Top Attractions in Wasilla

Wasilla is the largest town in the Mat-Su Valley and is filled with activities and attractions that are family-friendly. Take a day to explore.

Iditarod Headquarters
Wasilla-area Museums
Fishing
Shopping
Hatcher Pass
Veterans Wall of Honor

Iditarod Headquarters

At 2100 S. Knik-Goose Bay Road, you'll find the headquarters for the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race. This is a must-see attraction, and in the summer features cart rides from Raymie Redington, son of the race's founder, Joe Redington Sr. The headquarters has a free 30-minute video about the race, artifacts and trophies from past winners, and a replica of a checkpoint. The gift shop is filled with Iditarod merchandise as well. Come learn all about this amazing 1,000-mile sled dog race that begins in Willow and continues to Nome.

Wasilla-area Museums

The Wasilla Museum is located at 323 N. Main Street and describes the area's rich gold mining history. The museum features the Old Wasilla Townsite, and you can explore the old schoolhouse, houses and more. The museum has rotating exhibits throughout the year as well, so stop by frequently. Whether you like planes, trains or automobiles, you'll find it at the Museum of Alaska Transportation and Industry, located at 3800 W. Museum Drive, just north of the town center. The museum has an impressive collection of airplanes, Alaska Railroad cars, vintage automobiles and artifacts relating to the aviation history of the Bush pilots.

Lake fishing

Wasilla is nestled between Wasilla Lake and Lake Lucille, and both have excellent lake fishing opportunities. The Mat-Su Borough is known as the "Stillwater Fishing Capital of Alaska" for good reason. Just outside of town, there are a number of stocked lakes, including Matanuska Lake, Memory Lake and Finger Lake that are popular options.

Shopping & Dining

Wasilla is home to large retailers and small boutique shops, with everything in between. Whether you are looking for a local fishing tackle shop or Alaska gifts and souvenirs, you'll find them in town. When it comes time to dining, many local restaurants take advantage of the Mat-Su Valley's agricultural scene and serve locally sourced food. Don't miss out on the microbreweries as well!

Hatcher Pass

Just a few minutes outside of downtown Wasilla, you'll find Hatcher Pass, which is one of the most beautiful areas in Alaska. Explore Independence Mine, a throwback to the mining era of the 1940s. Or take a hike on Gold Mint Trail or even visit Summit Lake at the peak of Hatcher Pass. This family-friendly area is filled with outdoor recreation all season long. It's worth the drive just for the views of the lower Matanuska Valley.

Veterans Wall of Honor

The Veterans Wall of Honor was relocated to the old Iditarod Elementary School site, on Wasilla-Fishhook Road. This monument honors those who have served our country. Names are inscribed on marble panels representing all branches of the military. The site is the location for celebrations on Memorial Day each May and Veterans Day every November.

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