Museums
Culture and History
If you love Alaska history, you'll want to delve into the many small town museums throughout the Valley. Each community in the Valley has a unique story to tell-from Native settlements to turn-of-the-century gold seekers to Colony farm projects. The Mat-Su museums are truly one of a kind: you can tour an abandoned gold mining town at Independence Mine State Park in Hatcher Pass. Or savor a "blast from the past" aboard a live steam train at the Museum of Alaska Transportation and Industry. Re-live history at Iditarod Trail Headquarters by exploring Valley trails on a sled built for summer travel pulled by a dog team!
Alpine Historical Site, Sutton
Outdoor display of the coal mining equipment used to mine the area's rich coal deposits.
Colony House Museum, Palmer
Built in 1935, this refurbished home displays artifacts and information about the colonists from Michigan, Minnesota and Wisconsin who settled the Palmer area. Some of the tour guides are descendants of the first colonists and bring personal experience into the stories they tell.
Fort Green Trapper's Museum & Gift Shop, Wasilla
The only trapper's museum in Alaska featuring information about North America's trapping industry and history.
Dorothy G. Page Museum and Historic Townsite, Wasilla
Named after the mother of the Iditarod Sled Dog Race, this museum features the area's first school house and sauna plus lots of historical information.
Museum of Alaska Transportation & Industry, Wasilla
Over 20 acres of indoor and outdoor exhibits and displays tell the story of the people and the machines that opened Alaska to exploration and growth.
Knik Museum & Townsite, Wasilla
During the town's heyday in 1915, over 500 residents lived in the town of Knik. Come see the remnants of the town and learn about those who once occupied the area.
Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race Headquarters, Wasilla
Open year-round, the headquarters offers displays and information about Alaska's official state sport. During the summer months, take a short dog sled ride around the perimeter led by and Iditarod musher.
Museum of Northern Adventure, Talkeetna
Alaska's history is presented in 24 realistic dioramas, featuring life-sized figures and sounds. The museum, housed in a historic railroad building, has exhibits on homesteading, prospecting, wildlife and famous characters.
Talkeetna Historic District, Talkeetna
Visit fifteen historical sites all within walking distance of downtown Talkeetna. Ask for a map at the Talkeetna Historical Museum - make sure to view the scale model of Mt. McKinley and learn about how early day and modern day climbers prepare for their perilous journey.
Mat-Su Past and Present
Alaska Native Heritage Center
- 8800 Heritage Center Drive
- Anchorage, AK 99504
- Phone: (907) 330-8000
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The Alaska Native Heritage Center is a gathering place that celebrates, perpetuates and shares Alaska Native cultures. It is Alaska's premier cultural destination with storytelling, dancing, demonstrating artists and more. more
Alaska SeaLife Center
- PO Box 1329
- Seward, AK 99664
- Phone: (907) 224-6300
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Alaska State Fair, Inc.
- Mile 40 Glenn Hwy.
- Palmer, AK 99645-6799
- Phone: (907) 745-4827
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Alaska’s Fair is traditionally the last blast of summer, with concerts, giant vegetables, vendors, food, carnival, exhibits, animals and contests. All of this and more await at the 2010 Fair, August 26 – September 6! more
Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center
- PO Box 949
- Girdwood, AK 99587
- Phone: (907) 783-2025
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Alaskans for Palmer Hay Flats
- 2901 East Bogard Road, Suite 102
- Wasilla, AK 99654
- Phone: (907) 357-8711
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Anchorage Fur Rendezvous Festival
- 400 D Street, Suite 200
- Anchorage , AK 99501
- Phone: (907) 274-1177
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Anchorage Museum
- 625 C Street
- Anchorage, AK 99501
- Phone: (907) 929-9200
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A world-class museum in downtown Anchorage that explores 10,000 years of Alaska history as well as art of Alaska and the circumpolar north. A shop and restaurant also on site. more
Areawide Community Service Council Corp.
- Next to Mat-Su Visitor's Center, Mi
- Wasilla, AK 99654
- Phone: (907) 373-6150
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Location: Next to the Mat-Su Visitors Center, Mile 35.5 Parks Highway The "Veterans' Wall of Honor" is dedicated to honoring America's Veterans, men and women, living and deceased. Located at Mile 35.5 Parks Highway. Applications available at the Visitors Center or more
Denali Zipline Tours
- PO Box 221
- Talkeetna, AK 99676
- Phone: (907) 733-3988
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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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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!