text:
Lake Louise, Alaska

Lake Louise (Sasnuu’ Bene’ in Ahtna) is a census-designated place (CDP) in Matanuska-Susitna Borough, Alaska, United States. Although it is an isolated settlement and is close to Glennallen, it is considered part of the Anchorage Metropolitan Area, like all other locations in the Mat-Su Borough. At the 2020 census the population was 15, down from 46 in 2010 and 88 in 2000.

The first recorded name of Lake Louise was Shosubenich, which means "great flat water with many islands". Later, Lake Louise was named "Lake Adah" after a girlfriend of Lieutenant Castner. Later Captain Edwin Glenn changed the name to "Lake Louise" in honor of his wife. The U.S. Army established a recreation facility at the lake towards the end of World War II and built the first road into the area. Lake Louise Road runs about 20 mi from the Glenn Highway to the lake. There are still several dilapidated cabins at the "Army Point" campground, including one that was used for four days by General Dwight D. Eisenhower before he was president. The lake is home to the Lake Louise State Recreation Area.

Geography
Lake Louise is located along the eastern edge of Matanuska-Susitna Borough at 62.28444°N, -146.55694°W (62.284498, -146.557029). Lake Louise is located between four mountain ranges: the Wrangell, Talkeetna, Chugach and Alaska ranges.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the Lake Louise CDP has a total area of 97.7 sqmi, of which 55.7 sqmi are land and 42.0 sqmi, or 42.96%, are water. There are many small islands at the south end of the lake, most of which have homes built on them. There are also several private resorts and marinas, and a state recreation area with campgrounds and a boat launch.

Climate
Lake Susitna, 2375ft (724 m), is a weather station located approximately 15 miles (24.1 km) to the north of Lake Louise.

Demographics
Lake Louise first appeared on the 2000 U.S. Census as a census-designated place (CDP).

As of the census of 2000, there were 88 people, 41 households, and 25 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 1.8 PD/sqmi. There were 255 housing units at an average density of 5.3 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the CDP was 89.77% White and 10.23% Native American.

There were 41 households, out of which 17.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 58.5% were married couples living together, 2.4% had a female householder with no husband present, and 39.0% were non-families. 24.4% of all households were made up of individuals, and 2.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.15 and the average family size was 2.64.

In the CDP, the population was spread out, with 17.0% under the age of 18, 1.1% from 18 to 24, 27.3% from 25 to 44, 46.6% from 45 to 64, and 8.0% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 47 years. For every 100 females, there were 114.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 135.5 males.

The median income for a household in the CDP was $5,000, and the median income for a family was $43,750. Males had a median income of $3,750 versus $0 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $11,057. There were no families and 56.7% of the population living below the poverty line, including no under eighteens and none of those over 64.

Recreation area
The Lake Louise State Recreation Area has a large campground, boat launch, and picnic areas, as well as a trail leading to the hilltop where the Army's original recreation area's cabins still stand, although in a state of severe disrepair. Visitors can expect to see a wide variety of wildlife, including the only known freshwater nesting site for cormorants, located on Bird Island. In the fall the Nelchina caribou herd passes through this area. The fishing in the lake is considered excellent, with a variety of freshwater fish, including lake trout and burbot.

title: Lake Louise, Alaska


text:
Lakes, Alaska

Lakes was a census-designated place (CDP) in Matanuska-Susitna Borough, Alaska, United States. It was split in two CDPs for 2020 Census purposes: North Lakes and South Lakes. The area is part of the Anchorage, Alaska Metropolitan Statistical Area. At the 2010 census the population was 8,364, up from 6,706 in 2000.

Geography
Lakes is located at 61.6075°N, -149.30417°W (61.607440, -149.304056) near Wasilla and Palmer.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 15.4 sqmi, of which, 13.6 sqmi of it is land and 1.7 sqmi of it (11.25%) is water.

There is public access to some of the lakes for which the CDP is named via the Finger Lakes State Recreation Site.

Demographics
Lakes first appeared on the 2000 U.S. Census as a census-designated place (CDP).

As of the census of 2000, there were 6,706 people, 2,217 households, and 1,775 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 491.3 PD/sqmi. There were 2,329 housing units at an average density of 170.6 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the CDP was 89.49% White, 0.60% Black or African American, 4.58% Native American, 0.54% Asian, 0.09% Pacific Islander, 0.55% from other races, and 4.16% from two or more races. 1.95% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 2,217 households, out of which 46.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 67.9% were married couples living together, 7.9% had a female householder with no husband present, and 19.9% were non-families. 14.3% of all households were made up of individuals, and 2.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.00 and the average family size was 3.32.

In the CDP, the population was spread out, with 33.1% under the age of 18, 6.6% from 18 to 24, 30.6% from 25 to 44, 24.9% from 45 to 64, and 4.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 35 years. For every 100 females, there were 102.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 101.8 males.

The median income for a household in the CDP was $63,250, and the median income for a family was $68,893. Males had a median income of $50,378 versus $30,675 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $23,485. About 3.8% of families and 6.9% of the population were below the poverty line, including 6.3% of those under age 18 and 6.5% of those age 65 or over.

license: Creative Commons - Attribution Share-Alike - https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/

title: Lakes, Alaska


text:
Lazy Mountain, Alaska

Lazy Mountain is a census-designated place (CDP) in Matanuska-Susitna Borough, Alaska, United States. Located east of Palmer along the Matanuska River. At the 2020 census the population was 1,506, up from 1,479 in 2010.

Geography
Lazy Mountain, the namesake geographic feature of the Lazy Mountain area, is located at 61.62552°N, -149.04494°W. The peak of Lazy Mountain is 3720 ft above sea level.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the 2010 CDP has a total area of 58.82 sqmi (up from 35.7 in 2000), of which, 35.5 sqmi of it is land and 0.2 sqmi of it is water.

The southern boundary of the CDP starts at the Old Glenn Highway where it meets E. Smith Rd, extends east along the Smith Road extension to Harmony Avenue, then south one block to Purser Place and then east again approximately 1/2 mile along an imaginary line to McRoberts Creek. McRoberts Creek forms the southeast boundary of the CDP up to its headwaters and to the top of the ridge south of Matanuska Peak. The east boundary forms an irregular line along the ridge to Matanuska Peak, then down to the glacier and along its outfall creek to where it meets Wolverine Creek.

Climate
Lazy Mountain has a continental subarctic climate (Köppen Dfc) with cold, snowy winters and mild summers.

Demographics
Lazy Mountain first appeared on the 1990 U.S. Census as a census-designated place (CDP).

As of the census of 2000, there were 1,158 people, 410 households, and 303 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 32.6 PD/sqmi. There were 465 housing units at an average density of 13.1 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the CDP was 92.66% White, 0.09% Black or African American, 2.94% Native American, 1.04% Asian, 0.17% from other races, and 3.11% from two or more races. 1.04% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 410 households, out of which 40.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 63.7% were married couples living together, 6.6% had a female householder with no husband present, and 25.9% were non-families. 20.2% of all households were made up of individuals, and 5.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.82, and the average family size was 3.30.

In the CDP, the population was spread out, with 31.6% under the age of 18, 5.7% from 18 to 24, 27.9% from 25 to 44, 28.2% from 45 to 64, and 6.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females, there were 114.4 males. For every 100 females aged 18 and over, there were 111.2 males.

The median income for a household in the CDP was $46,500, and the median income for a family was $54,881. Males had a median income of $37,179 versus $28,889 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $22,789. About 3.3% of families and 7.8% of the population were below the poverty line, including 9.4% of those under age 18 and none of those age 65 or over.

Government
As a Census-Designated Place, the Lazy Mountain Area is not a traditional village or town. It lies to the east of the nearest municipal area, Palmer. The area is part of the Matanuska-Susitna Borough, and as such is subject to borough control. The Lazy Mountain Community Council, which represents a similar but slightly smaller area than the Lazy Mountain CDP, provides feedback to the borough from some of the residents of the area. The Lazy Mountain Community Council submitted a Comprehensive Plan to the Borough Assembly, and it adopted by the Assembly in 2008.

Recreational facilities
The Lazy Mountain Recreation Area is a 360-acre site which has hiking, skiing, and equestrian trails. The parking area at the East end of Huntley Road provides access to the Morgan Horse, Lazy Moose and Lazy Mountain Trails.

