Palmer is located in the Matanuska Valley, 42 miles northeast of Anchorage on the Glenn Highway. In 1935, Palmer became the site of the Matanuska Valley Colony, a federal relief program that moved American farm families from the northern counties of Michigan, Wisconsin and Minnesota, to Alaska with a growing season that averages 100 to 118 days a year, with long hours of sunshine.
Photograph and observe musk ox at the Musk-Ox Farm (open May to September), take a tour of the Reindeer Farm, visit the face of the Knik Glacier with Knik Glacier Tours, or go golfing. Special events include Colony Days (in June); the Palmer Pride Picnic (July) and the Alaska State Fair (11 days from late August through Labor Day weekend). Visit Scenic Hatcher Pass and Independence Mine State Historical Park which are located a half an hour's drive from Palmer.
Some facilities at Palmer include gas stations, grocery stores, a laundromat, auto repair and parts, and shopping.
