Mellow to moderate tours with an educational emphasis
History Trips
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Palmer Culture + History Tour
During this tour, we will discuss the geological transformation of the valley, Ahtna and Dena’ina culture and history in the area, and review Palmer’s agricultural roots from homesteaders in the early 1900s to the Matanuska Colony Project of the 1930s. This trip includes 3 history stops.
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Rocks, Rivers and Glaciers: Hike + History
This 4-hour guided hike combines outdoor activity with educational adventure. We’ll spend time exploring a glacial outwash plain, and set off for a 3-mile hike up the Butte. This local landmark climbs about 800 feet and offers views of the nearby Knik Glacier.
“Had the opportunity to take the Palmer Culture and History Tour. We enjoyed the entire tour. We had from a private guide take us through the Colony House Museum to learn about the arrival of the colonists from Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan in 1935, driving and then hiking to see a view of the Matanuska River and learning the history of coal mining in the valley, and then going to a view up Maud Road to a view of the Knik Glacier and valley area while drinking hot tea, picking a few blue berries and learning about the influence of having the glaciers in the valley. Our guide was very knowledgeable and we had a great time and learned a lot about the area. Highly recommend this tour.”
-Brenda
Discover Palmer, Alaska on a Guided History Tour
Our history trips connect you to the local people and landscape through educational discussion.
What to expect:
Knowledgeable guides who are excited to share what they know and continue to learn about local flora, fauna, geology, and history of the area.
Small group size (5 people or less) to ensure a personalized and immersive experience.
Place-based educational discussion is embedded into our guided trips.
Three history stops in partnership with local museums, farms and cultural interpreters.
Our history trips are considered mellow for most and moderately challenging for some.
Our experienced, local guides will take you on a Palmer-focused history tour. Our history trip sticks to sidewalks and sometimes includes a short walk on a well-maintained trail. Total walking distance is less than 1 mile total. Learn about Ahtna and Dena’ina peoples who have called the area home for thousands of years, the glaciology of the Matanuska Valley, the regions farming roots and more.
Who Should Join Our History Trips?
Our history trips are perfect for lifelong learners who want a mellow to moderate adventure. Brings questions and curiosity and you’ll leave wanting to learn more about the area we call home.
What we bring:
Snacks and water.
Trekking poles, gaiters and extra gear.
First aid kit and a wilderness first aid trained guide.
Revel is permitted and insured to lead trips on Mat-Su Borough trails, within several Alaska State Park units, on State of Alaska Land and more. If you don’t see a specific location listed - just ask us!
What else should I know about the Palmer history trips?
Our history and culture tours represent a collaboration with local museums, historians, tribal organizations, and cultural interpreters. Dena’ina and Ahtna peoples have been calling this area of Alaska home for thousands of years. It’s vital that Ahtna and Dena’ina stories, language, and culture are shared through Ahtna and Dena’ina perspectives. When possible, this trip incorporates a visit and discussion with local cultural interpreters.
Additional trip activities may include a stop at a local museum or the nearby Matanuska Experiment Farm and Extension Center.
Our history and culture trips are generally low-impact adventures with light walking over paved surfaces. Your local guide will connect you to stories, past and present, of our community.
Don’t hesitate to contact us with questions.