The Reindeer Farm in Alaska is a working farm that offers unique experiences such as reindeer petting and feeding, horseback riding, and winter sled rides. The farm is reasonably priced and provides opportunities for visitors to interact with various animals, including moose and ponies. Despite the windy weather conditions during one visitor's trip, they still had a great time. In addition to friendly staff who assist in showing visitors around the farm, there are also pony rides available for young children.
My husband and I were visiting Alaska from New Hampshire and I came across this farm while looking for things to do in the area. I'm so glad I did. We had an amazing time. Very reasonably priced. It was quite the experience being able to kiss a moose. We enjoyed feeding all the animals......especially the moose and the reindeer. It was very windy the day we went, but we still had a great time. I wish it was closer to home. My nieces would absolutely love it. They offer pony rides for those who have young kids. The staff was extremely friendly and helpful in showing us around. Thank you for a great time.
Kay-Kay M. — Google review
Such a cool spot! We had such a wonderful time! (We stopped by Wild Life Conservation and it wasn’t that great and very expensive!) This place was SO interactive, everyone was so kind and friendly and made sure you enjoyed your time there. Extremely kid friendly! The kids loved the playground, hay bales, bubbles, and all the activities. You can also grab burgers and hotdogs and yummy desserts. It’s just a great place! Don’t pass it up!😊
Florida Native — Google review
This place was amazing! It was me and my family’s first time there and it didn’t disappoint. The folks that work there are so kind and informative. The animals look so healthy and well taken care of. The gift shop is great and I love the little coffee shop! It’s so perfect for kids and adults alike! We plan on getting the yearly pass and going a handful of times a year. Oh, and the location is so beautiful!!!
Dani Holmes — Google review
So much fun!! The animals were all well taken care of and excited to interact with people. Our tour guide was wonderful and very knowledgeable. The price point is amazing for the experience. We’ll definitely be coming back in the summer.
Haleigh Moore — Google review
A MUST see when you are in the Palmer area! The farm is super easy to get to even in the winter. The staff are very informative and super friendly! The star is Rocky the moose who loves to give moose kisses! This is such a wonderful experience to see reindeer so close. It's so worth it and you get plenty of time to feed them up close. There is also a bison, some elk, yaks and some alpacas! It was such a great time, even in the frigid cold! Dress in layers!
Melissa Previte — Google review
This farm is absolutely incredible. The staff and owners are SO kind and friendly. There is so much to do and the animals are well loved. I highly recommend doing the VIP tour as you will get to go in with the animals and feed more of them than if you do the self guided tour. Where else can you feed a reindeer with the mountains in the background? I love that this is a family run local business. The entire team clearly takes pride in what they do and love their animals dearly!
Ann Marie Woyma — Google review
This place was enjoyed by everyone in our group from 11-75!! Was able to get up close personal with all the animals, hand feed and even pet most of them! The reindeer, yak, moose and highland cows were my favorites. All staff were very friendly and extremely knowledgeable about the animals. Unique experience, highly recommended!!
Maria Juno — Google review
This farm experience is enjoyable for both adults & kids. We did a guided tour and got to know many interesting things about many animals in the farm. We got to feed Reindeers, Alpacas, Moose, and baby Bison. We saw Yak, Elk, Musk ox, Pigs, Hens too and were able to pet most of the animals. This farm is a must visit when you are around Palmer area.
Sri Prathyusha Mudiam — Google review
My friend and I went to the Fall Family Fun Event and had an amazing time! We started off by getting some grilled cheese and soup at the food truck, and then going around to see all of the different animals (there was a lot more than we expected!) We also went on a Spooky Walk, got some yummy cider, and ended our experience with the maze. This is perfect for people of all ages to enjoy, and I would highly recommend to anyone looking for a fun fall event :)
Janessa G — Google review
Fantastic experience as someone visiting Alaska. My brother and I went and had the tour guide Zack, he was absolutely amazing. We learned a lot about the animals, froze slightly with -20 degree weather but then easily warmed up with the hot chocolate provided on the tour. All the animals were well trained, friendly to feed and cool to look at and pet. 10/10 recommend for anyone who has time to stop by.
Syd T — Google review
We went to the reindeer farm today and it was such an amazing experience!!! I assumed we would feed the reindeer but was pleasantly surprised to see the other animals. We kissed moose (Rocky and Lucille), saw a Bison, Elk, Alpacas, a Yak all in addition to feeding those cute reindeer!!! It was super cold and snowing, however the farm clearly advised dressing for the weather in the confirmation email! I definitely list this as a MUST SEE when in the Palmer area!! Enjoyable for young and old alike!!
Amy Gray — Google review
We went to the Reindeer Farm yesterday. Eric was a guide and we had a blast! He was funny and knowledgeable about the farm and the animals. He also took great photos. We were able to feed and/or pet almost all of the animals. It wasn’t too costly and was worth every single penny spent.
