I LOVE living in Alaska, and more specifically, the Mat-Su Valley. It is beautiful, and there is so much to do! We have fantastic outdoor recreation, festivals, the Alaska State Fair, and proximity to great day trips to other unique places in Alaska.
Today I want to share some of my favorite things to do and invite you to join our monthly email newsletter that gives you a handy calendar of upcoming family-friendly events in the area. These are just a few of my favorites listed below, but so many amazing events and activities are available year-round.
Outdoor Recreation
Nancy Lake: Located near Willow, Nancy Lake offers canoeing, kayaking, bird watching, and more in the summer. In the winter, you can enjoy cross-country skiing and snow machining.
Mat-Su Glacier: Located off the Glenn Highway, this is a small Alaska State park with a lot to offer. View the glacier, hike, and camp—a perfect summer destination.
Hatcher Pass: Right in my backyard, all of Hatcher pass is a year-round playground. In the winter, enjoy downhill and cross-country skiing; in the summer, hike all over and explore the Independence mine. Our favorite pastime is watching the Parasailers at Summit Lake!
Jonesville Rec Area: Located in Sutton with lots of fun for the whole family. A lake to swim and kayak in, trails to ride side by sides, and dirt bikes on, and a dedicated area for target practice.
Festivals
Iditarod– A world-famous sled dog race that has the official start in Willow. It is an exciting sporting event that captures the attention of people around the world!
Alaska State Fair– The Alaska State Fair is a two-week event that people travel from all over the state to attend. Carnival rides, artisans, food, and concerts create a great end-of-summer celebration.
Colony Days– Annual festival celebrating the historical routes of Palmer. There is a summer and holiday festival held annually. It draws quite a crowd and is a fun way to spend a weekend on family-friendly activities.
If you would like to receive our in-depth guide to life in the Mat-Su Valley, join our email list! Not only will you receive our guide, but you will also receive a monthly newsletter with a calendar of upcoming events. Who knows, maybe we will see each other out and about!
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