Wasilla, Alaska
Nestled in the heart of the Matanuska-Susitna Valley, Wasilla, Alaska, offers a captivating blend of history, rugged beauty, and a tight-knit community spirit. As you step into this charming town, you’ll find yourself immersed in a tapestry of stories from the past, breathtaking landscapes, and a sense of belonging that makes every visit a cherished experience. Positioned at the northern edge of Cook Inlet, Wasilla, our fourth largest city, is situated in the Matanuska-Sustina Valley in the southern central region of the state.
What sets Wasilla apart is its proximity to the untamed wilderness that surrounds it. Nestled between the Chugach and Talkeetna Mountain ranges, the town offers access to an outdoor wonderland. Wasilla is a gateway to unforgettable adventures, where you can explore glaciers, hike through alpine meadows, and witness the grandeur of the Northern Lights.
Although the area of Wasilla was originally settled by the Dena’ina Alaska Natives the Alaska Railroad coming to the area in 1917 was extended to connect the area. The town of Knik was settled in the late 1800’s, closely followed by the mining districts in thr 1900’s. The railroad came through this area and brought with it many people eager to buy land. The area was eventually named after Dena’ina chief Wassila. Knik town eventually died out and Wasilla thrived as a fur trapper and mining post. While this was happening, many families were moving to Palmer during the New Deal times of 1935. You can read more about that here. With the construction of the Parks highway, Wasilla became linked in and as a result the population thrived shifting from palmer to Wasilla. Wasilla became a city in 1974. Today, Wasilla is a thriving town 40 minutes from Anchorage and close to all the beauty of Alaska with less people.
Where to Stay
There is a plethora of places to stay in Wasilla. To figure out where though I would recommend you think about what you want to DO. Are you really checking out Wasilla and all the surrounding things? Are you staying in Wasilla to do day trips in Palmer or Anchorage? When you figure out the answer it will help you narrow down where you want to stay. The reason I mention this is because you can do both those things! There are places all over Wasilla, some closer to Anchorage, some closer to Houston or Willow. I will add a few from all categories.
Hotels and Lodges
Meier Lake Resort
6059 Wasilla-Fishhook Rd, Wasilla, AK 99654
(907) 315-9760
This beautiful resort has the most breathtaking scenery and homey vibes. With only 12 rooms, and surrounded by 120 acres of Alaskan Wilderness, this private resort is worth the trip if you are looking for a peaceful place to stay and enjoy Alaska. The resort boasts clean and cozy rooms, championship disc golf course and a lake where you are welcome to paddleboard or kayak as well as a sauna and Amazing staff! Also, on a personal note, they bring in fresh flowers from time to time from local vendors and I appreciate somewhere that supports local!
Mat-Su Resort
1850 E Bogard Rd, Wasilla, AK 99654
(907) 357-5000
A beautiful view of the lake, a venue for an event, or just a place to relax while you explore the surrounding area, this resort has many uses. This resort is clean and quiet but sometimes booked up and hard to get into. The restaurant is hit or miss but more hit. I had great interactions with staff. It’s a beautiful place.
Grand View Inn & Suites
2900 E Parks Hwy, Wasilla, AK 99654
(907) 352-1700
I enjoy this place because it is central to the middle of Wasilla. I can drive to Anchorage no problem or check out Wasilla no problem. They allow pets the checkout process seemed easy. The bar is nice to visit with pool tables and darts and there are two restaurants close by if you don’t want to eat where the hotel is. This hotel doesn’t have a very nice view if you are placed on the front side but we only stayed there for the night and had day trips planned so for what I did, this hotel worked for me.
Susitna Suites
4589 W Amanda Dr, Wasilla, AK 99623
(907) 202-5020
Your home away from home. These cute little homes are a little out of the way but VERY private and has everything a house would have. If you are checking out the area for awhile, I would recommend staying here as you can live however you want. Kitchens, bedrooms, living rooms – it has it all. The places are very clean and cute. So much nicer than a hotel for groups. Also the reservation process was a breeze. This is a great place to stay.
Inns, Cabins and B&Bs;:
Best Western Lake Lucille Inn
1300 W Lake Lucille Dr, Wasilla, AK 99654
(907) 373-1776
I have stayed at this place a handful of times and every time, its been good. Listen, it isn’t the nicest place – its very Alaskan Standard, however, that lake in the back and the privacy is why I keep coming back. Imagine, settling into your room for the night. Wake up to a hot breakfast, go outside the front door and walk around the side of the building – there is is. LAKE LUCILLE. Glorious from the sun, mist sitting over the top of the water, birds chirping or playing and the most peaceful time. Also, people leave you alone here, and I like that.
