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How to Pack 3 Adventures Into One Day in Palmer
Plan your trip with our off-road reports. You’ll find articles about everything from the best trail food to activities in Alaska that are worthy of the 49th State.
Looking for things to do in Palmer so that you can take advantage of the endless summer days? You’ve come to the right place!
Summer in Alaska means an average of 16-18 hours of daylight. Use these longer days to your advantage and get out and explore! This jam packed day of adventure in Palmer will allow you to see a lot of different scenery while having new experiences.
Explore Palmer, Alaska This Summer
Palmer is the perfect destination for you and your family this summer. This city is nestled between the Chugach and Talkeetna Mountains which offer incredible mountain views everywhere you look. The town also has beautiful rushing rivers, lots of adventure experiences, and an adorable downtown to explore.
Palmer is also home to the Alaska State Fair which is a must see if you are visiting while the fair is going on! Most weekends have events going on downtown from farmers markets to live music. This community knows how to have a good time!
Driving to Palmer, AK
Palmer makes a great day trip from Anchorage if you are using Anchorage as a basecamp. Palmer is just a 50 minute drive from Anchorage! The scenic drive is also a great way to see some more of Alaska’s mountains and have a chance at seeing some moose.
Palmer makes a great spot to stay on your way North towards Denali or the Matanuska Glacier! Stay for a few nights to really explore the Mat-Su Valley, or stay in Palmer for just one night to pack in a day of adventure before heading to your next destination.
Palmer should be on your summer itinerary for its array of adventures, incredible views, and fun local events that you can enjoy all summer long.
Off Road With 49th State Motor Tours Through the Knik River Valley
Ready for a thrilling ride into Alaska’s backcountry? Come on an exciting ride with us through the Knik River Valley. You’ll explore lush forests, cross creeks, and take in beautiful views of the mountains and Knik River. This fast paced adventure will leave you smiling and excited to explore more of Alaska!
You’ll have so much fun on our 90 minute tour – which is perfect since you have a lot to go and see today! A ride with us is bound to wake you up better than a cup of coffee and leave you with some excitement as you head to your next adventure.
Meet us at the Jim Creek parking lot to get geared up and learn about your machine. We are just 45 minutes from Anchorage and just a short drive from downtown Palmer.
We’ll outfit you in rubber boots, safety glasses, and helmets to keep you dry and safe on your ride. Bring along some layers to be comfortable, a water bottle and snacks, and don’t leave your camera behind! Anyone in the side by side passenger seat will capture beautiful photos as you drive through the landscape. We may even spot some moose, Dall Sheep, or eagles as we ride!
This adventure is a perfect introduction into exploring Alaska, going off roading for the first time, and experiencing a thrilling backcountry adventure! Our tour is often visitors’ favorite excursion in Alaska. Start your morning off right and come ride with us!
Zipline Through the Chugach Mountains
Drive 20 minutes into the Chugach Mountains to go on a unique adventure with Alaska Zipline Adventure Park. Your two hour tour will have you soaring through the air on Alaska’s first and only tandem zip line course! This way you can race your friends or family members! Zoom across canyons and salmon streams while taking in the sights of the mountains around you.
This zip line course has 6 different zips, reaches heights of 250 feet, and allows you to feel like you’re flying as you hit speeds of 45 mph! Enjoy each zipline and suspension bridge crossing where your feet won’t touch the ground during your experience.
Grab Lunch and Treat Yourself to Ice Cream
After your adrenaline rush cool down with a tasty treat and grab some lunch in town. Swing by Big Dipper’s new riverside location for some ice cream. Go for a walk by the Matanuska River or hang out at their outdoor seating area while you enjoy your locally made ice cream.
You’ll have worked up an appetite after a morning of adventure! Head into Palmer for a bite to eat. Grab some sandwiches from Turkey Red or pizza from Pizza Ria Delphi on your way to Hatcher Pass for your final adventure. Enjoy the scenic 50 minute drive as you pass through farmland and climb up into a new mountain range.
Hike at Independence Mine in Hatcher Pass
Head up to Hatcher Pass for beautiful mountain views. Take the scenic drive all the way to Independence Mine to explore the once bustling gold mine. You’ll learn all about the history of the mine, what it was like to live there, and see what is left of the mine operations.
At its peak in 1941, the mine was home to 22 families. They even had their own school for the kids who lived there!
It’s impressive to think that 140,000 ounces of gold was found in the mountains while the mine was open. The mine closed shortly after World War II and was deemed a historic site in 1980. Thanks to the state’s restoration work many of the original buildings and tunnels still stand today for visitors to explore.
Wander around the mine and learn about the history, walk around the little museum, and climb up into the mountains to get some impressive views of the area. In early summer there may still be snow, so bring some layers to be prepared! Keep in mind that there is a gate that closes at 7pm. You’ll likely be thinking about dinner around that time.
Head into Downtown Palmer for Dinner
Head back into Palmer for dinner at the Palmer Ale House. This neighborhood pub is full of local beers and drinks, a great assortment of food, and is perfect for families or groups. Plus they are open late in case you find yourself exploring up in Hatcher Pass a little bit longer!
Some nights there is live music going on out on the lawn. It’s worth checking out their schedule ahead of time to see if you can sync your itinerary to be in town for some live music. They host fun, local bands and some bigger names all summer long!
Come Explore Alaska this Summer!
Summertime in Alaska means long days meant for exploring and adrenaline pumping experiences worth adding to your itinerary. Come to Palmer to adventure in multiple backcountry areas and take in the beauty of the mountain ranges that make this town so special. Your day in Palmer will be full of beautiful views, big smiles, tasty food, and memories to last a lifetime!
Check out our off-road tour options…
Just a short drive from Anchorage!
Full-Day Knik Glacier ATV Adventure
