Driving From Anchorage to the Matanuska Glacier

Make the most of the drive to your Matanuska Glacier Adventure! The trip from Anchorage to Glacier View includes beautiful views, fun stops for food and even other local adventures.

We recommend making it a full day adventure & leaving plenty of time for stops along the way.

How to Get to the Matanuska Glacier

The Matanuska Glacier is Alaska’s most accessible glacier. You’ll arrive at NOVA after a two hour scenic drive from Anchorage. Even if you’re not planning to stop along the way, be sure to add buffer time (we recommend allowing 2.5 hours) for summer road construction projects which can cause delays!

Once you arrive; check in at our office, meet your guide, and gear up for your adventure! During your adventure with us you’ll learn all about safe glacier travel, the geology of the area, and enjoy being in one of the most unreal places in Alaska.

Step foot on the ice and into one of the coolest adventure experiences you can have!

road sign to show the Matanuska Glacier access is open

Your Drive From Anchorage to the Matanuska Glacier

Make a whole day of the trip out and include some of the stops listed below!

Where to Stop From Anchorage to Palmer

Staying in Anchorage gives you lots of restaurant and coffee options before your trip to Glacier View. Be sure to fuel up and grab some snacks or lunch to bring along with you. If you’re getting an early start before things are open in Anchorage, you can also opt to stop for food in Palmer.

Once you hit the road there are a few scenic places to stop before you reach the town of Palmer. If you want to add in one of these stops be sure to account for more drive time on your way to NOVA.

Eklutna Lake: This is a good option for those who booked an afternoon tour with us. This stunning turquoise blue lake is worth the extra driving. Take some time to go for a short walk along the shoreline, or, if time allows, kayak on the water.
Thunderbird Falls Hike: This one mile hike is great for the whole family and has incredible views of a 200 foot waterfall.
Reflection Lake: This beautiful and accessible walking path offers great views of the mountains that reflect in the lake on a clear day. Midway through you’ll reach a fun tower that you can climb for sweeping views of the Palmer Hay Flats. Stretch your legs and have a chance at seeing some wildlife before continuing your trip to Glacier View.

guide giving a thumbs up as his group gets ready to hike out on the Matanuska Glacier

What to Do in Palmer

Palmer is a great place to stay and play or at least stop at to grab some food before or after your tour. Choose from one of its many delicious restaurants, grab a coffee, visit some wildlife, or hike up in the mountains!

Palmer Alehouse: Brewpub style food + over 40 local beers on tap. They are open late and make a great dinner option for after your full day adventure.
Matanuska Brewery: Rustic brewpub where the locals eat. Enjoy the patio seating with a cold beer.
Noisy Goose Cafe: American comfort food and local favorite. This is a perfect spot for breakfast! There tends to be a wait so give yourself plenty of time to eat here.
Feather & Flour: Farm to table eating with the best brunch in town. Enjoy a meal before heading to Glacier View, or make a dinner reservation.
Turkey Red: A great spot for a sandwich or baked goods. This is also a good lunch option to bring along on your glacier adventure.
Vagabond Blues: A great sit down coffee shop in town.
Purple Moose Espresso: Best drive thru coffee shop in Palmer.
Reindeer Farm: Visit and feed reindeer, highland cows, alpacas, and Lucy the moose!
Musk Ox Farm: Book a tour to see Musk Oxen and learn more about them.
Hatcher Pass: Drive up into the mountains to explore. Visit Independence Mine, go for a hike, or eat at the Hatcher Pass Lodge.
Alaska State Fair: If you happen to be visiting later in the summer the Alaska State Fair runs from August 15th-September 1st. IF you are visiting during this time the fair is a must visit! See a concert, enjoy local food, visit local vendors and take home a souvenir, see livestock and giant vegetables, and so much more.

Where to Stop Between Palmer and Glacier View

This highway typically has summer road construction that can delay you up to 30 minutes or longer. Be sure to give yourself plenty of time to get to NOVA!

Tesoro Gas Station in Sutton: Important! This is your last chance to get gas before arriving at NOVA.
Long Lake: Stop for a picnic or for the scenic view. Long Lake is just beautiful and is a great spot to go paddling or fishing. There are also some rock climbing routes nearby.

Enjoy the scenic drive along the Glenn Highway! This mountain road offers stellar views of the Chugach and Talkeetna mountains, along with roadside views of the Matanuska River, Kings Mountain, and beautiful lakes.

group heading out for a tour on the Matanuska glacier ice falls

Arriving at NOVA

You’ll find NOVA at mile marker 96.5 off the Glenn Highway. If using GPS you can use: 38100 W Glenn Highway, Glacier View, AK 99674 and be on the lookout for the left turn that takes you under the highway and to our office. There will be a sign on the Glenn Highway right before your turn.

Now that you’ve arrived at NOVA it’s time to get ready for your adventure. Head into the office to check in with our office staff and sign your waivers. You’ll pay your glacier fees before heading over the picnic tables to meet your guide and gear up. Don’t forget to stop at River’s Edge Espresso along the way!

Your guide will ensure you have all the gear you need for a great experience. Once you are geared up and safety briefed, you’ll load up into the van and drive to the glacier to begin the real adventure.

Grab a snack from the coffee shop before driving back to Anchorage or Palmer, alternately stay in Glacier View.