Roads
The Lazy Mountain area is only accessible by road along the Old Glenn Highway, formerly Alaska Route 1. This section of the Glenn Highway was bypassed when the Glenn Highway was rerouted across the Knik and Matanuska Rivers and the Palmer Hay Flats in 1976. The Old Glenn Highway is now reached from the south at an interchange off of the Glenn Highway at milepost 29.6, or from Palmer where the Old Glenn becomes Arctic Avenue. The Old Glenn Highway is classified as a major collector South of Clark-Wolverine Road, and as a minor arterial from that point north into Palmer.

East Smith Road, which forms the southern boundary of the Lazy Mountain CDP, is considered a minor collector road for the first 1/2 mile from the Old Glenn Highway, as is Clark-Wolverine Road from the Old Glenn Highway all the way to where it becomes Wolverine Road, and on to N. McKenzie Drive

Air transport
The Lazy Mountain Area is served by numerous private airports. The following airports are registered with the FAA Identifier  Name
 * AK46  ABI Airport
 * AK88  Eagle Nest Airport
 * AK92  Martin Field
 * 7AK9  Vinduska Airport

and one Heliport
 * 5AK4  Eagles Nest Heliport

At least three other unregistered landing areas exist in the Lazy Mountain area, one along the Old Glenn Highway between Eugene Drive and Clark-Wolverine Rd. and two near Huntley Road.

The nearest public airport is the Palmer Municipal Airport (PAQ).

Effective May 29, 2014, all airports in the Lazy Mountain area use a single common traffic advisory frequency (CTAF), 123.60 MHz. The nearest airport with scheduled commercial service is the Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC).

People

 * Anna Marly, Russian-French singer-songwriter (1917–2006). She Settled in Lazy Mountain where she became US Citizen and died in Palmer.

title: Lazy Mountain, Alaska


text:
Meadow Lakes, Alaska

Meadow Lakes is a census-designated place (CDP) in Matanuska-Susitna Borough, Alaska, United States. Located west of Wasilla, it is part of the Anchorage, Alaska Metropolitan Statistical Area. As of the 2020 census, the population was 9,197, up from 7,570 in 2010. It is the fifth-most populated CDP in Alaska and the third largest community in the borough.

Geography
Meadow Lakes is located at 61.59972°N, -149.61611°W (61.599661, -149.616036).

According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 70.0 sqmi, of which, 67.0 sqmi of it is land and 3.0 sqmi of it (4.32%) is water.

Demographics
Meadow Lakes first reported on the 1990 U.S. Census as a census-designated place (CDP).

As of the census of 2000, there were 4,819 people, 1,702 households, and 1,215 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 72.0 PD/sqmi. There were 2,003 housing units at an average density of 29.9 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the CDP was 87.9% White, 0.5% Black or African American, 5.4% Native American, 0.6% Asian, 0.2% Pacific Islander, 0.6% from other races, and 4.8% from two or more races. 3.0% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 1,702 households, out of which 42.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 55.1% were married couples living together, 9.2% had a female householder with no husband present, and 28.6% were non-families. 20.9% of all households were made up of individuals, and 3.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.83 and the average family size was 3.30.

In the CDP, the population was spread out, with 33.4% under the age of 18, 7.1% from 18 to 24, 32.5% from 25 to 44, 22.2% from 45 to 64, and 4.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 33 years. For every 100 females, there were 113.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 111.5 males.

The median income for a household in the CDP was $41,030, and the median income for a family was $47,534. Males had a median income of $40,948 versus $26,148 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $17,295. About 12.3% of families and 17.1% of the population were below the poverty line, including 23.7% of those under age 18 and 5.0% of those age 65 or over.

title: Meadow Lakes, Alaska


text:
Palmer, Alaska

Palmer is a city in and the borough seat of the Matanuska-Susitna Borough, Alaska, United States, located 42 mi northeast of Anchorage on the Glenn Highway in the Matanuska Valley. It is the ninth-largest city in Alaska, and forms part of the Anchorage Metropolitan Statistical Area. As of the 2020 census, the population of the city is 5,888, down from 5,937 in 2010.

Palmer hosts the annual Alaska State Fair, and is also the headquarters of the National Tsunami Warning Center.

History
The city was named after George Palmer, a trader.

In the late 19th century, the U.S. government began to take interest in the Matanuska coal fields located north of Palmer. This interest sparked financiers to consider constructing the Alaska Central Railroad in 1904. The advent of World War I created a need for high-quality coal to fuel U.S. battleships, and by 1917 the US Navy had constructed rail from the port of Seward to the Chickaloon coal deposits. At the end of World War I, the U.S. Navy distributed land in the coal fields to war veterans and additional land was opened to homesteading. Farmers, miners and homesteaders began to populate the area. The Palmer Post Office was opened July 6, 1917, under the name of Warton. With railroad accessibility, new markets for agriculture began to open up for farmers in the Matanuska Valley.

In one year, Palmer transformed from a mere whistle stop rail siding to a planned community with modern utilities and community services. Eleven million dollars from Federal Emergency Relief Administration was spent to create the town of Palmer and relocate 203 families from the hard hit Iron Range region of Michigan, Minnesota and Wisconsin. Families traveled by train and ship to Palmer, arriving in May 1935. Upon their arrival they were housed in a city tent during their first Alaskan summer. Each family drew lots for 40 acre tracts and their farming adventure began in earnest. The failure rate was high, but many of their descendants still live in the area and there are still many operating farms in the Palmer area, including the Vanderwheele and Wolverine farms. In 1971, the National Outdoor Leadership School started operating wilderness education courses in the nearby Talkeetna and Chugach mountain ranges from a local historic farmhouse, the Berry House, which is currently listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

In addition to an agrarian heritage, the colony families brought with them Midwest America's small-town values, institutional structures, and a well-planned city center reminiscent of their old hometowns in Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan. Many of the structures built are now in a nationally recognized historic district. Construction of the statewide road system and the rapid development of Anchorage has fueled growth around Palmer. Many Palmer residents commute 45 minutes to work in Anchorage.

Geography

Palmer is 42 mi northeast of Anchorage on the Glenn Highway. It lies on the north shore of the Matanuska River, not far above tidewater, in a wide valley between the Talkeetna Mountains to the north and the Chugach Mountains to the south and east. Pioneer Peak rises over 6000 ft above the town, just a few miles south. East of Palmer is Lazy Mountain, and standing behind that is Matanuska Peak. Lazy Mountain, Matanuska Peak, and Pioneer Peak are all a part of the Chugach Range. North of Palmer are the Talkeetna Mountains. Hatcher Pass, a local favorite for hiking, skiing and other recreational activities, is located in this mountain range about 22 mi from Palmer.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 3.8 sqmi, all of it land. Palmer and Wasilla are the two major old-town cores of the Matanuska-Susitna Valley. Population of the area has grown dramatically in the past decade; Borough officials estimate the local population at 8,000.

Apart from road access, Palmer can be accessed by the Palmer Municipal Airport and the Palmer Depot of the Alaska Railroad. Neither of these has regularly scheduled service. However, when the Alaska State Fair operates, the Alaska Railroad operates a special train from Anchorage to Palmer (though it did not operate in 2021).

Climate
Palmer has a subarctic climate (Köppen climate classification: Dsc). Despite this classification, the city receives noticeably more precipitation in summer, with August being the wettest month. However, April, one of the six warmer months is sufficiently drier than October and December, hence the letter 's' is used instead of 'f' (as in Dfc).

Palmer has a climate similar to that of Anchorage, although with low temperatures that are on average 1.4 F-change cooler and highs 0.8 F-change warmer. On average, over the course of a year, there are 28–29 days of sub-0 °F lows, 22–23 days of 70 °F+ highs, and 0.8 days of 80 °F+ highs. The town straddles the border between USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 4b and 5a, indicating the coldest temperature of the year is typically around −20 °F. Palmer is flanked by two glaciers, the Matanuska Glacier and the Knik Glacier. Wind blows through the Matanuska and Knik River Valleys into the town frequently. If there is a substantial snowfall, it will often sit for several days before most of it is blown away. These warm winds can raise winter temperatures for a couple days at a time, and are often called Chinook winds by the local people.

Demographics
As of the 2010 United States Census, there were 5,937 people, 1,472 households, and 1,058 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,206.3 PD/sqmi. There were 1,555 housing units at an average density of 413.8 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 80.9% White, 2.1% Black or African American, 8.2% Native American, 1.1% Asian, 0.3% Pacific Islander, 1.2% from other races, and 6.3% from two or more races. 3.5% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race. 14.9% were of German, 10.5% United States or American, 8.9% Irish and 8.7% English ancestry according to Census 2000.

