Visitor Guide
Come Experience Alaska with us! View Mat-Su Valley's Visitor Guide.
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MAP EXPLORER
Find lodging, dining, activities, attractions and more in each region of the Mat-Su Valley. More Info
Music & Festivals
The Trapper Creek Fireweed Festival is family-oriented and free! It takes place the last weekend in July at Mile 115.2 Parks Highway (off TC Park Road). Vendors, live music and a children's tent make this festival a can't be missed. Then, head back in early August, for the Talkeetna Bluegrass Festival - Alaska's greatest campout where bands play 20 out of 24 hours a day and a new "family friendly" camping area will host the more conservative festival-goer.
The 1935 Colonists who started the Matanuska farming community back in 1935 will be honored during Palmer Colony Days, the second Saturday and Sunday of June. Enter the 5-person bed race and don't miss the annual parade! Houston Founders Day is the third Saturday of August.
Alaska State Fair
As the summer days dwindle Alaskans get into full Fair mode, eager to marvel at monster veggies, eat to their heart's content and enjoy nonstop entertainment; this year organizers promise an entertainment line-up that is sure to be one of the most diverse in Fair history. Check out a summer-long list of happenings at Alaskastatefair.org
The Valley Music Scene
The Valley Music Scene is hot this summer with weekly performances by local musicians at several locations and rockin' outdoor festivals. Whatever your taste in music, you'll find plenty of chances to dance the night away. Get the current lowdown from the Calendar of Events or contact the Mat-Su's popular hot spots to find out who will be rockin' and rolling in their venue.
- Vagabond Blues in Palmer, (907) 745-2233
- Sophia's Kafe Neo on Palmer-Wasilla Highway, (907) 745-9001
- Alaska State Fair (summer), www.alaskastatefair.com
- Four Corners Lounge in Palmer, (907) 746-5066
- Palmer Arts Council, www.palmerartscouncil.org
- Valley Performing Arts, www.valleyperformingarts.org
- Alaska Children's Choir, www.alaskachildrenschoir.net
Check out the Matanuska Music Web site, which posts concerts and music happenings in throughout the Valley.
Helpful resources
So you're planning a trip to Alaska and need some help getting started. You've come to the right place! More Info
Maps and more
Find Alaska Highway maps and mileage chart for distances between destination points within the Mat-Su… More Info
Great outdoors
Discover more about boating, rafting, fishing, flightseeing and how to get into the backcountry of… More Info
Denali Flightseeing
Alaska's majestic scenery appears magnified from a Cessna window and the vantage point makes for good… More Info
glaciers
You can see a glacier just about anywhere in Alaska. But in the Mat-Su Valley, you can actually get out… More Info
Alaska Rafting
Uncover hidden jewels only accessible by boat. Hover in rapids through canyons, see glaciers calve fall… More Info
Dining in Mat-Su
Fine dining to cafes and everything in between. Don't be surprised if your portions are Alaska-sized.… More Info
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Yahoo Mat-Su! Where Alaska comes to play
The Mat-Su Valley is your place for adventure. From flightseeing Mount McKinley to rafting the Matanuska River, excitement is right around every corner. Spectacular views abound, from mountains to glaciers to wildlife. Conveniently located 35 miles north of Anchorage, your Alaska experience begins when you get to the Mat-Su Valley. Spend a day exploring Hatcher Pass, test your luck fishing or take advantage of the bountiful hiking. The Mat-Su Valley - where Alaska comes to play!
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You'll find a wide variety of lodging options to fit your preferences and budget. Choose from comfo...
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View our online vacancy report.
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Looking for an event to attend? Our calendar of events will give you many options to choose from.
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Alaska adventure is everywhere in the Mat-Su Valley! Summer and winter you will find a wide variety...
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Three mountain ranges... 2,000 miles of trails... thousands of lakes... hundreds of miles of rivers...
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Choose from fine dining to down home cafes and everything in between. Many of these restaurants use...
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Mark the occasion of your Alaska visit with a special keepsake that tells the story of your adventu...
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Alaska winters are spectacular in the Mat-Su Valley. Alpenglow sunsets over Denali, winter ice fish...
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Check out our brand new Visitors Guide!