Laura Russell — Google review
Always a family favorite to visit the Reindeer Farm! Around every corner is a farmhand to share information, answer questions and provide treats you can feed to the animals for a completely hands on experience. Every trip is enjoyable with something new and exciting to explore. I highly recommend touring with a guide your first time. It’s worth all of the memories!
MacKenzie James — Google review
Wonderful experience! My daughters and I loved everything about this special farm. There are all kinds of animals here and all are so well cared for. Many are rescues getting a second chance. The staff are all knowledgeable and fun. Don’t hesitate to book this experience!
Elizabeth Bohannon — Google review
The Reindeer Farm is a truly magical place! Being allowed to interact with most of the animals, including the baby reindeer, was an experience I will always remember with such excitement! My grandkids are going to be so jealous when I show them the pictures! Cam was so knowledgeable and welcoming, he's a gem!
Cindy Shatto — Google review
I went here in the middle of Dec 2023 and had an awesome experience. I was in Anchorage for work and found this place to explore in my down time. The staff was unbelievably nice and all the animals are very well taken care of and loved. I definitely recommend some good winter shoes while you’re there otherwise your feet might freeze like mine did. The hot cocoa break was a nice added touch in the middle of the tour. I loved being able to feed all the babies and get pictures even though I was traveling solo.
Jessica Rakich — Google review
We had a great tour of the Reindeer Farm in Palmer (February 2024). The Highland cows were a highlight with the kids, and our picture at the end of the tour with April the reindeer. It was a great guided experience with a friendly and knowledgeable guide. Kids loved it and so did the adults!
Alexandra Gamble — Google review
We decided to go to the Reindeer Farm last minute and booked a 2:30 reservation. The drive out there is so beautiful. We got there about 15 minutes early and got to wait in the gift shop. It was cold out, so dress warm. Our guide was Eric, the son in law of the owner. We got accompanied by Cody, the farm dog. We got to feed, pet, take pictures with these beautiful animals. I was stoked that I got to see my first moose. They were still babies, about 6mons old. Eric gave us a lot of info on each animal. We ended getting to take a picture with April, their rescued reindeer. I would recommend going here in the winter. It's just so beautiful with the snow. You do get to warm up and drink hot chocolate half way thru.
NaeNae — Google review
Jodi (not sure of correct spelling) was a great guide! The love she had for each animal especially the bison was awesome. She was very informative of each animal. The animals are well cared for which is obvious when visiting.
Kelley Williams — Google review
Fun place for kids and adults alike. Got to pet and see a bunch of native Alaskan animals! Guide was super funny and knowledgeable. It can get pretty cold so make sure to dress warm.
Jess — Google review
We had so much fun here! The staff are amazingly friendly. The kids were able to touch and feed all of the animals. They had the best time and we will definitely be back.
Bodenburg Butte is a scenic, elevated peak nestled in the picturesque Matanuska Valley. This location provides an excellent opportunity to explore and bask in the summertime. The trail up to the summit is fun yet relaxing, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. It's a highly regarded landmark of the area that boasts a clean and well-maintained environment.
Great short hike. 2 sides to try. One side has a nice trail leading to stairs all the way to the top. The other is a more challenging climb without stairs and a steeper climb to the top. No matter your choice, the 360 degree views will not disappoint.
Rick Glover — Google review
Lots of stairs, but super worth it at the top!! This is my second time up, and I still enjoyed it.
Becca Tieszen — Google review
Beautiful views. If you hike up one trail you may want to go down that same trail. We started at The Butte Trailhead (Sandvik Family Trail) and came down the other side, on the stairs and ended up at the West Butte Trailhead. We aren't from the Palmer/Wasilla area so we didn't know what to expect. There didn't appear to be a direct route back (without hiking back up and down again) to our starting point so we had to walk 5 miles around, on the Bodenberg Loop road, to get back to the car. We enjoyed the hike, and detour back to the car, even if we didn't know exactly where we were going.
Heather Rykal — Google review
I loved this hike. I had to get in better shape to enjoy it. The views are great as you go up on this side of the Butte. (There are 2 sides. The other side just had stairs.) Enjoy!
James Wyss — Google review
Great hike. Worth it! Great view! Once you make it past the 505 steps... hard but small children can do it.
Maria Ming — Google review
Such a great place to enjoy the summer. Very relaxing hike to the top and the views are worth the fun trail up the Butte. A highlight of the local area and very clean and nice.
Tropic Tundra — Google review
Went here on a mission trip. This place was beautiful! We climbed to the summit and got a breathtaking view of the landscape.
Zach Wind — Google review
Challenge trail for kids and fun for family in sunny weather. Highly recommended.