There were 1,472 households, out of which 47.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 50.3% were married couples living together, 16.6% had a female householder with no husband present, and 28.1% were non-families. 23.0% of all households were made up of individuals, and 7.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.81 and the average family size was 3.29.

In the city, the age distribution of the population shows 33.6% under the age of 18, 11.8% from 18 to 24, 28.7% from 25 to 44, 16.8% from 45 to 64, and 9.1% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 29 years. For every 100 females, there were 98.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 93.6 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $45,571, and the median income for a family was $53,164. Males had a median income of $44,716 versus $25,221 for females. The per capita income for the city was $17,203. About 6.0% of families and 12.7% of the population were below the poverty line, including 12.6% of those under age 18 and 4.2% of those age 65 or over.

Alaska State Fair

Palmer is most noted in Alaska as the location of the annual Alaska State Fair, where Palmer's agricultural spirit lives on. The Alaska State Fair holds contests for largest vegetable in several categories, and many national and even world records have been recorded at the fair, with the cabbage, radish, spinach and lettuce categories usually dominating local interest. There are rides and festivities, local artists on display, local venders and food trucks, and popular musical artists at the ConcoPhilips Borealis Theatre. In 2008, Scott Robb of Palmer won 1st place and a $2,000 prize for his 79.1 lb cabbage.

Palmer Museum of History and Art
Palmer hosts a log cabin Visitor Information Center in the heart of downtown that entertains more than 35,000 visitors each year. Each summer, the visitor center employs a full-time gardener to maintain the 2 acre of public gardens that showcase more than 600 locally grown plant varieties. The Palmer Museum of History and Art is located in the Visitor Information Center and offers visitors a chance to view artifacts from Palmer's history, provides maps to historical places to see and stocks guidebooks for more information on local attractions.

The Church of a Thousand Trees
A couple of blocks away from the Visitor Information Center is the United Protestant Church (aka The Church of a Thousand Trees), a Presbyterian church. It was built in 1936–37 and is one of the 17 structures that contribute to the National Register's Matanuska Colony Historic District.

Friday Fling
The Friday Fling is a local downtown event that takes place around the public library and train depot. Many small local businesses and farmers gather to sell goods.

Parks and protected areas
Twelve miles north of Palmer is Hatcher Pass, a scenic mountainous pass. It has been established as a state park and is the home of the Independence Mine. It serves as a local back-country area for skiers, snowboarders, snowmachiners, and hikers as well as a tourist attraction in the summer months.

The area is also home to the Kepler-Bradley Lakes State Recreation Area, which grants access to numerous small lakes, the Finger Lake State Recreation Area, and a number of city parks.

Sports
The Mat-Su Miners, a franchise in the Alaska Baseball League, a high-level summer collegiate baseball league, play their games at Hermon Brothers Field on the State Fairgrounds. Colony High School bands play pep rally music, and different venders get together to bring a large crowd to support. With Division I collegiate players from all over the United States, the Miners have twice captured the coveted National Baseball Congress championship, in 1987 and 1997. Alaska Raceway Park is a nearby dragstrip. The Valley Steelers, a semi-pro football team within the Alaska Football League, play their home games at Palmer High School.

Education
Primary and secondary education in Palmer is a part of the Matanuska-Susitna Borough School District. Within city limits, there are two elementary schools (Swanson Elementary and Sherrod Elementary), one middle school (Palmer Jr. Middle School) and one high school (Palmer High School).

Palmer High is of a modest size, with about 900 students and approximately 60 staff members. In 1999, It became the first school in Alaska to offer the International Baccalaureate program. About ten minutes from Palmer are "cross-town" rivals, Colony Middle School and Colony High School.

Palmer is also home to Alaska Bible College, the state's only accredited school of theology and ministry, and Matanuska-Susitna College, an extended college of the University of Alaska Anchorage.

The Palmer Alaska Job Corps is at 800 E. Lynn Martin Drive, across from the Hageland airfield.

The Ya Ne Dah Ah School (YNDA School), operated by the Athabascan Nation Chickaloon Village, uses Alaska Native methods to teach children. It was established in 1992. It is funded with grant money. In 2012 the school did not receive an annual grant which would allow it to fund Athna language and cultural programs, and it failed to receive Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) funds since the BIA had a 1995 rule preventing it from funding Alaska Native programs.

Notable people

 * Charlie Akers (1939-2016), Olympic biathlete
 * Corey Cogdell (born 1986), two-time Olympic bronze medalist in trap shooting (2008, 2016))
 * Edna DeVries (born 1941), Borough Mayor of Matanuska-Susitna Borough.
 * Anna Marly (1917–2006), Russian-French singer-songwriter; settled in Lazy Mountain where she became a citizen of the US; died in Palmer
 * Ed Walker (1917–2011), last surviving member of Castner's Cutthroats, resided at Alaska Veterans and Pioneers Home in Palmer
 * Talis J. Colberg (Born 1958), former Attorney General of Alaska

Sister cities
On October 28, 1980, Palmer and Saroma agreed to a bilateral sister relation to promote cultural exchange and support a home-stay program for their residents. The relationship began with a friendship formed between Mr. Mutsuhiro Ishiguro, an English teacher at Saroma High School, and Palmer resident Edward Holmes. They met over their ham radios, and over time formed a friendship. Mr. Holmes eventually visited Saroma, which then led to a delegation from Saroma to Palmer, where they signed the sister city accords. Since that time, additional relationships have formed under the auspices of the town connection.
 * Saroma, Hokkaido, Japan
 * Palmer High School with Saroma High School, established 1991
 * Palmer Junior Middle School and Colony Middle School with Saroma Junior High School (佐呂間中学校), established 2003
 * Pioneer Peak Elementary School with Saroma Elementary School (佐呂間小学校), established 1991
 * Palmer Presbyterian Church with Saroma Christian Church

The sister city relationship is managed by the Palmer Saroma Kai (パーマ・サロマ会).

title: Palmer, Alaska


text:
Petersville, Alaska

Petersville is a census-designated place (CDP) in Matanuska-Susitna Borough, Alaska, United States. It is part of the Anchorage Metropolitan Area. The population was 27 at the 2020 census.

Geography
Petersville is located in the northwest part of Matanuska-Susitna Borough at 62.37694°N, -150.74694°W (62.376890, -150.746952). It is bordered to the east by the Trapper Creek CDP. The small community of Petersville sits along Petersville Road on the east side of Peters Creek, 29 mi northwest of Alaska Route 3 (the Parks Highway) at Trapper Creek, and 145 mi north of Anchorage. The CDP is bordered to the north by Denali National Park.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the Petersville CDP has a total area of 462.5 sqmi, of which 461.8 sqmi are land and 0.7 sqmi, or 0.14%, are water. The CDP is bordered to the west by the Kahiltna River, fed by the Kahiltna Glacier on the south side of Denali.

Climate
Petersville is categorized as being within the 3a USDA hardiness zone, meaning temperatures can get as low as -40 to -35 F.

Demographics
Petersville first appeared on the 2000 U.S. Census as a census-designated place (CDP).

As of the census of 2000, there were 27 people, 17 households, and 7 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 0.1 PD/sqmi. There were 189 housing units at an average density of 0.5 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the CDP was 88.89% White, 7.41% Native American and 3.70% Pacific Islander.

There were 17 households, out of which 5.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 29.4% were married couples living together, and 58.8% were non-families. 58.8% of all households were made up of individuals, and 11.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 1.59 and the average family size was 2.00.

In the CDP, the population was spread out, with 3.7% under the age of 18, 18.5% from 25 to 44, 63.0% from 45 to 64, and 14.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 52 years. For every 100 females, there were 200.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 225.0 males.

The median income for a household in the CDP was $43,750, and the median income for a family was $0. Males had a median income of $0 versus $0 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $43,200. There were no families and none of the population living below the poverty line, including no under eighteens and none of those over 64.

title: Petersville, Alaska


text:
Point MacKenzie, Alaska

Point MacKenzie is a census-designated place (CDP) in Matanuska-Susitna Borough, Alaska, United States. It is part of the Anchorage, Alaska Metropolitan Statistical Area. At the 2020 census the population was 1,852, up from 529 in 2010.

Geography
Point MacKenzie is located at 61.375°N, -149.9125°W (61.374982, -149.912390).

According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 150.3 sqmi, of which, 148.0 sqmi of it is land and 2.3 sqmi of it (1.54%) is water.

