Our Favorite Things to Do in the Mat-Su Valley
While we love hitting the trails and riding out to the Knik Glacier, there are a bunch of fun adventures you’ll also want to go on during your stay in the Mat-Su Valley. Go on another exhilarating adventure, learn more about Alaska’s history, collect local art, and eat at some of the best restaurants around.
Each town in the Valley offers its own unique charm and experiences. You’ll want to add every town to your trip itinerary so you can make the most of your time in Alaska!
Where is the Mat-Su Valley
Also known as the Matanuska-Susitna Valley, this area sprawls across 23,000 acres where the Matanuska and Susitna Rivers meet.
Immense mountain ranges surround the valley giving you incredible views at every turn. This impressive valley includes Palmer, Wasilla, Glacier View, and Talkeetna.
With glaciers to explore, trails to ride, and rivers to raft down – the Mat-
Su Valley is a must visit during your time in Alaska. See what other adventures you can enjoy, where to grab a bite to eat, and where to stay during your vacation.
Palmer and Wasilla
Also known as the Matanuska-Susitna Valley, this area sprawls across 23,000 acres where the Matanuska and Susitna Rivers meet.
Immense mountain ranges surround the valley giving you incredible views at every turn. This impressive valley includes Palmer, Wasilla, Glacier View, and Talkeetna.
With glaciers to explore, trails to ride, and rivers to raft down – the Mat-Su Valley is a must visit during your time in Alaska. See what other adventures you can enjoy, where to grab a bite to eat, and where to stay during your vacation.
Adventure Tours:
ATV with Alaska Backcountry Tours: Come along on an ATV tour for a thrilling and rugged adventure! Ride all day to get up close to the Knik Glacier, do a polar plunge, and have a hot lunch. If you don’t have the full day we can still splash through some rivers and race around sand dunes on our Glacier View tour!
Fly with Outbound Heli Adventures: See the Knik Glacier from a different perspective than on your ATV tour. Land on the glacier and explore the ice.
Ride with Alaska Horse Adventures: Explore new trails and cross streams along the Knik River on horseback.
Fish with Alaska Outdoor Addiction: Reel in some salmon or trout along the Knik or Susitna Rivers. Learn different fishing techniques or hone in your fly fishing or trolling skills.
Local Experiences:
Go to the Alaska State Fair if you are visiting from mid August-September 1st.
Head to the Reindeer Farm: Visit and feed reindeer, highland cows, alpacas, and moose! This is a fun way for everyone to see some wildlife.
Visit the Musk Ox Farm: Learn about the native Musk Ox, support a non profit, and get some of the comfiest beanies ever woven.
Walk downtown Palmer: Go into shops like Poppy Lane for souvenirs or Vagabond Blues for coffee and lunch.
Local Hikes:
Go hiking or sightseeing in Hatcher Pass: Drive up to Summit Lake, hike around Independence Mine, or go blueberry picking depending on the season.
Walk the Matanuska River Park Trails: These trails take you along the Matanuska River and through beautiful forests. Enjoy the family-friendly walk and the nearby park.
Hike The Butte Trail: This steep trail will count as your leg day exercise. Get great views of the valley and the Knik Glacier.
Challenge yourself on Lazy Mountain: A climb for the more experienced hiker, this trail offers epic views of the Mat-Su Valley and is worth the effort.
Places to Eat:
Dinner at the Palmer Alehouse: Brewpub style food with over 40 local beers on tap. They are open late, have great patio seating, and have lots of fun live music events in the Summer.
Grab a bite from The Butte Burger Place: Stop by Butte’s Burgers for a meal to-go. This hidden gem has the best burgers and fries that are sure to fill you up after a day of adventure.
Brunch at the Noisy Goose Cafe: American comfort food that is a local favorite. This is a perfect spot for breakfast or brunch! There tends to be a wait so give yourself plenty of time to eat here.
Lunch at Turkey Red: A great spot for a sandwich, soup or baked goods. They also have yummy desserts.
Eat at Basil Ginger: Some of the best Asian cuisine in the valley with a relaxing space to sit and eat.
Fine dining at Everett’s: Enjoy lakeside views paired with excellent Alaskan inspired meals.
Where to Stay:
Rest at Alaska Backcountry Cottages: Enjoy one of our three cottages right on the ATV property. Be close to Palmer without the traffic or noise. You’ll get 10% off your stay when you ride with us.
Glacier View
Glacier View is home to the impressive Matanuska Glacier. This 26 mile long glacier flows from the same mountain as the Knik Glacier that you’ll visit on your ATV tour! Glacier View is worth the scenic drive from Palmer.
Enjoy scenic overlooks of Kings Mountain, the Chugach Range, and various lakes as you drive. You’ll see the glacier from the highway. Opt to hike for a better view, hike on the ice, or fly out to the glacier to make more memories.
Adventure Tours:
Hike or ice climb on the Matanuska Glacier: Explore the Matanuska Glacier with an experienced guide. Choose between a walking tour, a more challenging trek into the backcountry, or learn to ice climb.
Raft down the Matanuska Glacier with NOVA: Experience the thrill of whitewater rafting on the Matanuska River.
Fly with Sheep Mountain Air: Experience the glacier from the sky and land on the ice to explore a blue pool or ice caves depending on the season.
