©Tom Bol/Mat-Su CVB
Dog cart rides at the world famous Iditarod race Headquarters
WASILLA
HEADQUARTERS OF THE IDITAROD
W
asilla is situated between the Matanuska and Susitna valleys of south-central Alaska. The surrounding lakes and mountains not only provide stunning scenery, but endless opportunities for outdoor recreation. In 1917 the Alaska Railroad was extended to Interior Alaska. The Wasilla townsite was established where the railroad crossed the Carle Wagon Road, the main supply road for the nearby mining district. The town was named after respected local Dena’ina Athabascan Indian Chief Wasilla. There have been as many as 50 active mines over the years, however, the majority of the activity took place between 1909 - 1950.
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Matanuska - Susitna
The building of the George Parks Highway to Fairbanks in the early 1970s passed through Wasilla and spurred the town’s expansion. After formally incorporating in 1973, Wasilla has continued to grow. Over the past several years, it has been one of America’s fastest growing cities and is the fifth largest city in the state with a population of around 10,500. Wasilla is also the headquarters for the Iditarod Sled Dog Race that is a commemoration of Alaska’s colorful past. The Iditarod Trail, which is now a national historical trail, had its beginnings as a mail and supply route from the coastal towns of Seward and Knik to the west coast villages of Nome and Teller.
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