History
In the book Shem Pete's Alaska, a collection of recollections about the lives of Upper Cook Inlet Dena'ina Athabascans, Point MacKenzie is identified as Dilhi Tunch’del’usht Beydegh, (“Point where we transport hooligan”), a trade site where the Dghelay Teht'ana ("The Mountain People") of the Talkeetna Mountains would trade with the Dena'ina of the Knik Arm.

Seward's Success was once proposed to be constructed here in the 1970s.

Demographics
Point MacKenzie first reported on the 1960 U.S. Census as the unincorporated village of "McKenzie Point." In this census, first-level divisions of the state were coterminous with state election districts, which included this area along with Anchorage. As a result of redistricting in 1961, it was drawn into the Matanuska-Susitna Borough when the borough was created by the state legislature in 1963. It did not report again until 2000, when it returned as Point MacKenzie, and was made a census-designated place (CDP).

As of the census of 2000, there were 111 people, 39 households, and 26 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 0.8 /sqmi. There were 98 housing units at an average density of 0.7 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the CDP was 91.89% White, 0.90% Black or African American, 3.60% Native American, 1.80% Asian, and 1.80% from two or more races.

There were 39 households, out of which 25.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 61.5% were married couples living together, and 30.8% were non-families. 17.9% of all households were made up of individuals, and none had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.85 and the average family size was 3.26.

In the CDP, the population was spread out, with 28.8% under the age of 18, 8.1% from 18 to 24, 29.7% from 25 to 44, 26.1% from 45 to 64, and 7.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females, there were 126.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 154.8 males.

The median income for a household in the CDP was $23,250, and the median income for a family was $69,688. Males had a median income of $46,563 versus $0 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $23,228. There were 17.4% of families and 22.7% of the population living below the poverty line, including no under eighteens and none of those over 64.

title: Point MacKenzie, Alaska


text:
Skwentna, Alaska

Skwentna is a census-designated place (CDP) on Iditarod Trail in Matanuska-Susitna Borough, Alaska, United States. Located 61 miles northwest of Wasilla along the Skwentna River, it is part of the Anchorage, Alaska Metropolitan Statistical Area. At the 2020 census the population was 62, up from 37 in 2010. The town is served by Skwentna Airport.

Geography and climate
Skwentna is located at 61.87944°N, -151.26639°W (61.879482, −151.266455).

According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 449.7 sqmi, of which, 442.8 sqmi of it is land and 6.9 sqmi of it (1.54%) is water.

Climate
As with much of South Central Alaska, Skwentna has a dry-summer subarctic climate (Köppen climate classification: Dsc), with long, cold, snowy winters and short, warm summers, although, as is more typical of the Alaska Interior, August averages cooler than June; the town is also located in USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 3, indicating the coldest temperature of the year is typically in the −40 to −30 °F (−40 to −34 °C). In summer, temperatures reach 70 °F on 39 days and 80 °F on 4.6, with an average of 18 nights remaining above 50 °F. August through October is the wettest period of the year, while snow typically falls from October to April (rarely May or September), accumulating 119 in.

Hayes River is a weather station near Skwentna to the northeast, at an elevation of 1000 feet (304.8 m). Hayes River also has a subarctic climate (Köppen Dfc) but has a lower seasonal temperature variation and receives substantially more snow.

Demographics
Skwentna first appeared on the 1950 U.S. Census as an unincorporated village. It did not appear again until 1990, when it was made a census-designated place (CDP).

As of the census of 2000, there were 111 people, 50 households, and 29 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 0.3 PD/sqmi. There were 360 housing units at an average density of 0.8 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the CDP was 92.79% White, 6.31% Native American, and 0.90% from two or more races.

There were 50 households, out of which 22% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 48% were married couples living together, 6% had a female householder with no husband present, and 42% were non-families. 36% of all households were made up of individuals, and none had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.22 and the average family size was 2.90.

In the CDP, the population was spread out, with 22.5% under the age of 18, 5.4% from 18 to 24, 23.4% from 25 to 44, 44.1% from 45 to 64, and 4.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 45 years. For every 100 females, there were 164.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 168.8 males.

The median income for a household in the CDP was $16,250, and the median income for a family was $52,917. Males had a median income of $13,333 versus $18,750 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $23,994. There were no families and 5.8% of the population living below the poverty line, including no under eighteens and none of those over 64.

title: Skwentna, Alaska


text:
Susitna, Alaska

Susitna is a census-designated place (CDP) in Matanuska-Susitna Borough, Alaska, United States. It is part of the Anchorage Metropolitan Area. As of the 2020 census, the population of the CDP was 11.

Susitna was once home to the legendary Athabaskan elder, historian and ethnologist Shem Pete (c1896-1989), who documented countless locations travelling thousands of miles within the Matanuska-Susitna region. His works were published in Shem Pete's Alaska: The Territory of the Upper Cook Inlet Dena'ina.

Geography
Susitna is located in southwestern Matanuska-Susitna Borough at 61.5575°N, -150.57667°W (61.557631, -150.576743). It is primarily on the west side of the Susitna River, north of where the river flows into Cook Inlet. A portion of the CDP containing the actual settlement of Susitna is on the east side of the river, about 22 mi as the crow flies southwest of Houston and 35 mi west of Wasilla.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the Susitna CDP has a total area of 218.8 sqmi, of which 216.0 sqmi are land and 2.7 sqmi, or 1.25%, are water.

Demographics and history
Susitna first appeared on the 1880 U.S. Census as the unincorporated Tinneh villages of Sushetno (combined total of 90 residents, all Tinneh, although they were listed separately as "Sushetno (1st) and (2nd) Villages" (with a population of 44 and 46, respectively). It was not specified which was the present village of Susitna. In 1890, it returned as "Sushitna" (including 2 other villages on Susitna River). All of the residents were Native. It did not return on the 1900 census. In 1910, it returned as Susitna, with a peak population of 233. It returned in 1920 as "Susitna Station."

In 1930, census enumerators returned it as two separate places: "Susitna" and "Susitna Station." It was divided on race, with Susitna Station (population 52), having 51 White residents and 1 Native and Susitna being the "native village", with 39 residents (all native). Depending upon the boundaries of the recording districts (whose maps have not confirmed which side of the 3rd Judicial District they were located within), each was listed in two different districts: Susitna was located in Talkeetna and Susitna Station in Wasilla. This may be erroneous, but further research is needed on the matter.

In 1940, it returned as "Susitna Station" again, with just 12 residents. It did not report again until 1960, when it returned as Susitna. It would not appear again after that until 2000, when Susitna was made a census-designated place (CDP). It was greatly enlarged from its original location on the east bank of the Susitna River to take in both sides of the river, and now the bulk of its area is on the west bank today.

As of the census of 2000, there were 37 people, 19 households, and 6 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 0.2 PD/sqmi. There were 102 housing units at an average density of 0.6 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the CDP was 89.19% white, and 10.81% from two or more races.

There were 19 households, out of which 15.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 26.3% were married couples living together, 10.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 63.2% were non-families. 47.4% of all households were made up of individuals, and 26.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 1.95 and the average family size was 3.14.

In the CDP, the population was spread out, with 21.6% under the age of 18, 5.4% from 18 to 24, 24.3% from 25 to 44, 27.0% from 45 to 64, and 21.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 44 years. For every 100 females, there were 105.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 107.1 males.

The median income for a household in the CDP was $22,500, and the median income for a family was $51,250. Males had a median income of $51,250 versus $0 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $17,355. There were no families and 16.1% of the population living below the poverty line, none of whom were aged under 18 or over 64.

title: Susitna, Alaska


text:
Sutton-Alpine, Alaska

Sutton (Ahtna: Ts'es Tac'ilaexde; Dena'ina: Ts'es Tuk'ilaght) is a census-designated place (CDP) in the Matanuska-Susitna Borough in the U.S. state of Alaska. At the 2020 census the population was 1,038, down from 1,447 in 2010. The CDP includes the former coal mining community and road construction camp of Sutton, as well as the former mining camps of Eska and Jonesville.

Geography
Sutton-Alpine is located in southeastern Matanuska-Susitna Borough at 61.7125°N, -148.88556°W (61.712473, -148.885625), 52–72 miles (84–116 km) northeast of Anchorage along the Glenn Highway. It sits along Alaska Route 1, the Glenn Highway, between Buffalo Soapstone to the west and Chickaloon to the east. The Matanuska River forms the southern edge of the CDP. Palmer, the borough seat, is 14 mi to the southwest via the Glenn Highway.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the Sutton-Alpine CDP has a total area of 58.1 sqmi, of which 57.6 sqmi are land and 0.5 sqmi, or 0.92%, are water.

