LifeAlaska · July 18, 2026
nineteen years in the making
After nearly two decades of planning, the Mat-Su Valley finally has a front door for visitors.
Daily Alaska staff · July 18, 2026
The Matanuska-Susitna Borough Gateway Visitors Center has officially opened at mile 36 of the Glenn Highway, the first right after the Parks and Glenn interchange as drivers head toward Palmer. The 9,400-square-foot building houses a classroom for community events and offices for the Mat-Su Convention and Visitors Bureau, which promotes tourism in the Valley.
The center was built with a mix of grants and matching funds after nearly two decades of planning. For visitors and residents alike, it offers a single stop to plan a trip through the Valley, replacing the lack of a dedicated visitor hub that had existed for almost 20 years.
The standout feature is a set of digital planning kiosks. Visitors can build a custom itinerary, choose where to stay, eat, and explore, and generate a driving map complete with times and distances. The itinerary can then be sent directly to a visitor's phone.
The building also includes displays on local history and culture, along with activity ideas for all four seasons rather than just summer. A designated photo spot with a mountain backdrop rounds out the amenities.
The Mat-Su Gateway Visitors Center is open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
In this story
Questions people ask
Where is the new Mat-Su Gateway Visitors Center?
Mile 36 of the Glenn Highway, the first right after the Parks and Glenn interchange heading toward Palmer. It's open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
What can you do at the new Mat-Su Visitors Center?
Visitors use digital kiosks to build custom itineraries, pick lodging and activities, and send maps to their phone. There's also displays on local history and culture.
Evidence
Sources
Claims and where they come from
- The Mat-Su Gateway Visitors Center opened at mile 36 of the Glenn Highway, the first right after the Parks and Glenn interchange toward Palmer. · alaskasnewssource.com
- The building is about 9,400 square feet and was built with grants and matching funds. · alaskasnewssource.com
- The center includes offices for the Mat-Su Convention and Visitors Bureau and a classroom for community events. · alaskasnewssource.com
- The center is open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. · alaskasnewssource.com
Produced with AI assistance, narrated with Slav Lund's voice clone with his consent, and reviewed by a person before publishing. How we use AI →