Things to do in Palmer

Find and book activities, attractions and tours

Photo provided by State of Alaska/Matt Hage
Photo provided by State of Alaska/Matt Hage
Photo provided by State of Alaska/Matt Hage
Photo provided by State of Alaska/Matt Hage
Palmer
Photo by Photos On The Wild Side
Photo by Photos On The Wild Side
Photo by Kathryn Reichert
Photo by Kathryn Reichert

Palmer Attractions

It's no wonder so many travelers visit Palmer again and again. This captivating city is brimming with wonderful things to do. Whether you enjoy exploring tourist attractions or trying out more action-packed activities, you'll never have a dull moment here.

Discover what makes Palmer tick with some of the very best tours & day trips. Scroll through our {23 fun activities in Palmer fun activities in Palmer}, and book with ease knowing that we offer free cancellation and no added fees.

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Most popular activities in Palmer

Tours & day trips

See all 21 activities
Hike Matanuska Glacier w/Alaska Local Honey, Wine Tasting

Hike Matanuska Glacier w/Alaska Local Honey, Wine Tasting

Activity duration is 8 hours and 30 minutes
10.0 out of 10 with 2 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is $295 per adult
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Adventure & outdoor

See all 11 activities
Alaska Helicopter Tour with Glacier Landing - 60 mins - ANCHORAGE AREA

Alaska Helicopter Tour with Glacier Landing - 60 mins - ANCHORAGE AREA

Activity duration is 1 hour
10.0 out of 10 with 5 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is $479 per adult
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Food, drink & nightlife

See all 3 activities
Eklutna Lake Adventure Sampler

Eklutna Lake Adventure Sampler

Activity duration is 4 hours
Free cancellation available
Price is $399 per adult*
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Winter activities

See all 3 activities
Hike Matanuska Glacier w/Alaska Local Honey, Wine Tasting

Hike Matanuska Glacier w/Alaska Local Honey, Wine Tasting

Activity duration is 8 hours and 30 minutes
10.0 out of 10 with 2 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is $295 per adult
Hike Matanuska Glacier w/Alaska Local Honey, Wine TastingOpens in new tab

What to do in Palmer

Free Things to Do in Palmer

There's no need to run your credit card hot in Palmer. The following won't even cost a dollar.

Palmer Visitor Information Center - Roam around and marvel at the fascinating displays and collections at this respected museum.

Lazy Mountain - Appreciate the contrast between city life and nature's beauty at this breathtaking place.

Things to Do in Palmer with Kids

If you're looking to make some family memories in Palmer, we have a few ideas. Gather up the troops and check out these fun-filled family friendly experiences:

 

Looking for sports, concerts, or theater events in Palmer? Search event tickets to see what's happening today, or to plan what to do this weekend!

 

 

Discover the most popular places to visit in Palmer

This is one of my favorite places to take kids, family, and friends when they come for a visit. It is a truly "Alaska" experience to be able to wander among and feed the Reindeer here. And the scenery on the way can't be beat! Landscape wise, Pioneer Peak is the star of the show on this trip along the Old Glenn Highway & Bodenburg Loop Road.

Reindeer Farm

Enjoy an outing to Reindeer Farm during your stay in Butte. Wander the forest or discover the area's mountain views.

Reindeer Farm
About 1 mile up a trail from the Independence Mine parking lot, beautiful lake awaits you.

Independence Mine State Historical Park

You can find out about the history of Fishhook with a stop at Independence Mine State Historical Park. Wander the forest in this relaxing area.

Independence Mine State Historical Park
Pretty tough to beat the views of the valley from the top of the Butte.

Bodenburg Butte

Explore the great outdoors at Bodenburg Butte, a lovely green space in Butte. Wander the forest or discover the area's mountain views.

Bodenburg Butte

Musk Ox Farm

Enjoy an outing to Musk Ox Farm during your stay in Farm Loop. Stroll along the lakeside or discover the area's mountain views.

Musk Ox Farm

Matanuska Glacier State Recreation Site

Explore the great outdoors at Matanuska Glacier State Recreation Site, a lovely green space in Gateway. While you're in the area, wander around the parks.

Matanuska Glacier State Recreation Site

Pioneer Peak

Explore the great outdoors at Pioneer Peak, a lovely green space in Knik River. Wander the forest or discover the area's glaciers.

Pioneer Peak

Lazy Mountain

Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at Lazy Mountain during your travels in Lazy Mountain. Wander the forest or discover the area's mountain views.

Lazy Mountain

Palmer Research Center and Matanuska Experiment Farm

Explore the great outdoors at Palmer Research Center and Matanuska Experiment Farm, a lovely green space in Gateway. Stroll along the lakeside or discover the area's mountain views.

Palmer Research Center and Matanuska Experiment Farm

Palmer Visitor Information Center

You can spend time exploring the galleries in Palmer Visitor Information Center during your trip to Palmer. Wander the lakeside or discover the area's mountain views.

Palmer Visitor Information Center

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Popular day trips from Palmer

Photo by Courtney Parsons

Willow

Wasilla

Wasilla

Eklutna Lake showing a lake or waterhole

Chugiak

Photo by Ron McKenzie

Lazy Mountain

Photo by Sina D.

Chickaloon

Sutton

Sutton

Frequently asked questions

Is Palmer worth visiting?
One of the most common things to do in Palmer is visit Matanuska Glacier State Recreation Site. Check this top sight off your itinerary, then discover more of the area's nature and views.
How do I spend a day in Palmer?
After you've visited major attractions like Musk Ox Farm and Matanuska Glacier State Recreation Site, spend some time discovering the retail and food options in Palmer.
What is the top tourist attraction in Palmer?
Matanuska Glacier State Recreation Site is one of the top tourist attractions in Palmer and deserves a spot on every to-do list of the area.
Is three days enough to stay in Palmer?
You can easily visit top attractions like Matanuska Glacier State Recreation Site, Finger Lake State Recreation Area and Matanuska Lakes State Recreation Area with a three-day stay in Palmer. On average, many travelers book two days here. There's plenty to do and see nearby too, so stay a little longer and venture to Wasilla.
What are some activities to do in Palmer with kids?
If you are after activities and attractions for all ages, take a look at these fantastic ideas for what to do in Palmer with kids.

What to do in Palmer for adults?
From fantastic food and cultural hotspots to outdoor adventures and one-of-a-kind experiences, there are loads of great things to do in Palmer for adults.
Are there free things to do in Palmer?
From enjoying parks to strolling around hip neighborhoods, it's simple to discover free things to do in Palmer. If you're in need of ideas, ask a local tour guide for some tips. Matanuska Glacier State Recreation Site is a top spot for anyone planning to save on their sightseeing adventures.