The Musk Ox Farm is a non-profit organization that provides educational tours and features musk oxen, along with a unique gift shop. Visitors can enjoy a 45-minute walking tour of the farm, which teaches about these fascinating animals from babies to elders. The knowledgeable guides are available to answer any questions you may have. The gift shop offers apparel and hats made from the inner hair of the ox, as well as other trinkets and books.
Enjoy learning about the Musk Ox today! Our tour guide Jessica was very nice and very eager to share her knowledge with us. Really enjoyed it! Great for the whole family.
Lissa Duty — Google review
Very cool place to visit! The staff were all super friendly and we gained lots of information from our walking tour throughout the farm. All the musk ox were pretty active even though it was a hot summer day.
Justin Zhao — Google review
My husband & little sister visited the Musk Ox Farm Fri 3/15/24. We definitely needed spikes for our boots due to the ice & thanks to other reviewers, I knew we needed them & brought some. There were about 6 others on our tour. The guide walks you around the farm & tells you all about the Musk Ox - It's a very short & simple walk. The guide was also able to answer questions from the group. I don't know that I would recommend this activity for young children but its a fun, educational way to spend an hour or so. At the end, you walk back into the building & there is a small gift shop. I would recommend visiting to learn about these beautiful arctic animals!
Lauren Ryan — Google review
Visiting from Florida. Wonderful 45 minute walking tour around the musk ox farm teaches you everything about the musk ox. From babies to elders you will see the different age groups of these mostly docile animals. Nice guides to answer all the questions you may have. Little gift shop area to snag up some apparel or hats made from the inner hair of the ox. Other trinkets books and more. A nice spot to view and experience these majestic creatures. Great for people of all ages! A must see when in Palmer AK!
Florida Native — Google review
This was not part of our plan when we went to Alaska and we happened to stumble across it online. It was really well priced and on our way elsewhere, so we went. We had zero regrets. It was really cool to learn about musk oxen (what a misnomer!) and the fall and rise of their population in Alaska. Walking around the farm was lovely, and our guide was knowledgeable and enthusiastic. I would recommend this tour for both adults and kids.
Tara Forbes — Google review
I joined the Guided Tour given by Catharina, she was very polite, answered our questions, and, more than all, gave us explanations about this very especial animal, the musk ox, who survived the ice age and brings nowadays informations not yet all revealed.
They also have some reindeer’s/ caribous and a beautiful and cheap collection to be purchased at their small shop.
A MUST GO !
Leticia de Castilho Freire — Google review
I visited here Dec 2023 while I was on a work trip to Anchorage. I had a great experience getting to see all the musk ox around the farm. The tour was very informative and Jessica was a great tour guide. The animals are very well cared for and loved. Highly recommended stopping by. Don’t forget good winter shoes and clothing if you are visiting in the colder months!
Jessica Rakich — Google review
Do this before the reindeer farm. Don’t do it after! It’s less hands on and more educational. Also, masks outside… lame. You aren’t even close enough to throw covid on the ox so I don’t get the dire need for the mask. If you’re into extreme social distancing from animals and want to learn 80 ox by name then this tour is for you. The views are beautiful and the ox are cool to see but… just different experience! I’m glad these animals have a wonderful place to stay and don’t have to risk their lives from catching covid from patrons.
Emily Bailly — Google review
The Musk Ox Farm out of Palmer was easy to find. Their new gift shop is very nice and the hosts are very knowledgeable. Prices were very reasonable too. Excellent for all ages and a totally unique experience in a beautiful setting.
Ronald Rees — Google review
I love this ancient animal. Their fiber is most exquisite. The tour guide was very informative and answered all my questions. Can’t wait to crochet with the yarn I bought.
Monique Jackson — Google review
This was fun. The tour was informative and worth the fee. We only waited about 20 minutes for a tour. The gift shop was interesting but very expensive.
Sherri Thomas — Google review
The farm and animals are fun to see…we toured today 8/8/23. Our tour could have been much better with a different guide. Ours seemed uncomfortable and laughed with every word she spoke. It was brutally slow and she repeated stuff because, I guess, she ran out of thing to say. We saw another tour group down a different area and there were many more young Musks down there. So…I recommend because when are you going to see Musk Ox’s.
Colleen DH — Google review
A wonderful experience. I booked for a Sunday evening and was the only one there for that tour. Jessica was very knowledgeable which made the tour much more enjoyable. The Muskox came very close to the fences, they appear to be very well cared for. 10/10 great experience for any age
Aislynn Smith — Google review
The online booking was very easy and convenient. Our guide, Abby, had been with the farm for some time, so she was very knowledgeable. She answered all of our questions and told us entertaining stories about many of the oxen. It was interesting and fun (and funny!) to see the unique personalities of each animal. The gift shop has a good selection of merchandise; something for all ages. Overall we had a wonderful experience and I can definitely see us returning again and again. I highly recommend visiting!
