What is the Matanuska-Susitna Valley?
Q: What is the Matanuska-Susitna Valley?
A: The Matanuska-Susitna Valley is an area in Southcentral Alaska located south of the Alaska Range about 25 miles from Anchorage. It includes the valleys of the Matanuska River, Knik River, and Susitna River.
Q: What towns are located in the valley?
A: The towns located in the valley include Palmer, Wasilla, Big Lake, Houston, Willow and Talkeetna.
Q: What mountain ranges are found in this area?
A: The mountain ranges found in this area are the Alaska Range, Talkeetna Mountains and Chugach Mountains.
Q: Are there any gold mines in these mountains?
A: Yes, there are both working and old gold mines found in these mountains.
Q: How was this region formed?
A: This region was formed by glaciers which left many lakes throughout the area.
Q: Who governs this region?
A: This region is governed by a local government called the Matanuska-Susitna Borough.
Q: How did people come to settle here originally?
A: People first came to settle here between 1900 and 1930 when hundreds of "colonists" were moved here by the United States Federal Government during early 1930s. In 1970's more newcomers arrived to Anchorage before moving to live an "Alaskan country" lifestyle in Matanuska Valley.