Alaska’s Lake Lucille Bed & Breakfast
235 W Lake View Ave #7965, Wasilla, AK 99654
(907) 357-0352
Back to the lake, this B&B is on the other side of it. So here you get all the best parts of the lake and an even smaller, cuter place to stay. There are docks to go out on the lake, it’s close to the stores, clean and cozy rooms, and a wonderful, dedicated owner. You can expect a beautiful property, an amazing host (seriously, she is why you want to stay here) who makes amazing breakfast, and a place to relax.
Pioneer Ridge Bed and Breakfast Inn
2221 Yukon Cir, Wasilla, AK 99654
(907) 376-7472
Such cute rooms with Iditarod themes and amazing breakfast. The accommodation is the finest with amazing prices for what you are getting. This place feels like home and also sports a 360-degree rooftop with a heater on it that you can stay at all day if you wanted to watch the view. Lots of history and snacks here.
Agate Inn
4725 Begich Cir, Wasilla, AK 99654
(907) 373-2290
Another home away from home at this Inn. So comfy and cozy
Alaska Cozy Cabins
351 E Spruce Ave, Wasilla, AK 99654
(907) 741-1745
Beautiful cabins that are well maintained, so cute and comfortable and worth it to try out while you visit Alaska for the cozy cabin experience. The hosts are friendly and super knowledgeable about the area around them and the area is quiet.
RV and Camping
Big Bear Campground & RV Park
2010 S Church St, Palmer, AK 99645
(907) 745-7445
Right in between Palmer, Wasilla and anchorage is this RV park. It has all the amenities an RV park usually has, a cute gazebo to gather in, knowledgeable and friendly staff. Laundry and showers. Not much privacy but it’s a good place to stay in your RV.
Forget Me Not RV Park
10532 W Parks Hwy, Wasilla, AK 99654
(907) 892-3733
Right off the highway, North of Wasilla is this private RV park with a beautiful lake and good vibes.
Fox Run Lodge & RV Campground
4466 Glenn Hwy, Palmer, AK 99645
(907) 355-8641
Located in the Matanuska-Susitna Valley north of Anchorage, is Fox Run Lodge and RV campground. Craft shops, wooden and stone statues accompany this RV park with the usual amenities.
Lake Lucile Park Campground
1401 S Endeavor St, Wasilla, AK 99654
57 Campsites for tents and RVs including pull-through spaces. There is a day use area and a boat launch. Well Maintained with toilets and potable water.
What to See and Do
As with everything in Alaska, you can do things based on the time of year you are visiting. If you are here during travel season, there will be more options and if you are here in the winter season, there are still things to do but the Alaska you think you are going to is different. In the winter, it can be cold and frigid and there won’t be many of these things open unless it’s an outdoors winter activity.
Here are a few things specific to Wasilla and then I’ll add some of the standard things.
The Iditarod Headquarters – Wasilla is home to the world-famous Iditarod sled dog race headquarters. You can go and visit, see a video explaining the race and the history behind it. Check out the store and get a souvenir.
The Alaska Museum of Transportation and Industry –
Lots of exhibits to enjoy indoors and 15 acres outdoors. Some of the things you can find here include President Harding’s car that was used during his visit in 1923, train cars hauling troops in WW2, and history describing early mining hardships in the 1900s. You can also expect to learn about the bush pilot scene in Alaska.
Wasilla Museum & Visitors Center –
Located in downtown Wasilla on Main Street you can expect to find tour activities and all kinds of historical information. This attraction is cute and quaint.
The Knik Museum and Musher’s Hall of Fame –
Similar to the Wasilla Museum, a cute and quaint little place celebrating the history of Knik (which is where the trading post was before Wasilla became a town)
Alaska Live Steamers – For the train lovers and run by volunteers, a cute live train experience. Nothing fancy, just a place to check out some cool trains.
Wasilla Farmers Market – IN June – mid September on Wednesdays, is the farmer’s market. A great place to see the local fare.
Extreme Fun Center – Arcades, family games and go karts – a little pricey but a fun night out with the family for sure
Take a drive to Hatcher’s Pass – One of my most favorite places to go, this is a must see. Rent a car and go – it is SO beautiful and there are so many pretty things to look at here.
Go fishing
Check out any of these lakes for rainbow trout: Lorraine, Carpenter, Knik, Lucille, Kepler, Rocky, Finger, Memory, Matanuska, and Echo Lakes
IFishAlaska
Check out Matanuska Glacier
Glacier Tours on the Matanuska
Matanuska Glacier Info
Dog Sled
Mat-Su Dog Sledding Adventures
Take a flight seeing tour
Heli Alaska
Airventure Alaska
Play on one of the many lakes
Go on an ATV tour and check out Alaska
Alaska Backcountry Adventure Tours
49th State Motor Tours
Snowmachine Tours
Guided Snowmobile tours
What to Eat
The Grape Tap
322 N Boundary St, Wasilla, AK 99654
(907) 376-8466
A must see with its 1930’s charm. The staff are amazing, the wine list expansive, very accommodating for personal preferences and the most welcoming atmosphere. This place offers backyard dining and American Dishes, cooked to perfection. Earned the #1 Restaurant in Alaska. Check em out!
