There are several places to visit in Wasilla. This fourth largest city in Alaska is located on the northern point of Cook Inlet, in the Matanuska-Susitna Valley. As of the 2020 census, the city had a population of 9,054, compared to just 7,831 in 2010.
Extreme Fun Center
If you are looking for a family friendly place to go, the Extreme Fun Center in Wasilla, Alaska is a great option. It features a variety of games that will entertain visitors of all ages. Activities here include laser shooting, mini bowling, spin bumper cars, and rock climbing. It also features a children’s soft play area, cafe, and XD simulator.
This museum is run by volunteers who are passionate about preserving the history of railroads in Alaska. Visitors will enjoy the rides here and learn about railroading in the state. The museum offers mini trains that are fun for people of all ages, and there are special trains for people with disabilities.
Museum of Transportation and Industry
The Museum of Transportation and Industry is one of the most popular places to visit in Washington, Alaska. Founded in 1944, this museum contains the world’s largest collection of transportation vehicles. There are more than 70 locomotives on display, and you can even take a ride on a miniature passenger train that circles the grounds. The museum’s permanent collection includes a wide variety of vehicles from the late 1800s to the present day.
The museum’s collection of over 100,000 objects and artifacts is the largest of its kind. The exhibits, all interactive, are organized around a vast atrium. They cover Seattle’s history and are extremely well done. The museum also holds events and community events throughout the year.
Another great exhibit is the Space Gallery, which bears the name of Charles Simonyi, the first tourist to visit space. This gallery features a Soyuz capsule that was used to travel to the International Space Station, as well as a Full Fuselage Shuttle Trainer that demonstrates what it’s like to be an astronaut.
The Museum of Transportation and Industry is free to enter, and there is plenty of free parking on the street nearby. It’s open Tuesday to Sunday from 11am to 5pm. On Thursdays it is open until 7pm. On Mondays it is closed.
If you’re looking for something more active, you should check out the Puget Sound Aquarium. This aquarium is home to a wide variety of marine life. In the tide-pool touch tanks, volunteers are usually on hand to educate curious adults about the creatures that inhabit the water. There are also brightly colored tropical tanks surrounded by children.
The town of McCarthy is a small mining town that features historic buildings and a mining museum. The Tolovana Roadhouse, which was a stop on the legendary dog sled and serum relay to Nome, is another historical site. Nearby Seward was the southern end of the Iditarod trail.
Boardwalk
If you want to explore the area, you can take a walk along the Wasilla Creek Boardwalk. The trail runs along the creek and is easy enough for kids to enjoy. The boardwalk is part of the Wasilla Creek Wetlands Trail. The trail is free of charge.
There are many shops on the Boardwalk in Wailla, including shops that sell handmade crafts and Alaskan souvenirs. The boardwalk is open on Sundays in the summer, and you can browse through the unique items and gifts found there. You can also go hunting for ducks during the fall.
Valley Aquatics and Reptile Rescue
Valley Aquatics and Reptile Rescue is a locally owned reptile sanctuary that is open to the public. It is the home of a variety of exotic animals, including geckos, turtles, and fish. The facility offers educational programs, hands-on activities, and a kid’s scavenger hunt.
If you’re interested in adopting a turtle, you should visit one of the many reptile rescues located across the country. These include The Phoenix Herpetological Sanctuary, Christina’s Reptile and Animal Sanctuary, Forgotten Friend Reptile Sanctuary, Marie Exotics Reptile Rescue, and Wasatch Exotics Rescue, all of which accept surrenders. Additionally, you can visit the California Turtle & Tortoise Club, based in Van Nuys. This rescue also accepts desert tortoises and aquatic turtles. Another reptile rescue in the state is the American Tortoise Rescue, a nonprofit organization based in Malibu. The group also rescues snakes and offers snake relocation services.