Drive back in history

MAT-SU — With excellent weather and fall colors abounding, now is a great time to pack a picnic lunch and enjoy one of the Valley’s treasures — a day trip on the Glenn Highway National Scenic Byway.

The first 135 miles of the Glenn Highway is designated a National Scenic Byway for good reason — it has some of the most breathtaking scenery you’ll encounter, and it is rich in history.

“The cultural and geological history of the Glenn Highway is amazing,” said Bonnie Quill, executive director of the Mat-Su CVB and president of the Glenn Highway National Scenic Byway Association. “In addition to the beautiful mountains along the drive, you can learn a lot about the history of the area.”

The first stop to note, when leaving from Anchorage, is perhaps the biggest learning experience along the route – the Alaska Native Heritage Center. From there, Chugach State Park and Eagle River Nature Center are the next educational stops. From there, it’s through downtown Palmer, where you can stop at the Colony House Museum or the Mat-Su Visitor Information Center.

Heading north out of Palmer, you’ll encounter land carved by the Matanuska Glacier. The Glenn Highway provides some of the best accessible glacier-viewing in Alaska, and at Glacier Park, you can actually get out and trek on the glacier.

North of Chickaloon and Matanuska Glacier, the Sheep Mountain area ensues, with spectacular wildlife viewing opportunities. At Mile 118.5, the Chickaloon-Knik-Nelchina Trailhead Site offers raptor viewing possibilities. Just two miles north, at Mile 120.5, the Paleontologic Interpretive Wayside offers motorists a detailed account of the area.

There are numerous roadhouses and lodges that cater to roadside visitors throughout the summer, and some into the winter. Spend a day exploring the area – picking berries along the many trails in the area, or just shooting pictures of high-rising mountains or the Matanuska River.

There are endless opportunities for recreation along the Glenn Highway National Scenic Byway – head out this weekend and find the perfect activity for your family.

Casey Ressler (casey@alaskavisit.com) is the marketing and communications manager at the Mat-Su CVB.