Climate
Sutton has a continental subarctic climate (Köppen Dfc) with cold, snowy winters and mild summers.

Demographics
Sutton-Alpine first appeared on the 1940 U.S. Census as the unincorporated village of "Sutton." It did not appear on the 1950 census, but did return in 1960 and 1970. In 1980, Sutton was made a census-designated place (CDP). In 2000, the name was changed to the present Sutton-Alpine. The area of the CDP includes the aforementioned Sutton as well as the former mining villages of Eska (1950 pop: 54, 1960 pop.: 53) and Jonesville (1950 pop: 97).

As of the census of 2000, there were 1,080 people, 278 households, and 179 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 7.1 PD/sqmi. There were 352 housing units at an average density of 2.3 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the CDP was 67.50% White, 4.54% Black or African American, 22.41% Native American, 0.28% Asian, 0.37% Pacific Islander, 0.74% from other races, and 4.17% from two or more races. 1.57% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 278 households, out of which 34.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 52.5% were married couples living together, 6.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 35.3% were non-families. 29.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 6.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.53 and the average family size was 3.09.

In the CDP the population was spread out, with 19.3% under the age of 18, 9.8% from 18 to 24, 40.7% from 25 to 44, 25.0% from 45 to 64, and 5.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37 years. For every 100 females, there were 208.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 261.8 males.

The median income for a household in the CDP was $35,652, and the median income for a family was $36,563. Males had a median income of $31,827 versus $28,750 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $20,436. About 6.9% of families and 11.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including 15.8% of those under age 18 and 5.7% of those age 65 or over.

History
The first people in Sutton were the Ahtna and Dena'ina Athabascans, who called Sutton Ts'es Tac'ilaexde and Ts'es Tuk'ilaght, respectively. In both languages, the name means 'where fish run among rocks'.

title: Sutton-Alpine, Alaska


text:
Talkeetna, Alaska

Talkeetna (Dena'ina: K'dalkitnu) is a census-designated place (CDP) in Matanuska-Susitna Borough, Alaska, United States. At the 2020 census the population was 1,055, up from 876 in 2010.

Geography

Talkeetna is located at the confluence of three rivers, the Susitna, Chulitna, and Talkeetna. Talkeetna began in 1916 when the area was chosen as a district headquarters for the Alaska Railroad. A post office opened as well as a sawmill, trading post, cigar and donkey store and other businesses as well as many cabins. In 1917, the residents encouraged the government to survey the lots on which their homes stood. In 1919, the railroad surveyed and auctioned eighty lots, 41 of which already had permanent structures on them. The average price at the sale was $14.25.

Flightseeing, rafting, mountain biking, homestead tours, hiking, camping, fishing and hunting make up a large portion of the local economy. Talkeetna is a 2½-hour drive from Anchorage, the largest city in Alaska. The core downtown area (Talkeetna Historic District) is on the register of National Historic Places, with buildings dating from the early 1900s including Nagley's General Store, Fairview Inn and the Talkeetna Roadhouse.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 42.9 sqmi, of which, 41.6 sqmi of it is land and 1.4 sqmi of it (3.19%) is water.

Climate
The climate is continental subarctic (Köppen: Dfc), assuming some characteristics like warm-summer but the shorter duration of the hot season and long winters give the town boreal features and in terms of vegetation is composed of taiga (Cook Inlet Basin ), different from the southcentral coastal more diversified. Even though the cold, dry air comes from the north, the moisture acquired comes from the Gulf of Alaska. That is, summers are between a short duration and an average duration. It is lighter than Yellowknife, Canada at similar latitudes due to the moderating effect of the Pacific Ocean and the adiabatic warming of the descending air from the surrounding mountains. The average annual temperature is 0.8 °C, the average precipitation is not as high but relatively well distributed during the year, about 686 mm on average.
 * Notes:

Demographics
Talkeetna first appeared on the 1920 U.S. Census as an unincorporated village. It was made a census-designated place (CDP) in 1980.

The 2020 population was 1,055. As of the census of 2000, there were 772 people, 358 households, and 181 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 18.6 PD/sqmi. There were 528 housing units at an average density of 12.7 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the CDP was 87.95% White, 3.76% Native American, 0.13% Asian, 1.30% from African American, and 6.87% from two or more races. 1.04% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 358 households, out of which 28.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 38.0% were married couples living together, 7.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 49.4% were non-families. Thirty-eight percent of all households were made up of individuals, and 6.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.16 and the average family size was 2.92.

In the CDP, the population was spread out, with 23.3% under the age of 18, 5.8% from 18 to 24, 35.4% from 25 to 44, 29.4% from 45 to 64, and 6.1% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 39 years. For every 100 females, there were 113.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 114.5 males.

The median income for a household in the CDP was $38,289, and the median income for a family was $46,818. Males had a median income of $34,732 versus $26,250 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $23,695. About 7.2% of families and 10.8% of the population were below the poverty line, including 8.8% of those under age 18 and none of those age 65 or over.

Economy
Talkeetna is the base for expeditions to Denali (also known as Mount McKinley). The Denali National Park's Walter Harper Talkeetna Ranger Station is located in Talkeetna. Tourists travel to Talkeetna each summer to fish salmon, raft and go flightseeing. Products by local artists, musicians and craftspeople are available in area stores.

Susitna Dam
The Susitna Dam is a proposed hydroelectricity plan from the State of Alaska. On July 25, 2011, the Governor of Alaska signed a bill to construct the dam on the glacier-fed Susitna River. The dam, if built to its full design height, would become the fifth-tallest of the nearly 850,000 dams on Earth. The Susitna River, America's 15th-largest by volume, flows unimpeded for 300 mi from glacial mountains through one of the planet's last wild landscapes to meet the Pacific near Anchorage.

Soon after the dam's construction was announced, the Coalition for Susitna Dam Alternatives was formed to fight its construction. It is their argument that recreation, nature and the town would be severely threatened by the dam, and have compared it to the Three Gorges Dam in China.

Events
Every March, the Oosik Classic Ski Race is organized by the Denali Nordic Ski Club. Distances are approximate and trail conditions are variable.

The Moose Dropping Festival, a two-day celebration held each July to raise funds for the Talkeetna Historical Society, came to an end with the announcement on August 21, 2009, by the organization that the festival had been canceled. The 2009 event had drawn record crowds, resulting in multiple arrests and injuries, including one death. The event was named after a lottery in which participants bet on numbered, varnished pieces of moose feces, or "moose droppings" dropped from a helicopter onto a target.

In December, the Wilderness Woman and Bachelor Auction & Ball takes place.

Talkeetna's largest celebration of the winter, called Winterfest, takes place during the entire month of December, and features a motorized Parade of Lights, a Christmas tree in the Village Park, a Taste of Talkeetna, and numerous special events hosted by local businesses and special events at Talkeetna Public Library.

Government
Since Talkeetna is only a census-designated place, it is unincorporated. Talkeetna has a Community Council and its mayor was a cat named Stubbs from 1997 until his death in 2017. It is located in Matanuska-Susitna Borough's District 7, which is represented by Assembly Member Vern Halter, who succeeded borough mayor Larry DeVilbiss. A popular rumor states Stubbs was elected following a successful write-in campaign by voters who opposed the human candidates. However, according to NPR, the cat could not have been elected as a write-in candidate because "The tiny town has no real mayor, so there was no election". Stubbs' position is honorary as the town is unincorporated. On August 31, 2013, Stubbs was attacked and mauled by a dog while roaming the streets and after treatment at the local veterinarian returned home on September 9. Stubbs died on July 21, 2017, at the age of 20 years and 3 months. A cat named Aurora has been the unofficial mayor of Talkeetna since 2017, succeeding Stubbs.

