Mat-Su · Palmer
Reindeer Farm
Hand-feed a reindeer in the shadow of Bodenburg Butte
Where
Palmer · Bodenburg Loop
From the fairgrounds
~15 min
Do
Hand-feed reindeer
Open
Seasonal
On Bodenburg Loop just outside Palmer, the Reindeer Farm lets visitors walk among and hand-feed a herd of reindeer — the domesticated form of the caribou — beneath Bodenburg Butte and the Chugach front. Alongside the reindeer the farm keeps other animals to meet, making it one of the most family-friendly stops in the Mat-Su Valley and an easy pairing with the State Fair.
Meet the herd
The farm's signature experience is getting into the field to hand-feed and photograph the reindeer up close. Reindeer are the domesticated form of the same species as wild caribou — smaller and accustomed to people. The farm also keeps other animals for visitors to meet.
Under Bodenburg Butte
The farm sits at the base of Bodenburg Butte, a short, popular hike with valley-wide views. Combine a farm visit with the butte climb for a half-day in the Mat-Su backcountry, with the Knik River and the Chugach as backdrop.
A fair-week favorite
Minutes from Palmer and the State Fairgrounds, the Reindeer Farm is a reliable kid-pleaser. Pair it with the Musk Ox Farm down the road for a two-stop animal day, then head to the fair.
Pro tip
Bring a camera and dress for the field. Pair the Reindeer Farm with the Musk Ox Farm and a Bodenburg Butte hike for a full Palmer day around the State Fair.
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