Visitors can spot everything from bears and moose to wolves, lynx, caribou and more in their native Alaskan environments.
The center strives not just to display wildlife but also to rehabilitate injured animals for re-release when possible and provide important breeding programs for threatened species. Guided tours are included with admission and led by knowledgeable staff who share facts about the animals’ behaviors, habitats and conservation needs. A highlight is the bear feeding demonstration which occurs daily in the summer. With its scenic setting, the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center is an entertaining attraction that teaches people to appreciate Alaska’s diverse wildlife.
Fiddleheads Coffeehouse
No trip to a new town is complete without finding the best local coffee shop. Fiddleheads Coffeehouse in downtown Wasilla has been roasting fresh beans and brewing cups of hot joe for over 25 years. In addition to standard drip coffee, the menu features espresso drinks like lattes and cappuccinos along with baked goods, breakfast sandwiches, soups and salads for a hearty meal.
Fiddleheads makes for a great spot to relax with a book or laptop while enjoying a nice warming drink. They also frequently host local musicians, open mics, poetry readings and more cultural events. Beyond excellent coffee and food, what really stands out is the welcoming community atmosphere – it’s no surprise why residents count Fiddleheads as their go-to meeting spot. So fuel up with their premium coffee before setting out to explore more of Wasilla’s charms.
Alaska Native Heritage Center
To gain an authentic understanding of Alaska’s Native cultures, the Alaska Native Heritage Center a must-visit attraction. Situated on 26 acres southwest of Wasilla, the center features an impressive collection of traditional structures representing Alaska’s 11 major indigenous groups – from Tlingit carving houses to Iñupiat sledding huts. Here you can observe demonstrations of authentic skills like skin sewing and carving that have sustained these communities for generations.
Many of the center’s staff are members of the cultures they represent, ensuring an inside expert perspective is shared with visitors. Additionally, various special events promote traditional dancing, singing, storytelling and crafts. The center’s cultural programs foster understanding and appreciation for Native Alaskan values, knowledge systems and modern influences on their lives. Spending a few hours at this award-winning heritage park provides memorable cultural edification about the regions first peoples.
Alaska Zoo
Located between Anchorage and Wasilla, the Alaska Zoo blends wildlife education with exploration of naturally landscaped exhibits housing over 70 species of Alaskan animals. Patrons can spot everything from bears, moose and bison found across the state to smaller mammals like lynxes, river otters and ground squirrels. Unique species like Dall sheep, mountain goats and reindeer round out diverse animal ambassador populations.
In addition to simply viewing the animals, the zoo aims to promote hands-on appreciation through encounters like regular keeper talks, rides on the Wildlife Express Train and demonstrations at the Animal Nutrition Center. Well-marked trails make navigating exhibits enjoyable for all ages. After visiting, be sure to dine at the scenic Waterfowl Café for refreshments with picturesque views of mountains and zoo inhabitants. Altogether, the Alaska Zoo immerses visitors in the magic of Alaska’s wildlife.
Lost Lake / Wasilla Lake
A beautiful escape from urban areas exists right on Wasilla’s outskirts at popular recreation spots Lost Lake and Wasilla Lake. Both lakes draw locals year-round for activities spanning swimming, rowing, kayaking, canoeing and fishing for trout, salmon and pike. Their warm waters make for refreshing summer swims whether splashing in the shallows or exploring from non-motorized watercraft.
Surrounding shorelines host picnic areas, hiking trails, campsites and breathtaking mountain scenery. Winter transforms the lakes into a wonderland of ice skating, ice fishing and snowy recreation. No visit to Wasilla would be complete without spending an afternoon making memories on these crystalline Alaskan lakes gifted by breathtaking nature.
Conclusion
From its rich aviation legacy to world-class outdoor adventures, Wasilla charms visitors with unique cultural attractions, thriving small town charm and unspoiled access to Alaska’s unmatched natural beauty.
Spending a few days exploring the top attractions highlighted here give an excellent overview of what makes Wasilla such an alluring destination within short driving distance of Anchorage. Whether your interests lie in wildlife, history, art or simply enjoying the splendors of Alaska, Wasilla promises an inspiring experience with something for every type of traveler.