Things to do
www.alaska.org
Visit Alaska.org for professional travel recommendations! We have also listed some of our favorites below.
Kenai Fjords National Park
Kayaking, glaciers, fjord tours, lots to do and see here!
Kenai Fjords Tours
Book a tour, leaving out of Seward, to see beautiful resurrection bay, the fjords, glaciers, whales and other marine life!
Seward
Seward is a 3 hr drive from Wasilla. This little port town has a beautiful Marina and fishing charters as well as sea life tours. There is also the sea life center. They have otters, seals etc. just be sure to check times for when they are on display.
Exit Glacier
There are some steep parts on the trail to the glacier but over all an easy hike.
Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center
The Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center (AWCC) is a sanctuary dedicated to preserving Alaska’s wildlife through conservation, education, research and quality animal care. Located on the Seward Highway, just 20 minutes south of Girdwood. The conservation center is a great stop to make if taking a trip to Girdwood or Seward areas.
Winner Creek Gorge Trail Head (Lower Winner Creek Trail)
This is one of our favorite hikes! This trail is located at the base of the Hotel Alyeska in Girdwood. It has ice blue waterfalls and is easy enough for inexperienced hikers. There is also a tram that you can purchase tickets for and ride to the top of the mountain.
The Bodenburg Butte Trail
Why Take This Hike With a length of just 1.5 miles and a summit reaching only 874 feet, West Butte Trail on Bodenburg Butte—a 45-minute drive north of Anchorage—makes for a fine family outing. But even if you’re a more experienced hiker, don’t let the butte’s dwarf-like height dissuade you. This small bump in the center of a grand alluvial plain offers far-reaching views from its summit; plus, the climb includes a pulse-quickening 0.25 miles of stairs up the steep north face. This hike has the best view and is one of our favorites. It is also a block or so from where Melissa grew up.
Reindeer Farm
This is a great place to take the kids. They usually have a moose and buffalo, and you get the chance to feed reindeer. It is a good outing to pair with a hike up the Bodenburg Butte Trail since they are adjacent to one another.
Gold Mint Trailhead
This hike is overall pretty flat and suitable for all ages. It has great views. We also recommend driving up further to the lodge and Summit Lake. Consider bringing a rain coat or umbrella as it might be sunny in town, but could be raining up on the mountain.
Wasilla Creek Boardwalk Trail
This is a short easy walk with an amazing view of the hay flats and mountains.
Eklutna Lake
This lake is a stunning ice blue tucked in the mountains. It is usually windy, so bring a windbreaker. There are walking trails and camping at the lake and Kayak rentals are also available: http://www.lifetimeadventure.net/eklutna-trips-rentals/ Also, if the ice-cream stand is open stop for some fireweed and other fun Alaskan flavors.
Matanuska Glacier
This gigantic glacier is the largest in the U.S. that can be reached by vehicle
Talkeetna
This is a super cute historic town with breweries and good food. The whole town is right on one little street.
Denali National Park and Preserve
Denali national park is approximately 3-4 hours drive north from the Wasilla area. Denali (formerly Mt. McKinley) is the tallest mountain in America. There are lots of lodges and hotels near the park, lots of hikes and scenic views. We would definitely recommend taking more than one day if planning to visit the park.
Homer
Homer is a 5 hour drive but one of our favorites with great food and amazing views. You can also take the ferry over to Seldovia which is something we have yet to do. Homer is a great place to go for fish & chips, with daily fresh deliveries of halibut to Lands end restaurant. You can spot many eagles and sea lions from the spit. If you are staying over night we highly recommend bay crest lodge. They have a privet hot tub and bluff views.
Mat-Su Resort
This resort rents out paddle boards and kayaks. Just go to the restaurant and the front desk can set it up.
Crow's Nest
Super high end restaurant at the top of the Captain Cook hotel with stunning wrap around views of the mountains.