What to do in Palmer, AK

Activities, attractions and tours

Palmer which includes mountains as well as an individual male
Palmer which includes mountains as well as an individual male
Palmer featuring mountains and 4-wheel driving as well as a small group of people
Round hay bales and mountains, Palmer, Alaska
Waterfall between upper and lower Reed lakes. Spot the rainbow in the waterfall. _ #Adventure #ReedLakestrail

Palmer Attractions

Let Expedia help you experience the best that Palmer has to offer! If you’re looking for fun itinerary ideas, we can provide you with a list of the top sightseeing attractions, as well as helping you to find unmissable activities. Whether you’re travelling with your family, planning a romantic trip with your loved one, or visiting on business, we’ll make it easy to plan an unforgettable holiday that checks all the boxes.

Activities and Tours

Palmer is crammed with must-see places to visit and things to do. We can help you decide where to stay, and make it a breeze to explore the surrounding areas with our guides on where to go, what to see and when to see it. No matter how long your stay, it’s easy to find places of interest in Palmer to make sure that you enjoy your experience to the fullest and don’t miss a thing. Leave the local knowledge to us and leave the hassle behind.

If you’re planning a visit, why not check out our handy guides to places of interest in the area? You can browse lists of things to do, learn about the most popular attractions, and get help with planning the details of your trip. Expedia makes it easy for you to check out all the top sights.

Palmer Attractions

Expedia has something for everyone, so whether you’re planning to get active on a summer holiday, put a spring in your step with a romantic rendezvous, or pamper yourself with a leisurely winter trip, you’ll find plenty of attractions to keep you entertained. In addition to scheduling local tours, booking reservations and scoring advance event tickets, Expedia makes it easy to book your flight, hotel and rental car in advance, all on one consolidated travel itinerary, making for hassle-free travel and freeing you up to explore the sights of Palmer.

Looking for things to do can be time consuming, but we can take the hassle out of planning your holiday. Whether you’re looking to get active in the great outdoors, sample the cuisine or catch up with the vibrant local culture, our guides to Palmer attractions ensure that you’ll have a successful trip, whatever the season.

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Recommended things to do in Palmer

Number of things to do
14
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
Winter Family Fun Day in Palmer Alaska: CA $274
Top 5 things to do
Half-day tours
With kids

What to do in Palmer

Discover the most popular places to visit in Palmer

This is one of my favorite places to take kids, family, and friends when they come for a visit. It is a truly "Alaska" experience to be able to wander among and feed the Reindeer here. And the scenery on the way can't be beat! Landscape wise, Pioneer Peak is the star of the show on this trip along the Old Glenn Highway & Bodenburg Loop Road.

Reindeer Farm

Enjoy an outing to Reindeer Farm during your stay in Butte. Wander the forest or discover the area's mountain views.

Reindeer Farm
Independence Mine State Historical Park Visitor Center surrounded by the Talkeetna Mountains across Hatcher Pass under a sunny, blue sky; Palmer, Alaska, United States of America

Independence Mine State Historical Park

You can find out about the history of Fishhook with a stop at Independence Mine State Historical Park. Wander the forest in this relaxing area.

Independence Mine State Historical Park
Matanuska Glacier in one of the largest inland glaciers in the World. Between Palmer and Glennallen, Alaska, USA.

Matanuska Glacier State Recreation Site

Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at Matanuska Glacier State Recreation Site during your travels in Gateway. While you're in the area, wander around the parks.

Matanuska Glacier State Recreation Site
Close-up of a Musk Ox calf born in the spring on the Musk Ox farm, South-central Alaska; Palmer, Alaska, United States of America

Musk Ox Farm

Enjoy an outing to Musk Ox Farm during your stay in Farm Loop. Stroll along the lakeside or discover the area's mountain views.

Musk Ox Farm
Pretty tough to beat the views of the valley from the top of the Butte.

Bodenburg Butte

Explore the great outdoors at Bodenburg Butte, a lovely green space in Butte. Wander the forest or discover the area's mountain views.

Bodenburg Butte
Alpenglow on a winter night in Alaska, USA

Lazy Mountain

Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at Lazy Mountain during your travels in Lazy Mountain. Wander the forest or discover the area's mountain views.

Lazy Mountain

Palmer Research Center and Matanuska Experiment Farm

Explore the great outdoors at Palmer Research Center and Matanuska Experiment Farm, a lovely green space in Gateway. Stroll along the lakeside or discover the area's mountain views.

Palmer Research Center and Matanuska Experiment Farm

Palmer Golf Course

Enjoy a round of golf in Palmer at Palmer Golf Course. Wander the forest or discover the area's mountain views.

Palmer Golf Course

Matanuska Lakes State Recreation Area

You can take time to visit Matanuska Lakes State Recreation Area during your travels to Gateway. While you're in the area, wander around the parks.

Matanuska Lakes State Recreation Area

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Day trip destinations from Palmer

What a fun place for a guy to stumble around in!

Lazy Mountain

At 27 miles long by 4 miles wide, it is the largest glacier accessible by car in the United States. While taking a guided tour with my friend, we walked through hundreds of feet of vein like tunnels of ice, we ended up in a wide opening that had one of the most beautiful reflections I have ever seen/photographed in my life. (RyanCorlisPhotography) #Adventure #Alaska #Glacier

Sutton

#lifeatexpedia This little lodge in Alaska is the gateway to the most beautiful Knik river glaciers. Go check it out!

Knik River

What a great landscape state Alaska is!

Buffalo Soapstone

Snowy mountains, green forests and river in Matanuska Valley, Alaska

Knik-Fairview

One of Palmer, Alaska's best kept secrets, this waterfall is visible from the parking area... if you can find that. Driving along the Old Glenn Highway, you will turn onto the Knik River Road, next to the Knik River Bridge. Maybe a mile down the road, look for a handmade sign that says Pioneer Falls. It can be tricky to spot! The gravel parking area is the very next right. You can see the waterfall from there, and it's only a short walk in to get close up. Just watch out for the cow parsnip. The toxins in the plant can leave bare skin with awful blisters!

Tanaina

Frequently asked questions

Is Palmer worth visiting?
Known for its nature and views, finding awesome things to do in Palmer is a cinch. Don't forget to add Matanuska Glacier State Recreation Site to your trip itinerary while here.
How do I spend a day in Palmer?
Start your adventures with a visit to Musk Ox Farm and Matanuska Glacier State Recreation Site. Then, tour other parts of Palmer for tasty eats and a little retail therapy.
What is the top tourist attraction in Palmer?
Matanuska Glacier State Recreation Site is one of the top tourist attractions in Palmer and should be high on every must-do list of the area.
Is three days enough to stay in Palmer?
Three days in Palmer is enough to enjoy the city's key attractions. Many guests stay for two days on average. Matanuska Glacier State Recreation Site, Finger Lake State Recreation Area and Matanuska Lakes State Recreation Area are among the top-rated sights. Want to discover more? Hang around a bit longer to explore nearby hotspots such as Wasilla.
What are some activities to do in Palmer with kids?
Whether you're travelling with young explorers or playful teenagers, a schedule filled with fun activities takes your trip to the next level. Check out our recommendations for what to do in Palmer with kids.

What to do in Palmer for adults?
Whether you're a food lover, culture enthusiast or fan of nature, there are many things to do in Palmer for adults.
Are there free things to do in Palmer?
From enjoying parks to strolling around vibrant neighbourhoods, it's easy to discover free things to do in Palmer. If you're stuck for ideas, ask for tips from a local tour guide. Matanuska Glacier State Recreation Site is a must for anyone wishing to save on their travel adventures.

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