Palmer, Alaska is a charming small town located just 25 miles from Alaska’s largest city, Anchorage. With a population of around 6000, Palmer offers visitors a taste of rural Alaskan life while still being close enough to the amenities of a larger city.
Though Palmer is small, there is plenty to see and do to keep visitors entertained for a day or longer. Here are 12 of the top things to see and do in Palmer, Alaska.
Explore Burns Lake and Halibut Cove State Parks
Two excellent state parks near Palmer offer beautiful natural scenery and outdoor recreation opportunities. Burns Lake State Recreation Area is located just 3 miles west of Palmer. The 350-acre park features a 40-acre lake that is popular for fishing, boating, swimming and wildlife viewing. Rent a boat or kayak to explore the lake or hike several trails through the surrounding forest and wetlands.
Halibut Cove State Marine Park is a scenic 8-mile drive from Palmer along the scenic Glacier Highway. The park is situated on a scenic cove and has over 6 miles of trails that lead to secluded beaches, tide pools and scenic lookouts. Both parks are free to visit and are great places to take in Palmer’s natural beauty.
Go Gold Panning
Though gold mining has faded from the Palmer area, you can still try your hand at finding gold remnants through recreational gold panning. Several local operators offer gold panning tours and equipment rentals that allow amateur prospectors to feel like real gold miners.
Anadarko Gold Prospecting runs daily 2-3 hour tours through Palmer area creeks where you will receive a lesson on panning techniques and have time to pan for actual flakes of gold. Gold Rush Alaska rents gold panning gear perfect for exploring the creekbeds on your own. With a little luck and practice, you may find small specks of gold to take home as a souvenir. It’s a fun activity that lets you feel the pioneer spirit of Alaska’s gold rush era.
Visit Alaska Botanical Garden
Established in 1995, the Alaska Botanical Garden sits on 55 acres just outside Palmer city limits. The garden showcases hardy plants from Alaska and subarctic regions from around the world. Popular areas include the Alpine Garden, Boreal Forest, and Siberian Meadow.
Over 5 miles of trails wind through the diverse landscapes where you may spot moose, bears, birds and other wildlife. Unique structures like the Yurt Garden Shed and Hoh Rainforest Pavilion educate visitors on different climates. Guided tours are available in summer but the self-guided experience is also excellent. It’s a beautiful and educational oasis year-round showcasing Alaska’s incredible biodiversity.
Check out Palmer Farmers Market
Every Saturday from mid-May through September, head downtown to experience the lively Palmer Farmers Market. Over 50 vendors set up along Main Street to sell fresh local produce, meats, baked goods, crafts and more direct from area farms and producers. Wander among the booths tasting samples and talking to vendors about their operations.
It’s a great place to pick up provisions for a picnic or BBQ. Enjoy some coffee or breakfast from one of the food trucks while taking in the festive atmosphere. Live music often plays, adding to the community vibe. The Palmer Farmers Market is beloved as a weekend tradition and source of locally grown goodness.
Go Fishing on the Matanuska River
The scenic Matanuska River winds right through Palmer, making it a top freshwater fishing destination. King, sockeye, and silver salmon migrate upriver from June through September, joined by red salmon in even numbered years. Dolly Varden, rainbow trout, Arctic grayling and northern pike provide year-round angling opportunities.
You can fish from the banks along recreational sites like Alexander Creek or rent a drift boat, paddle boat or kayak from local outfitters to explore more remote stretches. Beginners can learn techniques from Alaska Fishing Adventures guides or just wet a line on your own. Catching “the big one” on this historic Alaskan river promises an unforgettable experience.
Go Cross-Country Skiing or Snowshoeing
With an average annual snowfall of over 75 inches, winter in Palmer brings excellent opportunities for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Two nearby parks have groomed trails perfect for classic and skate skiing – Fields Farm Regional Park and Palmer Hay Flats State Game Refuge. You can also explore the Refuge on marked snowshoe trails.
Rent equipment from Valley Mountain Sports or bring your own gear for a couple hours of exercise amid the winter beauty. Watching the northern lights while snowshoeing under the stars creates lasting Alaska memories. Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing let you appreciate Palmer’s winter scenery without depending on roads being plowed.
Visit the Palmer Museum of History and Art
Learn about Palmer’s rich agricultural and mining heritage at this small downtown museum. Exhibits trace human occupation in the area back over 10,000 years with artifacts from Dena’ina Athabascan and early gold rush settlers. Displays highlight Palmer’s role as a hub for vegetable and dairy farming starting in the 1930s. Temporary exhibits often showcase local artists or special topics.
English and Dena’ina language guides provide context. Interactive activities engage families. Plan an hour to enjoy the museum’s blend of natural history, cultural artifacts and art that tell Palmer’s unique story. With free admission, it offers a budget-friendly way to delve into the community’s past.
Go Glacial Lake Cruising
Explore scenic Knik Glacier via a guided boat tour operated by Major Marine Tours out of nearby Wasilla. The 2.5 hour tours allow passengers to view tidewater glaciers up close while learning about glacial geology and associated ecosystems from the onboard guide. On calm days, you may even stand within feet of the massive wall of ice!
Passengers frequently see wildlife like harbor seals, bald eagles, sea otters and humpback whales. Late summer offers colorful wildflower meadows along the shoreline providing endless photo ops. No prior boating experience is needed, just come prepared for varying weather as you experience the beauty and power of Alaska’s coastline.
Visit the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center
Just 15 minutes from Palmer, this 165-acre center provides habitat enrichment and veterinary care for injured, orphaned and confiscated Alaska wildlife while educating visitors. Self-guided tours wind through habitats showcasing moose, black and brown bears, caribou, martens, lynx and more in spacious natural settings. During summer, guided walks further explain conservation efforts.
Admission helps care for over 150 animals while educational exhibits and occasional animal presentations deepen appreciation for Alaska’s ecosystems. A picnic shelter and hiking trails make it easy to spend an afternoon exploring this unique sanctuary nestled in rolling cottonwood forest scenery.
Check out the Palmer Agricultural and Historical Fair
Held annually in late July at Palmer Regional Fair Grounds, this traditional small town fair celebrates community and rural Alaskan culture. Activities and demonstrations highlight Palmer’s agricultural heritage with livestock shows, gardening competitions, tractor pulls and antique equipment. Sample traditional dishes, crafts and musical acts throughout the three-day event.
Explore dozens of unique vendors and nonprofit booths. Fun carnival rides and games entertain kids. Evening melodramas and concerts bring more entertainment options. It’s a chance to experience homesteading traditions still alive in Alaska and revel in the summertime atmosphere with families from all over the Mat-Su Valley.
Whether seeking adventure in Alaska’s outdoors, learning about cultural and natural history or simply relaxing amid rural scenery, Palmer offers unique ways to spend time. Plan an overnight to maximize your exploration of this underrated destination close to Anchorage. With a mix of recreation, shopping and sightseeing attractions, Palmer proves there is more to do in small-town Alaska than one might expect.