|
|
|
| | Attractions |
| |
- Glaciers
- Museums
- State Parks
|
| | | | Glaciers | | |
 |
| |
|
You can see a glacier just about anywhere in Alaska. But in the Mat-Su Valley, you can actually experience one. Hike on Matanuska Glacier. Flightsee the glaciers of Denali, "the Great One." Tour Knik Glacier by jetboat and enjoy a picnic lunch in view of the glacier's majestic and cathedral like spires of ice.
The Matanuska Glacier
The Matanuska Glacier is one of Alaska's most spectacular glaciers, is also one of the oldest. It looms 13,000 feet high over the Glenn Highway, is 27 miles long, stretches four miles across its foot and is easily seen and accessed from the Glenn Highway. Guided treks are available!
The Knik Glacier
The Knik Glacier averages about 200 feet thick. Its face is about three miles long at the head of Knik River, about five miles long along the gorge and 3.5 miles long in the valley of the Lake George. Before the great earthquake of 1964, Knik Glacier used to seal off Lake George Gorge causing Lake George to form. Each spring, the water would erode the glacier ice dam and as much as 150 million gallons of water per minute would begin to pour through the gorge, at times forming a wall of water 150 feet high. Presently, there are air boat tours of Knik Glacier as well as flightseeing tours.
Flightseeing the Glaciers
Flightseeing the glaciers at the base of Mt. McKinley, including Ruth Basin and Tokasitna Glacier, is a popular activity. During certain times of the year, pilots land on the Kahiltna and Ruth Glaciers, allowing passengers to walk on the ice rivers.
Top
Museums
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.
Top
|
|
| State Parks |
| |
 |
| |
|
There are several state parks located through the Mat-Su Valley. The major parks in the Mat-Su are Denali State Park, Independence Mine State Historical Park and Nancy Lake State Park. Other minor parks include Big Lake (north and south), Finger Lake, Kepler-Bradley Lakes, King Mountain, Matanuska Glacier and Summit Lake.
Denali State Park
The name "Denali" comes from the tallest peak in North America (also known as Mt. McKinley). The park is about 130 miles north of Anchorage and offers outstanding views of Denali as do the trails to Kesugi Ridge. A southern viewpoint of the mountain along the highway is found at Mile 135.2 of the Parks Highway.
Visitors can take advantage of kayak and boat rentals on site or participate in guided nature hikes and kayak excursions on Byers Lake provided by Susitna Expeditions.
Tent and car camping is available - this chart provides specific information about camping areas and the amenities offered.
There are two public use cabins located near Byers Lake. The cabins are available for nightly rental year-round by pre-paid reservation through the Mat-Su Area Headquarters in Wasilla at 745-3975 or the Public Information Center in Anchorage at 269-8400. While enjoying the Denali State Park area, stop by the Alaska Veterans' Memorial to learn about the people of Alaska who served in United States military. Monuments for all five branches of the military are represented at the memorial.
Independence Mine State Historical Park
Independence Mine State Historical Park features the abandoned buildings and machinery of a 200 worker camp and hardrock gold mining operation that was one of Alaska's biggest gold producers in the 1930s. Located in the rugged Talkeetna Mountains, less than a two-hour drive from Anchorage, visitors can enjoy walking tours and cross country skiing through the historic mine operations. Group lead tours are also available. There are hundreds of miles of trails for hiking, skiing and snowmaching at Hatcher Pass plus white water rafting opportunities. Visitors can bring their own gold pan within the state park boundaries and try their luck at panning for gold. August and September brings a bountiful mix of wild Alaska blueberries and cranberries. Berry picking is permitted however plant removal is prohibited at this park. For a map and more information about Independence Mine State Historical Park click here.
Nancy Lake State Park
A 90-minute drive from Anchorage and just south of the community of Willow lies Nancy Lake State Park. This park differs from the rest of the state park system because of the flat terrain. This makes it ideal for a variety of recreational opportunities both in summer and winter. Its network of more than 130 lakes features camping areas, canoe rentals, hiking and skiing trails. The lake also offers those who like to fish for rainbow trout, arctic char and northern pike a chance to do so. Several public use cabins are also available for rent on a nightly basis. | | |
Save time, money and stress! For reservations: Fill out the vacation planner to be contacted by a Mat-Su vacation specialist.
Contact : Travelwizard.com
Phone: 1-800-330-8820 or 1-415-446-5252
|