Legislative representation
The area-based apportionment scheme, established in the Alaska Constitution, was abolished following the decision of the U.S. Supreme Court in Reynolds v. Sims, affirmed by the Alaska Supreme Court in its decision in Nolan v. Wade. Both houses of the legislature were apportioned based strictly on population from this point forward. Subsequent redistrictings created 40 House districts and 20 Senate districts. This was included with the redistricting amendments to the Alaska Constitution ratified by voters in 1998, which means that future redistricting boards are compelled to follow the same scheme.
 * Representation in the Alaska Senate
 * District E (1959–1967) – two-member, at-large district for the Third Division, which consisted of nearly all of Southcentral Alaska and most of Southwest Alaska
 * Ralph E. Moody, D-Anchorage (1959–1960; resigned to accept appointment as attorney general, seat left unfilled until start of next legislature)
 * Irene E. Ryan, D-Anchorage (1959–1961)
 * Vance Phillips, R-Anchorage (1961–1965)
 * Howard W. Pollock, R-Anchorage (1961–1963, 1965–1967)
 * Nicholas J. Begich, D-Fort Richardson and Spenard (1963–1967)
 * District G (1959–1967) – single-member district which covered an area coterminous with the present-day Municipality of Anchorage and Matanuska-Susitna Borough
 * J. Earl Cooper, D-Anchorage (1959; resigned to accept appointment to judgeship)
 * Seaborn J. Buckalew, Jr., D-Anchorage (1960–1961; appointed to replace Cooper)
 * Brad Phillips, R-Anchorage (1961–1967)
 * District D (1967–1983)
 * Jan M. Koslosky, R-Palmer (1967–1973)
 * Jalmar M. Kerttula, D-Palmer (1973–1983)
 * District I (1983–1985) – represented by Jalmar M. Kerttula throughout its existence
 * District E (1985–1993) – the previous District I, coterminous with both the MSB and the two-member House District 16, was changed due to further redistricting ordered through the decision in Carpenter v. Hammond. The new district was a two-member district, with designated seats A and B, and combined the MSB with portions of Anchorage and the Kenai Peninsula Borough.  This "donut district", which encircled most of Anchorage, was ruled improper in a later court case, No further redistricting was ordered, however, due to the fact that this decision was reached approximately 2 years before the start of the next redistricting cycle.
 * District E, Seat A
 * Jalmar M. Kerttula (1985–1993)
 * District E, Seat B
 * Edna B. DeVries, R-Palmer (1985–1987)
 * Mike Szymanski, D-Anchorage (1987–1991)
 * Curt Menard, D-Wasilla (1991–1993)
 * District N (1993–2003)
 * Jalmar M. Kerttula (1993–1995, lost reelection)
 * Lyda Green, R-Wasilla (1995–2003)
 * District H (2003–2013)
 * Scott Ogan, R-Palmer (2003–2004, resigned)
 * Charlie Huggins, R-Wasilla (2004–2013)
 * District D (2013–2023)
 * Mike J. Dunleavy, R-Wasilla (2013-1/15/2018, resigned)
 * Mike Shower, R-Wasilla (2/22/2018-2023 (appointed by Gov. Walker))
 * District O (2023–present)
 * Mike Shower, R-Wasilla (2023-)

Subsequent redistrictings created 40 House districts and 20 Senate districts. This was included with the redistricting amendments to the Alaska Constitution ratified by voters in 1998, which means that future redistricting boards are compelled to follow the same scheme.
 * Representation in the Alaska House of Representatives
 * District 9 (1959–1963)
 * James J. Hurley, D-Palmer (1959–1961)
 * Jalmar M. Kerttula, D-Palmer (1961–1963)
 * District 7 (1963–1973)
 * Eugene Reid, R-Palmer (1963–1965)
 * Jalmar M. Kerttula (1965–1973)
 * District 6 (1973–1983)
 * Alfred O. Ose, D-Palmer (1973–1979)
 * Patrick J. Carney, D-Wasilla (1979–1983)
 * District 16 (1983–1993) – increasing population in the MSB during the 1970s meant that the borough was apportioned two seats. The scheme in place for this redistricting cycle placed the more densely populated portions of Alaska into two-member districts, with designated seats A and B.
 * District 16, Seat A
 * Barbara Lacher, R-Wasilla (1983–1985)
 * Katie Hurley, D-Wasilla (1985–1987)
 * Curt Menard, R (later switched to D)-Wasilla (1987–1991)
 * Patrick J. Carney (1991–1993)
 * District 16, Seat B – represented by Ronald L. Larson (D-Palmer) throughout its existence
 * District 28 (1993–2003)
 * Curt Menard (1993–1995)
 * Beverly Masek, R-Willow (1995–2003)
 * District 15 (2003–2013)
 * Beverly Masek (2003–2005, lost renomination)
 * Mark Neuman, R-Big Lake (2005–2013)
 * District 7 (2013–present) – represented by Wes Keller (R-Wasilla) since its inception

Education
Talkeetna Elementary School is located near the heart of downtown. Grades K–6 are taught at this location.

A new Susitna Valley Junior-Senior High School opened in January 2010, replacing the one that burned to the ground in June 2007 while repairs were being made to the roof. In the interim, classes were held in portables on the grounds of the Upper Susitna Senior Center. The mascot of Susitna Valley Junior-Senior High School is the Ram.

Media
Talkeetna has a community radio station, 88.9 KTNA, with locally hosted shows and NPR programming. Talkeetna has a local newspaper, the Good Times, which has a distribution of 7,500 year-round and serves the communities of Talkeetna, Trapper Creek, Willow, Houston and Big Lake, with additional distribution along the Parks Highway as far north as Nenana during the summer months. The Good Times is currently published every other week in print. Publishers of the Good Times also publish a local area phone book and an annual visitors’ guide. Another newspaper, The Alaska Pioneer Press, which was under different ownership and was published monthly, ceased publication in January 2011, after its owners moved out of the area. Whole Wheat Radio, an independent webcast, began broadcast in 2002, which was relatively early, and ceased in 2010.

Transportation
Talkeetna is served by Talkeetna Airport, which is home to several air taxi companies that provide flightseeing trips and support for mountain climbers. Many of the air taxi companies were started to ferry climbers from Talkeetna to Denali, as Talkeetna has the easiest access to the south side of the mountain where the main base camp is located. Legendary bush pilots such as Don Sheldon and Cliff Hudson, both based out of Talkeetna, pioneered glacier flying on Denali (formerly Mount McKinley). Their companies, Talkeetna Air Taxi and Hudson Air Service (now operating as Sheldon Air Service), respectively, are still in operation.

The Talkeetna Airstrip is a restricted use airstrip and on the list of National Historic Places also.

Talkeetna is a stop on the Denali Star, Aurora Winter Train, and Hurricane Turn trains of the Alaska Railroad.

Sunshine Transit Coalition started in March 2009. An educational symposium in 2008 pinpointed transportation as one of the biggest barriers to education and health care. The Coalition's goal was to break down those barriers and make transportation easy and accessible to every resident no matter what their income level. Sunshine Transit, Public Transit for the Upper Susitna Valley runs five days a week along the Talkeetna Spur Road. Future goals include expanding service, and number of vehicles, to Trapper Creek and south on the Parks Highway as well as service in the community of Willow.

In popular culture
The town of Talkeetna was mentioned in Travel Channel's Man v. Food. In season 2 episode 16, the host travels to the Roadhouse, a restaurant in Talkeetna, to sample their unique breakfast dishes. Also featured is West Rib Pub & Cafe.

The town of Cicely from the television series Northern Exposure has been said that it could be patterned after Talkeetna by a journalist, but it has not been confirmed by any cast member. Filming actually took place in Roslyn, Washington.

Talkeetna features heavily in Railroad Alaska on Discovery Channel. The show has three seasons and deals with the lives of people who work the railway, and off-the-grid residents who depend on the railroad for supplies and access to medical facilities.

A fictionalized portrayal of the town was featured in the Disney film Snow Dogs.

title: Talkeetna, Alaska


text:
Tanaina, Alaska

Tanaina is a census-designated place (CDP) in the Matanuska-Susitna Borough in the U.S. state of Alaska. Located 4 miles north from Wasilla, it is part of the Anchorage, Alaska Metropolitan Statistical Area. At the 2020 census the population was 8,817, up from 8,197 in 2010. Tanaina is the sixth-most populated CDP in Alaska.

Geography
Tanaina is located at 61.62417°N, -149.43278°W (61.624211, -149.432817).

According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 27.5 sqmi, of which, 27.1 sqmi of it is land and 0.4 sqmi of it (1.53%) is water.

Demographics
Tanaina first appeared on the 2000 U.S. Census as a census-designated place (CDP).

