Southcentral Interior Southeast Southwest Far North

Wasilla / Palmer - Mat-Su Valley

The city that is the heart of the fastest growing area in Alaska! Wasilla & Palmer are located midway between the Matanuska and Susitna Valleys (hence the ubiquitous conjunction, "Mat-Su") on the George Parks Highway, 43 miles north of Anchorage, about one hour's drive from Anchorage. The city is a typical suburb with most of the residents commuting into Anchorage.

Year round recreation include fishing, boating, snow machining, cross country skiing, wildlife viewing, and sled dog racing. 130 lakes and ponds make Nancy Lake State Recreation Area a popular area for hiking, canoeing, camping, skiing, and snow machining 25 miles north of Wasilla.

Trek high up into the rugged Talkeetna Mountains to the scenic Hatcher Pass and experience Independence Mine State Historical Park. Located 17 miles from Wasilla and on the outskirts of Palmer, the park contains remnants of gold mine operations. Berry picking, and recreational gold panning are popular activities in the summer. The park is also a popular area for hiking. Heavy snowfall in the winter makes it a choice destination for snowboarding, cross-country skiing, and snow-machining.

Mushers from around the world compete in "The Last Great Race on Earth." Wasilla is home to the Iditarod headquarters and is the official starting point for the race. (The ceremonial start takes place in Anchorage.) The Iditarod Days Festival runs for ten days before the start of the race (First Saturday in March). Also, don't miss the Mat-Su King Salmon in late May, the Wasilla Water Festival in July and the Tesoro Iron Dog 2000 in February.