matanuska-susitna (mat-su) visitors center

Best little visitors center I've seen. They carry booklets and pamphlets for the entire state so you can plan your way in any direction ahead of time. Well informed people on staff to answer your questions. Take a peek at some of Alaska's native critters as well. Worth a stop in.

If you are interested in the old artifacts of Wasilla's beginning this is the place to visit. Well maintained and organized. Helpful and friendly docent.

Went to get information for friends that will be visiting from the lower 48, young girl was very informative. The place is small and it smelled like urine, hence the average rating.

The hostess at the time was an enthusiastic hiker and told us some good trails to go on. We did and agreed with her descriptions.

Was nicely surprised when my husband and I stopped in. Not huge but very helpful information on the valley.

Called in here as I had received so much good information from them during my pre-trip planning and we found ourselves with a free day whilst in the area. Staff manning the counter could really only suggest going out to Matanuska Glacier and didn't even know how long it would take to drive there. (2 hours??) Thought we'd have a look around the adjacent vegetable garden and again, staff were not willing to answer questions or show off their produce. Pretty strange experience really. All in all - we found the Palmer/Wasilla region to be the least friendly we visited in Alaska and consequently our least favourite. We only had two negative experiences our whole trip and they were both here. Take your money and spend in a region like the Kenai or Talkeetna that welcomes its visitors.

The highlight of this stop is the walk through flower/vegetable garden. Some beautiful photo ops. The log cabin visitor center is well maintained and has a few items for sale. Bathrooms, always a bonus, are clean and maintained.

Beautiful garden and old cabin that has been converted to a museum.

Beautiful Log Cabin with a flower garden and a picnic table under a large shade tree.. Friendly helpful staff, a pot of good coffee (free) and a fantastic assortment of brochures. Some of the nicest, cleanest restrooms in the State; and free parking. Even locals visit the visitors center just to see what flowers are in bloom!

the mountains are beautiful, and it was very interesting to learn more about this part of Alaska.