As of the census of 2000, there were 4,993 people, 1,609 households, and 1,266 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 184.3 PD/sqmi. There were 1,700 housing units at an average density of 62.7 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the CDP was 87.9% White, 0.5% Black or African American, 4.7% Native American, 0.6% Asian, <0.1% Pacific Islander, 1.4% from other races, and 4.9% from two or more races. 3.4% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 1,609 households, out of which 49.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 65.9% were married couples living together, 8.6% had a female householder with no husband present, and 21.3% were non-families. 14.9% of all households were made up of individuals, and 1.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.10 and the average family size was 3.46.

In the CDP, the population was spread out, with 35.8% under the age of 18, 7.3% from 18 to 24, 32.9% from 25 to 44, 20.9% from 45 to 64, and 3.1% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 32 years. For every 100 females, there were 107.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 105.2 males.

The median income for a household in the CDP was $64,491, and the median income for a family was $71,629. Males had a median income of $47,917 versus $30,474 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $23,967. About 6.1% of families and 7.5% of the population were below the poverty line, including 8.6% of those under age 18 and none of those age 65 or over.

Tanaina's median household income rose to $76,114 in 2010–2014, according to the 2010–2014 American Community Survey.

title: Tanaina, Alaska


text:
Trapper Creek, Alaska

Trapper Creek is a census-designated place (CDP) in Matanuska-Susitna Borough, Alaska, United States. It is part of the Anchorage Metropolitan Area and is known as the southern gateway to Denali State Park. According to the 2020 census the population of Trapper Creek was 499.

History
The first permanent inhabitants of the area were brothers Oliver Rabidoux and Noah Rabidoux. These men were trappers, giving the area its name of Trapper Creek. In 1917, one of the two roads going through the town, Petersville Road, began construction. The other, the Parks Highway, was finished in 1971.

Geography
Trapper Creek is a community located in Matanuska-Susitna Borough at latitude 62.317 and longitude -150.231, with an elevation of 351 feet. It is at mile 114.5 on the Parks Highway, just south of Denali State Park. Trapper Creek is found at the intersection of Petersville Road and is spread out along the Parks Highway 15 mi north of Talkeetna Junction. The Trapper Creek CDP extends west down the Petersville Road, which leads to mining, prospecting, and recreation country in the foothills of the Alaska Range.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 327.8 sqmi, of which 320.0 sqmi are land and 7.8 sqmi, or 2.37%, are water. The eastern border of the CDP is formed by the Chulitna and Susitna rivers.

Demographics
Trapper Creek first appeared on the 1990 U.S. Census as a census-designated place (CDP).

As of the census of 2000, there were 423 people, 182 households, and 123 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 1.2 PD/sqmi. There were 361 housing units at an average density of 1.0 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the CDP was 87.71% White, 0.24% Black or African American, 8.27% Native American, 0.47% Asian, and 3.31% from two or more races. 1.18% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 182 households, out of which 24.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 52.2% were married couples living together, 8.2% had a female householder with no husband present, and 31.9% were non-families. 28.0% of all households were made up of individuals, and 5.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.32 and the average family size was 2.74.

In the CDP, the population was spread out, with 22.7% under the age of 18, 5.2% from 18 to 24, 23.6% from 25 to 44, 39.0% from 45 to 64, and 9.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 44 years. For every 100 females, there were 121.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 125.5 males.

The median income for a household in the CDP was $27,031, and the median income for a family was $34,250. Males had a median income of $65,446 versus $11,250 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $18,247. About 27.6% of families and 24.7% of the population were below the poverty line, including 16.7% of those under age 18 and 22.6% of those age 65 or over.

title: Trapper Creek, Alaska


text:
Willow, Alaska

Willow is a census-designated place (CDP) in the Matanuska-Susitna Borough in the U.S. state of Alaska. Located 26 miles northwest from Wasilla along the George Parks Highway, it is part of the Anchorage, Alaska Metropolitan Statistical Area. At the 2020 census the population was 2,196, up from 2,102 in 2010.

History
The community got its start in 1897 when miners discovered gold on Willow Creek. Ships and boats brought supplies and equipment up Cook Inlet, landing at Knik or Tyonek. From Knik, a 26-mile summer trail went northwesterly. The trail along Willow Creek heading east became Hatcher Pass Road, currently an adventurous scenic road used during the summer tour season.

In 1920, the Alaska Railroad built its Willow station house at mile 185.7 along the tracks leading from Seward to Fairbanks.

During World War II, a radar warning station and airfield were built near the railroad tracks; a post office was established in 1948. By 1954, Willow Creek was Alaska's largest gold mining district, with a total production approaching 18 million dollars. Around 1970, before construction of the Parks Highway, Willow had a population of 78 until land disposals, homestead subdivisions, and completion of the George Parks Highway in 1972 fueled growth in the area. In 1976, Alaskans elected to move the state capital from Juneau to Willow in an effort to improve access for Alaskans while keeping the capital out of Anchorage, the largest city. Landscape architect M. Paul Friedberg created a master plan for the city as part of one such proposal. This fueled interest and land speculation in the area. However, funding to enable the capital move was defeated in the November 1982 election. As a result, Juneau remains the state capital. More than half of the 1,500 cabins around Willow are for seasonal use. Nearly all of the occupied homes in Willow are fully plumbed, using individual on-site water wells, septic tanks and drain fields.

Willow is now the official host of the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race restart.

In June 2015, a large wildfire burned thousands of acres of wilderness, numerous structures and forced the closure of the George Parks Highway, severing the road link between Anchorage and Fairbanks.

Geography
Willow is located at 61.76944°N, -149.99111°W (61.769345, -149.991065).

According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 692.9 sqmi, of which, 684.8 sqmi of it is land and 8.0 sqmi of it (1.16%) is water. By area, it is the largest CDP in the United States.

Climate
Willow has a subarctic climate with long and cold winters and mild summers. Whites Crossing is a weather station near Willow, situated at an elevation of 270 ft (82 m).

Demographics
Willow first appeared on the 1940 U.S. Census as the unincorporated village of "Willow Station." It next appeared in 1960 and in every successive census as Willow. It was made a census-designated place (CDP) in 1980.

2020 census
At the 2020 census, there were 2,196 people, 717 households, and 431 families in the CDP. The population density was 3.18 PD/sqmi, with 2,228 housing units at an average density of 3.23 /sqmi.

2010 census
At the 2010 census, there were 2,102 people, 893 households, and 572 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 3.0 PD/sqmi, with 1,912 housing units at an average density of 2.8 /sqmi. The racial makeup was 1,908 (90.77%) White, 109 (5.19%) Native American, 17 (0.81%) Asian, 2 (0.1%) Pacific Islander, 6 (0.29%) from other races, and 60 (2.85%) from two or more races. 27 (1.28%) of the population were Hispanic or Latino.

There were 893 households, of which 212 (23.74%) had children under the age of 18 living with them, 487 (54.54%) were married opposite-sex couples living together, 38 (4.26%) had a female householder with no husband present, 62 (6.94%) were unmarried opposite-sex couples, 4 (0.45%) were unmarried same-sex couples, and 321 (35.95%) were non-families. 257 (28.78%) of all households were made up of individuals, and 78 (8.73%) had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.34, and the average family size was 2.86.

The population was spread out, with 439 (20.9%) under the age of 18, 126 (6.0%) aged 18 to 24, 442 (21.03%) aged 25 to 44, 786 (37.39%) aged 45 to 64, and 309 (14.7%) who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 46.4 years. For every 100 females, there were 114.5 males.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 1,658 people, 654 households, and 438 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 2.4 PD/sqmi. There were 1,530 housing units at an average density of 2.2 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the CDP was 92.40% White, 3.08% Native American, 0.24% Asian, 0.42% from other races, and 3.86% from two or more races. 1.27% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 654 households, out of which 32.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 56.6% were married couples living together, 5.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 33.0% were non-families. 25.8% of all households were made up of individuals, and 4.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.54 and the average family size was 3.08.

In the CDP, the population was spread out, with 27.9% under the age of 18, 5.4% from 18 to 24, 27.9% from 25 to 44, 29.2% from 45 to 64, and 9.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40 years. For every 100 females, there were 114.2 males. Of residents age 18 and over, there were 119.3 males for every 100 females.

The median income for a household in the CDP was $38,906, and the median income for a family was $41,944. Males had a median income of $42,188 versus $29,792 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $22,323. About 15.3% of families and 22.1% of the population were below the poverty line, including 38.1% of those under age 18 and 4.6% of those age 65 or over.

