Transport yourself to the Alaska of the past in this museum and historic town site. Check out mining digs as you travel down stairs painted like an old mine shaft. Then learn about the hard-rock gold mining in Hatcher Pass during the 1930s. View artifacts from Athabascans, learn about dog mushing, and walk through a historic dentist’s office. The main museum building, once a community center for basketball games and church services, now tells the story of Wasilla’s past, from 1917 to today.
The main gallery includes diorama models, photos, artifacts, and dog-sledding gear. Check out the model of 1923 Wasilla and learn about how the railroad brought Wasilla to life. See the change from horse and wagons to cars and motorcycles. Or inspect artifacts and artwork from Native Ahtna and Dena’ina Athabascans. The historic Iditarod Trail passes by the area and the museum celebrates its connection to the famous race with a great display on dog mushing, including a dog-sled simulator!
Then step back in time at the town site of 1917 Wasilla. Sit in Wasilla’s first schoolhouse and learn about a typical day. Walk over to Shorty’s Barn and view sleighs and carriages used to get around town, or enter an old miner’s cabin to see what life was like mining for gold. You can even mail a postcard home from the Old Wasilla Post Office.
Bring a lunch and have a picnic at the town site; there are great views of the Chugach and Talkeetna ranges. And before you go, stop by the Museum Shop for Alaska-made items like soaps, potato jewelry, and Wasilla souvenirs.
Hours
Tuesday – Friday, 9a.m. – 4p.m.; Year-Round
Admission
Adults: $3, Seniors: $2.50, Military, $2, Under 12: Free