Local Experiences:
Celebrate the 4th of July with the Glacier View Car Launch: If you are visiting around the 4th of July you should stay in Glacier View for the annual Car Launch! This wild event is super unique and fun as you cheer on cars, trucks, and boats being launched off a cliff. When it’s too light out for fireworks you have to get creative! This event is super popular so be sure to grab a parking spot early.
Have a picnic at Long Lake: Stop along the way to view Long Lake. This is a popular spot for fishing, kayaking, and rock climbing.
Local Hikes:
Hike Lion’s Head: This steep but rewarding hike offers incredible views of the Matanuska Glacier and surrounding mountains.
Places to Eat:
Enjoy Sheep Mountain Lodge: This top notch restaurant has homemade meals including burgers, steak, and seafood. You have to try their award winning desert and grab a drink. It doubles as a great place to stay!
Sit down at Long Rifle Lodge: Awesome views of the glacier right from your table or the outside porch seating. Choose from yummy burgers, sandwiches, and tacos. You can also grab gas here in a pinch!
Where to Stay:
Stay at Sheep Mountain Lodge: Choose between cabins or guest house rooms for a cozy stay in the Talkeetna Mountains. With a great restaurant on site, hiking trail right out the door, and beautiful views all around this is a great place for you and your family to stay.
Sleep in the Homestead Guest Cabins: These handcrafted cabins are a great getaway. Have a quiet, cozy stay with incredible views of the Chugach Mountains.
Talkeetna
Visit Talkeetna for a chance to see Denali and explore the historic downtown area. Talkeetna is a vibrant community of artists and is the gateway for those looking to climb Denali. You’ll likely meet some mountaineers when visiting in the summer!
Talkeetna offers lots of local history, fun adventures in the Alaska Range, and a bustling downtown that is worth exploring. Talkeetna began as the headquarters for the Alaska Railroad and became an aviation, mountaineering, and gold mining hot spot. Be sure to at least stop for the day in this town to take in the views!
Adventure Tours:
Flightsee with K2 Aviation: Fly through the Alaska Range, opt to land on a glacier, and have a chance to see Denali from a fixed wing plane.
Zipline with Denali Zipline Tours: Enjoy views of the Alaska Range and explore the boreal forest by zipline. It’s fun for the whole family!
Go for a jet boat ride with Talkeetna Jet Boat Tours: See Denali from the Talkeetna River and enjoy a scenic adventure.
Ride with AK Dog Sled Tours: You’ll get to experience dog sledding no matter the season! Meet Iditarod winning dogs and mushers and learn how to mush your own team.
Local Experiences:
Walk the downtown area and visit the historic sites and shops, meet the mayor (a cat!) at the Nagley Store, enjoy a drink at the Fairview Inn and learn some local culture, and visit the Historical Society to learn more about Talkeetna.
Try Gold panning: Denali Gold Tours will teach you all about gold mining history in Talkeetna and take you panning for gold in Trapper Creek.
Go on a Birch Syrup Taste and Tour: Learn about local foraging practices for making birch syrup – a popular type of syrup from the plentiful birch trees. Try birch water, syrups, honeys, and even ice cream.
Local Hikes:
Hike the Kesugi Ridge or Ermine Trail: Located in Denali State Park, these trails offer great views of the Alaska Range.
Walk the Talkeetna River Trail: Enjoy this riverside trail near the town of Talkeetna for a scenic walk.
Places to Eat:
Enjoy a snack at Talkeetna Spinach Bread: Enjoy the best cheesy spinach bread in all of Alaska!
Get a drink at Denali Brewing Co. and Brewpub: With a brewpub in downtown Talkeetna and a brewery nearby, Denali Brewing has a lot to choose from on the menus.
Sit down at Homestead Kitchen: Enjoy hearty comfort meals with an Alaskan flair. They bring the spirit of homesteading through their menu.
Grab a slice at Mountain High Pizza Pie: Order a handmade pizza and enjoy the patio space. There is something for everyone on the menu.
Where to Stay:
Stay at the Talkeetna Roadhouse: This historic site has a range of rooms to choose from. Meet other travelers at the bakery and enjoy a cup of coffee.
Pick a Talkeetna Cabin: Stay within walking distance of all downtown Talkeetna has to offer. These cabins are fully furnished and are perfect for families.
Let Us Be Part of Your Trip to Mat-Su!
When you visit the Mat-Su Valley you will get epic views, beautiful drives, and tons of Alaskan history. You’ll have an incredible trip exploring some of Alaska’s most eclectic towns, eating at some of the best restaurants in the state, and going on adventures you’ll never forget.
When traveling to the Mat-Su be sure to book an ATV or snowmobile tour with us! We’ll give you glacier views and a thrilling ride that you’ll be talking about for the rest of your trip.
More Inspiration for Your Alaska Vacation
How We’ll Bring You Your Next Offroad Adventure with BRP Experiences
How We’ll Bring You Your Next Offroad Adventure with BRP Experiences What are the Best Vehicles for Off Roading in Alaska? CanAm has the best machines for exploring Alaska’s off…Meet Your ATV Guides
Meet Your ATV Guides We Have the Best ATV Tour Guides We have the best guides in all of Alaska! They are fun and will make you laugh on your…