State Parks
A few miles north of Willow is the Alaska State Parks Willow Creek State Recreation Area, a 3,583 acre park which features a large campground and access to one of the busiest salmon fishing areas in the state. Other area parks include Nancy Lake State Recreation Area and the Montana Creek State Recreation Site, an 82 acre park with a campground. One end of the road to Hatcher Pass is in Willow. Willow lake has great Char fishing and a library on its shoreline.

People
Due to its outlying location and access to trails, Willow has become a popular destination for a number of notable dog mushers. Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race competitors DeeDee Jonrowe, Beverly Masek and Iditarod winner Dallas Seavey have established their residence and dog kennels in Willow. Masek also represented Willow and the surrounding area in the Alaska House of Representatives from 1995 to 2005. John Gourley, lead singer and guitarist of Grammy Award-winning American rock band "Portugal. The Man" was born in Willow, Alaska.

title: Willow, Alaska


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Susitna North, Alaska

Susitna North is a census-designated place (CDP) in the Matanuska-Susitna Borough in the U.S. state of Alaska. It is part of the Anchorage, Alaska Metropolitan Statistical Area. The population was 1,564 at the 2020 census, up from 1,260 in 2010. The CDP was formerly named Y, for the intersection of the George Parks Highway and the Talkeetna Spur Road. In the immediate vicinity of this intersection is a community center, containing a health clinic, law enforcement (Alaska State Troopers), Susitna Valley High School, and retail services for highway travelers such as gasoline and food.

History
Ahtna-speaking Athabascans lived in the Talkeetna Mountains and had a village opposite the mouth of Sunshine Creek called "Tsuk Qayeh", meaning "Old Village." Dena'ina-speaking Athabascans lived along the Deshka River and the middle Susitna River in the winter, below present-day Talkeetna. A Dena'ina village was located on the North Fork of the Kashwitna River, with a trail to Chickaloon, Alaska. Montana Creek became a small Dena'ina village in about 1915 during construction of the Alaska Railroad. Through 1927, the railroad brought employment and settlement to the area. Montana, at Mile 209.3, was one of the first construction camps. In 1918, a spur was constructed to a coal mine in the area. Sunshine Depot at Mile 215.3 was established in 1918, but was moved to higher ground in 1936. Construction of the Parks Highway and state land disposals led to settlement of the area.

Geography
Y is located at 62.03667°N, -149.98722°W (62.154270, -149.79892) (Sec. 22, T024N, R003W, Seward Meridian) in the Palmer Recording District.

Y is the developed area between Willow and Talkeetna along the George Parks Highway. The Parks Highway and Talkeetna Spur Road form what is locally known as the "Talkeetna Y" at mile 98.7 (km 158.8) of the Parks Highway. Y includes Montana Creek and Sunshine. January temperatures range from -40 to 51 F; July can range from 26 to 90 F. Precipitation ranges from 14 to 29 in, with 48 – of snowfall.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 336.5 sqmi, of which, 333.4 sqmi of it is land and 3.1 sqmi of it (0.92%) is water.

Demographics
Susitna North first appeared on the 1960 U.S. Census as the unincorporated village of "Montana." Montana was made a census-designated place (CDP) in 1980. It was dissolved in 1990. In 2000, the new CDP of "Y" was created. As of 2010, the name was changed to the present Susitna North.

As of the census of 2000, there were 956 people, 412 households, and 252 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 2.9 PD/sqmi. There were 818 housing units at an average density of 2.5 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the CDP was 85.88% White, 0.63% Black or African American, 6.59% Native American, 0.63% Asian, 0.84% from other races, and 5.44% from two or more races. 2.30% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 412 households, out of which 29.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 46.6% were married couples living together, 9.2% had a female householder with no husband present, and 38.6% were non-families. 32.3% of all households were made up of individuals, and 6.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.32 and the average family size was 2.90.

In the CDP, the population was spread out, with 24.8% under the age of 18, 5.3% from 18 to 24, 29.4% from 25 to 44, 32.0% from 45 to 64, and 8.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 41 years. For every 100 females, there were 117.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 118.5 males.

The median income for a household in the CDP was $31,848, and the median income for a family was $38,304. Males had a median income of $54,500 versus $35,625 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $15,437. About 9.5% of families and 17.4% of the population were below the poverty line, including 12.4% of those under age 18 and 13.2% of those age 65 or over.

Economy and transportation
The area of the Talkeetna Spur Rd. and George Parks intersection has the highest density of businesses (grocery store, gas station, hardware store, banking). Some residents are self-employed in a variety of small businesses, including lodging, guiding and charter services. Some residents are employed in the Palmer/Wasilla area. The community is accessible from the George Parks Highway. The Talkeetna airstrip is located nearby. A variety of transportation means are available in Wasilla, Palmer and Anchorage.

Facilities, utilities, schools, and health care
The majority of occupied homes have individual wells, septic tanks, and complete plumbing or haul water and have outhouses. Seasonal-use homes haul water and use outhouses. Talkeetna Refuse operates a refuse transfer station at Y, at mile .5 of the Talkeetna Spur Rd. Electricity is provided by Matanuska Electric Association. There is a Jr/Sr. High School located in the community, attended by about 200 students. Local hospitals or health clinics include Sunshine Community Health Center at mile 4 of the Talkeetna Spur Rd. or Dr. James Yates in Talkeetna or Mat-Su Regional Medical Center Located between Wasilla and Palmer at the Junction of the Parks Hwy. and Glenn Hwy. Auxiliary health care is provided by Talkeetna Ambulance Service; Trapper Creek Ambulance Service; Sunshine Community Health Center; Mat-Su Regional Medical Center or Anchorage hospitals.

title: Susitna North, Alaska


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Brevig Mission, Alaska

Brevig Mission (Inupiaq: Sitaisaq, Sitaisat, or Sinauraq) is a city in Nome Census Area, Alaska. The population was 388 at the 2010 census, up from 276 in 2000. It is named for the Norwegian Lutheran pastor Tollef L. Brevig, who served at the mission that would later bear his name. First settled in 1900, the mission became known as Teller Mission before receiving its current name. The mostly Inupiat Eskimo population continues to practice subsistence. Brevig Mission is a dry village, which means the sale or possession of alcohol is illegal.

Geography
Brevig Mission is located at 65.33417°N, -166.49306°W (65.334235, -166.492952).

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 2.6 sqmi, of which, 2.6 sqmi of it is land and 0.1 sqmi of it (1.89%) is water.

Demographics

Brevig Mission first appeared on the 1950 U.S. Census and in 1960 as the unincorporated village of "Teller Mission." In 1969, it was formally incorporated under its present name of Brevig Mission.

As of the census of 2000, there were 276 people, 68 households, and 53 families residing in the city. The population density was 106.3 PD/sqmi. There were 76 housing units at an average density of 29.3 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 8.0% White, 90.6% Native American, and 1.5% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.7% of the population.

Of the 68 households, 52.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 30.9% were married couples living together, 25.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 20.6% were non-families. 14.7% of all households were made up of individuals, and none had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 4.06 and the average family size was 4.35.

In the city, the age distribution of the population shows 45.3% under the age of 18, 12.3% from 18 to 24, 28.6% from 25 to 44, 10.1% from 45 to 64, and 3.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 20 years. For every 100 females, there were 101.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 118.8 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $21,875, and the median income for a family was $16,786. Males had a median income of $11,250 versus $25,000 for females. The per capita income for the city was $7,278. About 43.3% of families and 48.4% of the population were below the poverty line, including 50.8% of those under age 18 and none of those age 65 or over.

Education
Brevig Mission is served by the Bering Strait School District. Brevig Mission School serves grades Pre-K through 12.

1918 Spanish Flu
The pandemic caused by the 1918 influenza outbreak was by far the most devastating single disease outbreak in modern history, killing at least 50 million people during an 18-month period. In Brevig Mission alone, it killed 72 out of 80 residents in a 5-day period. The 72 victims were buried in the frozen ground in a mass grave dug for them by gold miners and marked by white crosses. As happened elsewhere in the Americas after the arrival of Columbus, Indigenous Alaska Natives had no genetic resistance to any flu, so it decimated many villages.

In 1997, a team of scientists led by Johan Hultin exhumed the frozen remains of an Iñupiat woman who had been buried in the permafrost in a gravesite near Brevig Mission in a successful attempt to recover RNA from her lung tissue. It enabled them to analyze the structure of the 1918 influenza virus (Spanish flu), which may have originated in Fort Riley, Kansas, that killed her.

Health
Sale, importation and possession of alcohol are banned in the village.

title: Brevig Mission, Alaska