Mat-Su Valley Blog

With the end of summer comes a new season - aurora watching. Northern lights viewing is a fun thing to do during Covid-19 times when social distancing is a priority. Grab your "bubble" and head out on clear, cold evenings and watch the magical displays. The northern lights are a natural phenomenon...

There is a crispness in the air, as summer slowly says good-bye to the Valley. Now is a great time to explore the Valley and take a scenic drive that bursts with color. One of our favorite drives is the Glenn Highway National Scenic Byway, from Palmer north all the way to Lake Louise. It truly lives...

Right beside one of the busiest highways in Alaska, the Glenn Highway, you'll find peace and serenity at Reflections Lake, which is one of the Mat-Su Valley's hidden gems. The lake is located at the Knik River Access ramp just north of Palmer on the Glenn Highway. Despite it being right beside the...

Can't visit the Mat-Su Valley because you are stuck at home? No problem! We'll come to you, and give you something to do to break up the monotony! The Mat-Su Convention & Visitors Bureau has created eight virtual jigsaws featuring noteworthy scenes, attractions and activities from around the Valley....

The Mat-Su Valley is a recreational boater's paradise, with opportunities to paddle a kayak or canoe around almost every bend in the road. A fast-growing national trend, stand-up paddleboarding, is also a great way to enjoy the lakes of the Mat-Su Valley. There are several state recreational areas...

The Nancy Lakes State Recreation Area is one of the crown jewels of the Alaska State Parks system and offers visitors a multitude of outdoor recreation opportunities, from canoeing and kayaking to fishing, birding, wildlife viewing and hiking. The area is located off the Parks Highway (Hwy. 3) near...

Visitors can now get a live look-in on what's happening in Denali State Park, thanks to a new webcam at Kesugi Ken Campground. The camera went live last week, and will allow visitors to see the Alaska Range and Denali on a clear day, from the campground's parking lot. You can view the webcam HERE....

With summer right around the corner, it's time to start planning road trips. The Mat-Su Valley is an ideal destination for RVers looking for scenic wonder and camping opportunities. There are several companies that rent RVs in Anchorage, so even if you don't own one, there are still opportunities to...

Byers Lake, tucked into Denali State Park, is an outdoor enthusiast's paradise, as it offers amazing hiking, canoeing, kayaking and camping opportunities year-round. The lake, located at Mile 147 Parks Hwy, (Highway 3), is in the heart of Denali State Park, and getting there is half the fun, as the...

(Photo courtesy of Lifetime Adventures/Dan McDonough) One of nature's most impressive displays - the northern lights - have been out in full force in the skies above the Mat-Su Valley already this winter. Ribbons of color have been dancing in the sky from Talkeetna to Lake Louise since early...