Matanuska Valley & Farm Tour
Experience Alaska’s Agricultural Heartland
Tour Highlights
- Scenic drive through the magnificent Matanuska Valley with panoramic mountain views
- Up-close wildlife encounters with Arctic musk oxen and friendly reindeer
- Expert narration on Anchorage history and the fascinating Matanuska Colony Project
- Free time to explore charming downtown Palmer and its local shops
- Hand-feeding opportunities with gentle Alaskan animals
- All farm admissions included in your tour price
Itinerary
Your adventure begins in Anchorage as you travel the scenic Glenn Highway toward the fertile Matanuska Valley. Your knowledgeable driver-guide will share fascinating stories about Anchorage’s development and the historic New Deal-era Matanuska Colony Project that brought Midwestern farmers to this region in the 1930s.
Our first destination is the renowned Musk Ox Farm, where you’ll join a guided tour to meet these prehistoric “Ice Age” mammals that once roamed Alaska alongside woolly mammoths. Learn how these remarkable creatures survived the last ice age and how their incredibly warm qiviut wool (eight times warmer than sheep’s wool) is harvested sustainably. You’ll witness over 70 musk oxen up close in their pasture habitat.
Next, enjoy free time in the charming town of Palmer. Explore local shops, grab lunch at one of the quaint cafes, or visit the Palmer Visitor Center to learn more about the area’s unique agriculture heritage. (Lunch not included)
Our final stop brings you to the beloved Reindeer Farm, where you’ll have the unforgettable opportunity to hand-feed and pet these gentle animals. Beyond reindeer, the farm is home to moose, elk, bison, and other Alaskan animals that you can interact with in a safe environment. Great photo opportunities abound!
Your tour concludes with a relaxing return journey to Anchorage with time to reflect on your day of unique Alaska experiences.
Availability
Available days marked in green.
Details
Duration
8 hours
Operates
May 15 – September 15
Departure Time
9:00am from Anchorage
Price includes
Round-trip transportation, professional driver-guide narration, all farm admission fees
What to bring
Camera, comfortable walking shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, money for lunch and souvenirs
Activity level
Easy to moderate with some walking on uneven farmland
Availability
Available days marked in green.
Tour Details
Duration
8 hours
Operates
May 15 – September 15
Activity level
Easy to moderate with some walking on uneven farmland