One of the most interesting anthropological sites in the region, where the uneasy marriage of the Athabascan and Russian Orthodox cultures is enshrined. The interior of St Nicholas Church is modeled after Noah’s ark while outdoor altars abound, including a heartfelt lean-to for St Herman, patron saint of Alaska. The most revealing structures, however, are the 80 brightly colored spirit boxes in the nearby Denáina Athabascan cemetery. Invest your time in one of the half-hour tours.
Eklutna Village Historical Park
Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
24.3 MILES
This world-class facility is Anchorage’s cultural jewel. The West Wing, a four-story, shimmering, mirrored facade, adds 80,000 sq ft to what was already…
19.73 MILES
If you can't travel to the Bush region to experience Native Alaska culture firsthand, visit this 26-acre center and see how humans survived – and thrived …
Independence Mine State Historical Park
23.3 MILES
The main attraction of Hatcher Pass is 272-acre Independence Mine State Historical Park, a huge, abandoned gold mine sprawled out in an alpine valley. The…
27.43 MILES
The unique wildlife of the Arctic is on display at this zoo, the only one in North America that specializes in northern animals, including snow leopards,…
29.63 MILES
Trekkies take note: Knik Glacier is best known as the setting where a portion of Star Trek VI was filmed. You can get a partial view of the ice floe at…
24.7 MILES
Housed in the city’s oldest wooden-framed home, this little museum overlooks the delightful Elderberry Park. Anderson was the 18th American settler to set…
24.09 MILES
Comprising 4000 acres of forest and muskeg in east central Anchorage, this park features 20 miles of trails. In the center of the park is the Bureau of…
24.3 MILES
Inside the Anchorage Museum, this award-winning center features creative, hands-on Alaska-themed exhibits that include live marine animals in a touch tank…
Nearby attractions
1. Iditarod Trail Headquarters
7.88 MILES
Near Wasilla, the town of Knik boasts a rich sled-dog history, since it's the home of many Alaskan mushers (and checkpoint 4 on the race route). For more…
8.83 MILES
A collection of historic buildings right in the center of Wasilla's strip malls. Fridays are free.
10.48 MILES
South of Palmer, Pyrah’s Pioneer Peak Farm is the largest pick-your-own-vegetables place in the Mat-Su Valley, with would-be farmers in the fields from…
11.44 MILES
The Reindeer Farm is one of the original Colony farms and a great place to bring the kids. Here they will be able to pet and feed the reindeer, and are…
5. Matanuska Valley Agricultural Showcase
12.56 MILES
A garden next to the visitor center that features flowers and the area’s famous oversized vegetables. But you have to be passing through in August if you…
12.57 MILES
An open-air market with local produce, art, crafts, food and live music. Held every Friday in summer.
7. Palmer Museum of History & Art
12.58 MILES
The log cabin that used to be just a visitor center is now more museum than brochures, with local art and interesting displays on Palmer’s agricultural…
12.66 MILES
This friendly museum is run by enthusiastic Colony descendants. Take the time for a guided tour, and you’ll leave with an appreciation of the enormity of…