Matanuska-Susitna Borough Travel Guide

Explore the cultural, natural, and adventure attractions of Matanuska-Susitna Borough with this comprehensive travel guide. Discover the best places to stay, eat, and buy souvenirs, as well as transportation options and safety tips.


Introduction to Matanuska-Susitna Borough

Matanuska-Susitna Borough is an expansive region located in Southcentral Alaska, covering an area of over 25,000 square miles. It is bordered by the Matanuska-Susitna Valley to the south, the Talkeetna Mountains to the north and east, and the Alaska Range to the west. The region is home to over 100,000 people, and offers visitors a diverse array of cultural, natural, and adventure attractions.

List of Places to Visit in Matanuska-Susitna Borough

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

The Matanuska-Susitna Valley is rich in history and culture, and there are several museums and historical places worth visiting, including:

  • Alaska Veterans Museum
  • Palmer Museum of History and Art
  • Knik Museum and Musher’s Hall of Fame
  • Museum of Alaska Transportation and Industry

Natural Attractions of Matanuska-Susitna Borough: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Matanuska-Susitna Borough boasts some of the most stunning natural beauty in the world, with a range of outdoor adventures and scenic views to explore, including:

  • Matanuska Glacier
  • Hatcher Pass
  • Denali State Park
  • Nancy Lake State Recreation Area

Hiking/Biking Routes of Matanuska-Susitna Borough

Matanuska-Susitna Borough is a paradise for hiking and biking enthusiasts, with a range of trails to explore. Some of the best routes to consider include:

  • Pioneer Ridge Trail
  • Lazy Mountain Trail
  • Bodenburg Butte Trail
  • Palmer-Moose Creek Trail

Best Things to Do in Matanuska-Susitna Borough: Activities and Tours

There are plenty of activities and tours to discover in Matanuska-Susitna Borough, ranging from wildlife viewing to glacier trekking. Some of the best things to do include:

  • Wildlife Viewing at the Palmer Hay Flats State Game Refuge
  • Glacier Trekking at Matanuska Glacier
  • Flightseeing Tours of Denali and the Alaska Range
  • Fishing Charters on the Susitna River

Week-Long Itinerary for Matanuska-Susitna Borough

For visitors with a week to spare, Matanuska-Susitna Borough has plenty to offer. Here’s a suggested itinerary to help you make the most of your time:

  • Day 1-2: Explore the cultural attractions of Palmer and the Matanuska-Susitna Valley, including the Palmer Museum of History and Art and the Knik Museum and Musher’s Hall of Fame.
  • Day 3-4: Trek across the Matanuska Glacier and go wildlife viewing at the Palmer Hay Flats State Game Refuge.
  • Day 5-7: Take a flightseeing tour of Denali and the Alaska Range, and spend a day fishing on the Susitna River.

Food and Drink Scene of Matanuska-Susitna Borough

Must-Try Dishes

Matanuska-Susitna Borough is known for its fresh and delicious cuisine, featuring locally sourced ingredients. Some of the must-try dishes include:

  • Smoked Salmon
  • Reindeer Sausage
  • Blueberry Jam
  • Birch Syrup

Local Beverages

In addition to its rich culinary tradition, Matanuska-Susitna Borough is also known for its craft drinks, including:

  • Alaskan Brewing Co. Beers
  • Alaska Cider Works
  • Alaska Native Vodka

Where to Stay in Matanuska-Susitna Borough: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Matanuska-Susitna Borough offers a range of accommodation options to suit all budgets and tastes, including hotels, hostels, and guesthouses. Some of the best places to consider include:

  • Alaska Garden Gate B&B and Cottages
  • Pioneer Ridge Bed and Breakfast
  • Grand View Cafe & RV Park
  • Majestic Valley Wilderness Lodge

What to Buy in Matanuska-Susitna Borough: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Matanuska-Susitna Borough has plenty of unique souvenirs and local products to bring home, including:

  • Birch Syrups and Jams
  • Handcrafted Jewelry and Artwork
  • Alaskan Native Artifacts
  • Locally Made Wines and Beers

Local Culture and Customs of Matanuska-Susitna Borough

Matanuska-Susitna Borough is known for its rich cultural heritage, with a range of customs and traditions unique to the region. Visitors are encouraged to explore and respect the unique culture of the area.

Best Time to Visit Matanuska-Susitna Borough

The best time to visit Matanuska-Susitna Borough is from May to September, when the weather is mild and the daylight hours are long. However, visitors should be prepared for sudden changes in weather and should pack accordingly.

Do’s and Don’ts of Matanuska-Susitna Borough

Do:

  • Respect local customs and traditions.
  • Dress in layers to prepare for sudden weather changes.
  • Explore the wildlife and natural beauty of the region with a guide.
  • Try the diverse range of local cuisine.

Don’t:

  • Disturb or damage natural surroundings or local wildlife.
  • Ignore safety precautions for outdoor activities.
  • Disrespect local customs and traditions.
  • Overlook the opportunity to learn about the history and culture of the area.

Safety and Health

Safety in Matanuska-Susitna Borough

Matanuska-Susitna Borough is a safe region overall, but visitors should still take precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip, including:

  • Staying aware of weather conditions and packing appropriately.
  • Taking precautions when exploring the wilderness, such as bringing a guide and bear spray.
  • Taking necessary safety measures for outdoor activities such as hiking, trekking, and fishing.

Health in Matanuska-Susitna Borough

Visitors to Matanuska-Susitna Borough should keep in mind that medical facilities may be limited in the region. It’s recommended to pack any necessary medication and travel with adequate health insurance coverage.

Getting to Matanuska-Susitna Borough: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Matanuska-Susitna Borough

The nearest airport to Matanuska-Susitna Borough is Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport, located approximately 60 miles away.

Bus Stations Near Matanuska-Susitna Borough

Matanuska-Susitna Borough is serviced by the Alaska Railroad, which runs trains from Anchorage to Fairbanks with stops in Palmer and Wasilla.

Other Options

Visitors can also explore the region by rental car, with several car rental companies located in Anchorage.

How to Get Around in Matanuska-Susitna Borough

Matanuska-Susitna Borough is best explored by car, but visitors can also take advantage of local transportation options such as the Valley Mover bus service, which offers transportation between Palmer and Wasilla.

Where to Go Next from Matanuska-Susitna Borough: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Some nearby destinations and excursions to consider include:

  • Kenai Fjords National Park
  • Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve
  • Anchorage

Conclusion

Matanuska-Susitna Borough is a unique and beautiful region of Alaska, offering visitors a range of cultural, natural, and adventure attractions to explore. With this comprehensive guide, visitors can experience the best of Matanuska-Susitna Borough and make memories that will last a lifetime.

From back to front, Mount Church, Mount Dickey, Mount Grosvenor and Mount Johnson From back to front, Mount Church, Mount Dickey, Mount Grosvenor and Mount Johnson


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