Wasilla, Alaska City Guide
For over 20 years, Pamela Lanier's Wasilla, Alaska Travel Guide has been your connection to Wasilla's tourism community with invaluable details on local attractions, restaurants, shopping, museums, history, outdoor recreation and more.
Wasilla History
 Named for an Indian chief, the city of Wasilla, Alaska is a city rich with history and tradition. Before the town on Wasilla was established, the settlement of Knik was the main transportation and supply hub for the region, dating back to 1880. In 1915 the city of Anchorage was established as was the Alaska railroad, signaling the end of Knik’s days in the spotlight. Just two years later, the town of Wasilla sprouted at the intersection of the Alaska railroad and the supply route for the Willow Creek Mining District, what is today the intersection of George Parks Highway and Main Street. Wasilla thrived from 1917 to 1940 as the “Gateway to the Willow Creek Mining District,” with over 50 mines and prospects operating in the area, some still active today. During the Great Depression, the government promoted the agricultural development of Alaska, bringing more than 200 farming families to the area and establishing the town of Palmer as the region’s main supply center. Wasilla grew from a small town into a suburban hometown for Anchorage workers in the early 1970’s when the George Parks Highway opened up travel between Anchorage and Wasilla. The Alaska oil boom and pipeline development of the 1970’s and 80’s brought major growth to Wasilla and today the city and surrounding valley is known as a delightful bed and breakfast enclave.
As the hometown of Alaska Governor Sarah Palin, the Vice Presidential Nominee in the 2008 election, Wasilla was in the world's spotlight and deluged with journalists and curious visitors from all over the world. Having been the town’s past Mayor, the townspeople of Wasilla are fiercely proud of Sarah Palin and enjoy sharing their pride with visitors and bed and breakfast guests. |
