Top 10 things to do in Palmer, Alaska (summer)

1. Explore a Glacier

Palmer has two accessible glaciers within an hour from town - the Matanuska and Knik glaciers are both popular options to see glaciers in Alaska. 

The Matanuska Glacier is the area’s largest road accessible glacier. You will need to hire a guide to take you out onto the glacier. There are a few companies in Glacier View that offer guide services and some helicopter companies that also fly to the Matanuska Glacier. We highly recommend MICA guides. Their Ice Fall Trek is an educational, small group trip that takes you out to explore the glacier for a couple hours. During this trip you’ll be able to see the glacier's stunning ice formations, crevasses, and the breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. 

The Knik Glacier is only accessible by plane, helicopter, boat or ATV. Several local companies offer opportunities to see the Knik from the air. There are also companies that provide guided hiking, paddle boarding, and ice climbing on the glacier. Here’s a few of our favorites.

• Alaska Backcountry Adventures - guided ATV rides to the glacier

• Heli Alaska - guided helicopter flights and landings around the Knik Glacier

• Alaska Sundog Guiding (based at the Alaska Glacier Lodge) - guided ice climbing, glacier paddle boarding, and more

• Alaska Helicopter Tours (based at the Alaska Glacier Lodge) - guided helicopter flights and landings around the Knik Glacier

2. Experience the great outdoors in Hatcher Pass

Just a short drive from downtown Palmer, Hatcher Pass offers a variety of outdoor activities. One of our favorite things to do is visit the historic Independence Mine State Historical Park. Salmon Berry Travel and Tours offers historic mine tours of a few buildings in the park. It’s a tour you don’t want to miss. We also enjoy driving the pass from Palmer to Willow. This dirt road is only open for a few months of the summer every year. Much of the drive passes through alpine tundra, great for hiking, berry picking, and soaking in scenic views. If you’re looking for a guided hiking opportunity, Revel offers half day and full day hikes in Hatcher Pass.

3. Stroll around the Palmer Friday Fling

From late May through early September, the Palmer Friday Fling is the place to be. This weekly market features local vendors selling handmade crafts, fresh produce, and delicious food. It's a great way to support local businesses and enjoy the vibrant community atmosphere. If you’re visiting Alaska, the market is a perfect spot to snag your Alaska Souvenirs. Check the Palmer Chamber of Commerce website for current Friday Fling details.

4. Visit local farm stand, Bushes Bunches

If you want to check out what veggies and produce are in a season, try one of Palmer’s world-famous carrots, or sip on some rhubarb lemonade - head to local farm stand, Bushes Bunches. Just across the Matanuska bridge, this humble shop is a hub for buying local Alaska produce. They stay open year round and source products from all over Alaska: kelp salsa, mushrooms, chickens, noodles, honey, and more.

Bonus: The Matanuska Community Farmers Market has a weekly farmers market every Wednesday in downtown Palmer. Visit their website for more information.

5. Hike the Butte

For panoramic views of the Matanuska Valley and the Chugach and Talkeetna Mountain ranges, hike the Bodenburg Butte, commonly known as "The Butte." The trail is relatively short (less than 3 miles round trip) but it’s a perfect hike for those looking for a quick but rewarding outdoor experience.

Check our post about the Butte here for more details on the hike. If you want to learn more about the area during your hike, our Rocks, Rivers, and Glaciers tour includes a guided hike up the Butte.

6. Discover the history at the Palmer visitor information center

The Palmer Visitor Information Center is more than just a place to get travel tips. It's also home to the Palmer Museum of History and Art, where you can learn about the Ahtna and Dena’ina people who have been calling the area home for thousands of years. There are also exhibits on the town’s agricultural roots and the New Deal program that relocated a couple hundred farmers to Palmer - the Matanuska Colony Project. 

7. See some animals - Tour the Musk Ox Farm or the Reindeer Farm

The Musk Ox Farm, a working, nonprofit farm that harvests qiviut, is dedicated to the domestication and preservation of musk oxen, which are native to the Arctic. Take a guided tour to see these fascinating animals, learn about their role in Alaska's ecosystem, and discover the process of harvesting qiviut, one of the world's warmest fibers.

The Williams Reindeer Farm also provides opportunities to see animals native to Alaska. This family-friendly attraction allows visitors to feed and pet reindeer, learn about their habits, and even take a wagon ride through the farm. It's a fun and educational experience for all ages.

8. Check out a local brewery (beer or booch!)

Palmer is home to several breweries and a kombuchery (fermented tea). Try one or visit them all. 

• Bleeding Heart Brewery - one of our favorites is known for their Beet IPA.

• Matanuska Brewing Company - right next door to BHB has phenomenal burgers in addition to a variety of beers on tap.

• Arkose Brewery - a couple miles outside of town towards the fairgrounds, Arkose is Palmer’s first micro brewery. Be sure to check their tap room hours before heading to the taproom.

• 203 Kombucha - no beer, but flavorful kombucha, coffee, and light snacks. During the summer months the Reuben Haus posts up in the 203 parking lot. It’s a hopping place to grab dinner and a non-alcoholic drink during the weekend.

9. Go to a summer concert at the Palmer Alehouse

An iconic Palmer experience is getting to watch a summer concert at the Palmer Alehouse. This historic building was the original trading post for the Matanuska Colony Project. Today the building is the Palmer Alehouse - a local restaurant with delicious food and a wide selection of craft beers. Their outdoor seating area has a stage and hosts live music on Fridays and Saturdays all summer long. Check out their summer schedule here.

10. Visit the Alaska State Fair

Palmer’s biggest event of the year is the Alaska State Fair. Held on the State Fairgrounds, this three-week event usually takes place in late August and early September. Fairgoers can enjoy live entertainment, carnival rides, delicious food, and impressive agricultural exhibits, including giant vegetables grown under the midnight sun.