My Four Favorite Things to Do While Visiting Palmer, Alaska

The next morning we gathered for one last group breakfast—equal parts laughter, road stories, and that strange feeling that comes when something intense and shared comes to an end. After nine straight days on the road, it was time to slow things down. Day one in Palmer was dedicated to real-life necessities: laundry, groceries, cleaning the RV, and researching things to do in and around Palmer and throughout the Mat-Su Valley.

This was the pause I needed before launching into my Alaska adventures.

Getting Oriented at the Palmer Visitor Center

My first stop was the Palmer Visitor Center, which turned out to be the perfect introduction to the area. If you’re visiting Palmer for the first time, I highly recommend starting here.

Inside, I learned about the glaciers, rivers, and farmland that define the Mat-Su Valley. The valley’s name comes from its two major rivers—the Matanuska and Susitna—and its location just north of Anchorage makes it easily accessible by car or via the Alaska Railroad.

What fascinated me most was learning how Palmer was settled. In 1935, Midwest families arrived here as part of a New Deal relief program, establishing farms that still shape the valley today. It was also at the visitor center that I first heard about one of Palmer’s most unique attractions—the Musk Ox Farm.

Visiting the Musk Ox Farm

I visited the Musk Ox Farm with another solo traveler from the caravan who, like me, had decided to extend their stay at Matanuska River Park. The farm focuses on sustainable musk ox husbandry and public education—and it was far more interesting than I expected.

Musk oxen are Ice Age mammals that once roamed alongside woolly mammoths and saber-tooth tigers. Every spring, they shed their undercoat, called qiviut (pronounced kiv’-ee-yoot), which is one of the softest and warmest natural fibers in the world. The qiviut is gently hand-combed and used to create incredibly luxurious yarns and garments.

Seeing these massive, shaggy animals up close—and learning how thoughtfully the farm operates—was one of those unexpectedly memorable Alaska experiences.

Hiking the Matanuska Glacier (Worth Every Penny)

We had passed the Matanuska Glacier on our final day driving into Palmer—around Milepost 101 on the Glenn Highway, roughly 52 miles outside town. From the road alone, it’s impressive. But getting on the glacier was at the very top of my Palmer to-do list.

The only way to hike the glacier is through a private guided tour, and while tickets aren’t cheap, I can say without hesitation that the experience was absolutely worth it. We had a great guide who had a funny sense of humor. 

The Matanuska Glacier is a 27-mile-long river of ice flowing from the Chugach Mountains, with a four-mile-wide terminus visible from the highway. It’s the most accessible glacier in Alaska and one of the most popular roadside attractions between Anchorage and Glennallen.

I drove to Glacier Park, a private access area at Mile 102, followed the road to the parking lot at the terminal moraine, bought my ticket, and geared up for the trek. The tour company provided all the equipment, the groups were small, and the guides were both knowledgeable and genuinely enthusiastic.

Once on the ice, we explored deep blue melt pools, drank clean glacier water, learned how glaciers move and change, and even walked through what I can only describe as a slot canyon carved into the ice itself. Standing inside that blue maze was surreal—and easily one of the most unforgettable moments of my RV trip in Alaska so far.

Hiking Trails in the Mat-Su Valley

Hiking trails are everywhere in the Mat-Su Valley, with thousands of miles to choose from. I was especially lucky to have trails right at Matanuska River Park, including a peaceful two-mile loop that winds through the park and along the river.

It was the perfect way to stretch my legs, breathe in fresh air, and enjoy quiet moments after days of driving. Beyond the park, the valley offers everything from short nature walks to challenging mountain hikes—and it’s a big reason I already know I’ll be back.

Next stop, Seward, Alaska and the Kenai Fjords National Park

Why Palmer Alaska Made the Perfect Base Camp

Palmer, Alaska ended up being the ideal base camp to kick off my summer in the Last Frontier. It gave me time to decompress after nine long days on the road, get the RV fully reset, and ease into Alaska adventures at a manageable pace.

Between glaciers, hiking trails, small-town charm, and easy access to Anchorage and the rest of the state, visiting Palmer felt like a soft landing—and exactly what I needed before heading deeper into Alaska.

Best Time to Visit Palmer, Alaska (What Actually Matters)

If you’re planning on visiting Palmer, Alaska, timing makes a real difference in how the experience feels.

Late May through early September is the sweet spot. This is when the Mat-Su Valley opens up—trails are accessible, glacier tours are running, and daylight stretches well into the evening. June and July bring nearly endless light, which makes hiking, glacier visits, and RV travel in Alaska feel almost limitless. You can wander later, drive farther, and still feel like there’s time left in the day.

August cools things off slightly and hints at fall in the higher elevations, while late May and early September are quieter, less crowded, and ideal if you prefer Alaska without the peak-season buzz.

Winter in Palmer is stunning in its own way, but it’s a very different trip—short days, limited access, and a slower rhythm that’s better suited for experienced winter travelers.

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Why Palmer Works So Well as a First Stop in Alaska

Palmer isn’t loud about what it offers—and that’s exactly why it works.

After crossing into Alaska or finishing a long push north, Palmer gives you space to land. It’s close enough to Anchorage to handle real-life needs like groceries, fuel, and laundry, but far enough away to feel like Alaska has officially begun. The pace is slower here. The views open up. Your shoulders drop.

As a first Alaska stop, Palmer lets you   transition instead of arriving exhausted. You can reset after days of driving, catch up on rest, and ease into longer daylight hours without feeling like you’re already behind schedule. It’s a place where you can do something big—like hiking a glacier—and still have the energy to enjoy quiet evenings back at camp.

The Mat-Su Valley also gives you a sampler platter of Alaska: glaciers, rivers, farmland, wildlife, and mountain scenery, all within easy driving distance. You don’t need to over-plan or overcommit. Palmer meets you where you are, then gently nudges you deeper into the state.

If Alaska is the long game, Palmer is the warm-up stretch—and it’s one worth taking.

Best RV Campgrounds in Palmer, Alaska (Good Base Camp Options)

Palmer works well for RV travel in Alaska because you’re not limited to one style of camping. Whether you want something simple, scenic, or convenient, there are solid options that make longer stays easy.

Matanuska River Park
This was my base while staying in Palmer, and it’s a great choice if you like space and access to nature. Sites are spread out, there are walking trails along the river, and it’s easy to settle in for a few days while you reset after the drive north.

Palmer / Anchorage KOA
Located between Palmer and Anchorage, this KOA works well if you want full hookups, laundry, and easy highway access. It’s less about scenery and more about convenience, which can be exactly what you want at the start of an Alaska trip.

Government Peak Campground
A quieter option closer to hiking trails and mountain views. This campground feels more tucked away and is a good fit if you’re looking to stay closer to the outdoors while still being near town. Drawbacks, it only has 8 campsites, and is NOT big rig friendly.

Independent RV Parks in Palmer
Palmer has several smaller, locally owned RV parks that cater to longer stays. These are worth checking if you’re planning to linger in the Mat-Su Valley and want a stable base while exploring the area.

No matter where you stay, Palmer makes it easy to combine campground downtime with day trips, glacier hikes, and trail walks—one of the reasons it works so well as an early Alaska stop.