Billie Triplett — Google review
We stopped in to check out these animals as a recommendation from a friend. The facility and tour was awesome. Our tour guide was really knowledgeable and it was fun to walk the fence line and see these creatures. They are really magnificent and it’s worth stopping in!
Grace Bol — Google review
We had Amelia as our guide and she was so kind and understanding when our 2 year old melted down the whole tour. Our 5 year old loved it and was super engaged the whole time. We can’t wait to come and visit again once the weather gets a little warmer and our two year old, a little more tame.
Ashley B — Google review
We went on the tour and it was wonderful! Our guide was so informative and knowledgeable. We learned so much! My kids and I enjoyed it immensely! The musk oxen were so adorable!
Tiffany Hallock — Google review
We had a great time touring the farm and learning so much. Our tour guide was great. Great gift shop too. Really hope I we win the raffle because that blanket felt so soft. Will recommend to others.
The Palmer Visitor Information Center is a must-visit spot for anyone exploring the area. It offers insights into Palmer's history and provides recommendations for activities and excursions. The center also houses a museum where visitors can learn about the town's past. Additionally, the center boasts beautiful gardens that showcase locally grown flowers and vegetables, making it a delightful stop for tourists.
Very knowledgeable about the area, he suggested a few spots to visit.
Rose Strong — Google review
Lots of good information on the history of the area. Some nice gifts for souvenirs
Jennifer Fitzgerald — Google review
I fell in love with this place it was beautiful and very clean and the lady that was there the day we went was great
Sharee Bush — Google review
Nice spot in town to rent a bike or see the world's largest cabbage statue or walk through the gardens. Across the street is the colonist memorial which is an interesting story. Please read the signs for appreciation of what these hardworking people did decades ago
Gregory Fee — Google review
A must to see when you're visiting Palmer. Flowers & different kinds of bushes & trees are the most beautiful we have in the valley. Make sure and take a bunch of pictures. People will not believe how beautiful and Tall some of these flowers are.
Ed Rock — Google review
Really enjoyed the garden, didn't go inside. They have public restrooms too.
Amanda Hamell — Google review
The Palmer Visitor information center and Museum is kinda cool. It only takes a few minutes to see it all but it's a neat little nugget of history, traveler info, local garden and more.
Elijah Helms — Google review
2023.06.30 - Wonderful how this place does a great job in advertising for its city. So much history to review and learn. I feel sad for the original people who called Alaska their home.
There is a beautiful garden outside the back door.
Carmen Laffey — Google review
If you set your Google map navigation to 'Palmer' without any specific location, this is where the map will bring you to. The center is in the middle of the park catering for information about the city's attractions, plus different kinds of souvenirs you can buy for memories.
Omer Tamer — Google review
Very friendly and helpful staff at the Visitor center! We also enjoyed the garden and art work!
Joni Fischer — Google review
The visitor center was ok. They had a very interesting film,but it is in the main area so with everyone talking I really couldn't hear it. The colony house is worth walking down to,and the garden is quite nice.
DUANE HELLE — Google review
Very informative with plenty of interesting displays and photos of local history. The founding of Palmer in the 1930’s is fascinating. Friendly staff and a great garden (giant cabbage!) to tour. We also enjoyed the handout allowing us to self tour the historic district.
Paul S — Google review
Great farmers market. Starting to see more produce for sale and it’s always good to see local items for sale. Great variety of food trucks!
Lazy Mountain is a designated area for counting the population in the Matanuska-Susitna Borough, Alaska, USA. It lies to the east of Palmer and runs parallel to Matanuska River. According to the 2020 census, 1,506 individuals live there which reflects an increase from 2010's count of 1,479 residents.
The Colony House Museum, operated by the Palmer Historical Society, offers a glimpse into the life of an average colonist family in the 1930s and 40s. Visitors can explore the architecture and decor of the Beylund's former home, as well as view their original artifacts on display. The museum provides insight into Palmer's history and is staffed with knowledgeable individuals eager to answer questions about the exhibits.
The Colony House Museum was a very authentic experience. When you walk into that house, it is like you are there in the past. We had such a detailed tour it was awesome. The detail that has been put into this museum is fantastic. Anyone who is in Palmer and misses this is truly missing out. Thank you volunteers for all the work you do here, you have done an outstanding job. A great piece of Colonist history.
Leah Gerdon — Google review
Cute little museum. Good histories, good exampl of the era. The docent was very fun and knowledgeable. A very well spent hour.
Jon Wetzel — Google review
Great little museum to show case the life of a new colonists to Palmer
Sarah Tudor — Google review
They were closed when we showed up. I believe they're only open for tours and on Saturdays.
Christine Groening — Google review
Great historic place to visit and learn the history behind Palmer
Jason Watkins — Google review
Loved getting to learn about the colonists of Palmer!!