Matanuska Valley

When locals are talking about “the Mat-Su” or “The Valley”, they are referring to the beautiful Matanuska Valley region. Located about 35 miles north of Anchorage, the Matanuska Valley is an area south of the Alaska Range that includes the Matanuska, Knik, and Susitna River valleys—along with some of the best opportunities for adventure and sightseeing in Alaska.

About Matanuska Valley

Matanuska-Susitna Valley is a large area that encompasses everything from incredible views of Denali to Gold Rush-era artifacts. With its main towns being Wasilla, Talkeetna, and Palmer, each area of The Valley offers a unique glimpse into Alaska’s past and exciting adventures for people of all ages.

Visiting Matanuska Valley

Sprawling over 23,000 square miles, the Matanuska-Susitna Valley is a must-see for anyone visiting Southcentral Alaska. With access by road and by the Alaska Railroad, Mat-Su is located near Anchorage and Denali National Park—making it the perfect stop on your tour of Alaska’s wilderness.

History & Geography

First explored by Russians in 1818, but settled by Native Alaskans for thousands of years, the Matanuska Valley has a storied past. In 1935, the New Deal brought more than 200 families from the Midwest in to settle the Matanuska Valley in the hopes that they would establish a thriving farm community. Called the Matanuska Valley Colony, the experiment came at a cost of approximately $5 million, and over half of the colonists had left just five years later.
By 1965, only 20 families from the original Matanuska Valley Colony remained.

The Matanuska Valley area is characterized by rivers and lakes, towering mountain ranges, and sprawling glacial valleys—making it a popular place for camping, backcountry hiking, and viewing the wildlife of the area.

Carved by glaciers and shaped by three different mountain ranges, thousands of lakes dot the Matanuska-Susitna Valley landscape. Quaint frontier towns are found throughout Mat-Su, including Palmer and Knit, which were first inhabited by Native people. Knik and Talkeetna were founded in the late 1890s, and today, Talkeetna is the starting point for those brave enough to attempt a climb of Denali.

Interesting Facts

With several distinctly different areas of Mat-Su to explore, there is something for every adventurer! The area can be explored by wandering through the historic towns, taking a backcountry hiking or kayaking trip, or standing in the shadow of Denali—North America’s highest mountain.

• The Mat-Su is now the fastest-growing region in Alaska! Between the 2000 and 2010 census there was a 50% increase in local population.
• By 1947, the Mat-Su Valley was the center of Alaskan dairy production with 33 dairies—the largest number of any Alaskan territory.
• The people of the Matanuska Valley Colony came from the states of Michigan, Wisconsin, and Minnesota—chosen for their similarly harsh winter climates.
• Mat-Su is a popular tourist destination year-round, with winter visitors participating in skiing, dog sledding, and incredible views of the Northern Lights.

Points of Interest

There is plenty to see and do in Matanuska Valley—whether you want to get into the heart of the action in one of the thriving frontier towns or disappear into the remote wilderness of the river valleys and mountain ranges. With its unique past, the locals here work to preserve the natural beauty and history of the area, leaving a place that is guaranteed to offer adventure.