This is a short and steep 2-mile hike with amazing views of Pioneer Peak and the surrounding Knik-Butte area. The West trailhead is down a gravel road and features wooden steps for an easier climb. The main trailhead is on the other side of the peak, close to the reindeer farm, and requires hiking up dusty paths. Either way you go, make sure to keep an eye out for Moose friends! 10-minute drive from downtown Palmer.

This nearly 5-mile hike will take you to the summit of Lazy Mountain via one of two trails: the slower switchbacks on Lazy Moose Trail or the steep ascents of Lazy Mountain Trail. This trek can be slick and challenging, but provides stunning views of the Knik and Matanuska rivers. 10 minutes from Palmer.

Drive up windy Fishhook Road and enjoy beautiful panoramas of the Mat-Su Valley, an adventure through the abandoned Independence Gold Mine, or a stroll around Summit Lake. The many trailheads and paved lots along this road make this a great trip for adventurers of all abilities. Reaching the visitors center for the mine will require a 40-minute to hour drive from either Palmer or Wasilla.

Take a leisurely walk around Colony Farm and have close-up experiences with these arctic mammals. Go on guided tour, visit the gift shop, and adopt a Musk Ox. This attraction is located just outside of Palmer, no more than a 10-minute drive down the Glenn highway.

Park at one of the many viewing areas off of the Glenn Highway, or drive right up to the source of the Matanuska River. The trip all the way to the glacier is a 2 hour drive from Anchorage and 1 hour 15 minutes from Palmer, down a lot of bumpy gravel road. Please be careful when walking on the glacier and look out at the mountainsides along the highway to see tiny goat families.

Another fun farm adventure at the foot of the Butte that features 100 reindeer, Rocky Mountain elk, Bison, Tibetan Yaks, Alpacas, and Lucy the Moose. Explore the farm on your own or take a guided tour. Don't miss the opportunity to feed the reindeer or Lucy the Moose!

An outdoor market in downtown Palmer that is full of art & crafts, food and live music. Typically runs from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Fridays in the summer months.

Repeat one of Madi & Kaden's original hometown dates by heading to the Palmer Visitor Center to rent a bike for $25 per day.