Everett’s
1850 E Bogard Rd, Wasilla, AK 99654 (Located in the Mat-Su Resort)
(907) 357-5000
A really beautiful place to sit and eat with a cozy atmosphere and great views out the windows. The staff are nice and helpful and the food is good. Serves steak and burgers Sometimes this place is not consistent but when it’s good it’s good!
Meta & Rose Restaurant
290 N Yenlo St Suite 37, Wasilla, AK 99654 – Located in the Clock Tower
(907) 376-7673
An upscale Restaurant in Wasilla with warm atmosphere and kind staff. Everything was nice when we went. You can still dress Alaskan standard here so don’t worry about the dress code. This place is a must stop to try if you are looking for a nice experience, a little pricey but worth it.
Triple J Road Trip Bakery & Café “Formerly Roadhouse”
Hunter Plaza, 991 S Hermon Rd, Wasilla, AK 99654
(907) 201-3663
Don’t let the name fool you. Steak and burgers and the best fries in town can be found at this quaint place. The food is good and there is a stage and dance floor now. Go try those fries.
Basil Ginger
850 Roberts St #100, Wasilla, AK 99654
(907) 376-7222
Tasty Chinese food served in a great atmosphere. Easy to stop in for lunch, a little pricey.
Evangelo’s Restaurant
2530 E Parks Hwy, Wasilla, AK 99654
(907) 376-1212
Touted as the place with the best pizza in town, this Italian place consistently makes their food taste great. It isn’t just pizza though, there are all types of Italian cuisine including steak. The drink specials are really eye catching. A little pricey.
Mat-Su Family Restaurant LLC
401 W Parks Hwy, Wasilla, AK 99654
(907) 357-7017
A classic American diner with all the usual diner foods. Fast service, cheap prices and this place is on the way out of town so an easy stop while traveling. A great experience.
Denali Family Restaurant
121 S Lamont Cir, Wasilla, AK 99654
(907) 373-3444
Down to earth service at this Diner Restaurant. The atmosphere is wonderful, the food is good quality for a diner and the place is easy to get to. Quick, efficient and attentive service. Check this diner out while you’re in town.
The Grill
2900 E Parks Hwy, Wasilla, AK 99654
(907) 352-1777
Pool, darts, beer and cocktails: this place is a fun hangout for a beer and a burger. Good food, good prices and lots of food options. A really fun place to go with a group.
Locals Pub & Pizzeria
3100 E Parks Hwy #99654, Wasilla, AK 99654
(907) 357-3100
Delicious pizza and Burgers. Appetizers are tasty and service is good! Good wings and the restaurant is clean and nice. They also serve salads and the drinks are great as well. Check em out!
Red Robin Gourmet Burgers and Brews
1891 E Parks Hwy, Wasilla, AK 99654
(907) 373-7373
Part of the Red Robin chain. You get it. Suprisingly, not surprisingly, the food and service are quite good.
Triple A’s Soulfood
100 W Spruce Ave, Wasilla, AK 99654
(907) 203-2326
This is a great place to try for some comfort food. Catfish? Ribs? Stuffed turkey Leg? Come try it out. The food is always good, the service is always friendly. This is a great place to try when you are in town.
Marcello’s – Wasilla
551 W Parks Hwy, Wasilla, AK 99654
(907) 357-4303
Italian and Greek foods, you can expect to find Gyros and Pizza here! Global wines and chill atmosphere, a great place to come eat with your family. The Service is good.
Chepo’s Mexican Restaurant – Wasilla
3001 Sun Mountain Ave, Wasilla, AK 99654
(907) 373-5656
incorporating Mexican art, the family that runs this business has thought of all the best things for the atmosphere here. The food is amazing, the drinks are great and the service is pleasant. Decent Prices.
E Lu Fa Restaurant
1875 E Palmer-Wasilla Hwy, Wasilla, AK 99654
(907) 357-1368
This Chinese Restaurant comes with the owners who have been in the restaurant business for over 20 years. The food comes out hot, the service is great and the food tastes good! The owners are so nice and make this place worth coming to.
Mekong Thai Cuisine
473 W Parks Hwy, Wasilla, AK 99654
(907) 373-7690
A great spot to eat, with amazing service – super delicious flavors and a good place for families, business lunches etc.
Zushi
1731 E Palmer-Wasilla Hwy #200, Wasilla, AK 99654
(907) 373-0101
I would wager this place has some of the best Sushi in town. Great tasting, good portions for the price. Check it out.