Accommodations

Several motels are strung along the Parks Highway. On the south end of Wasilla [1] is Trout’s Place Hotel (907/376-4209, www.windbreakalaska.com [2], $70 d) with 10 budget guest rooms.

Alaskan View Motel (2650 E. Parks Hwy., 907/376-6787, www.alaskanviewmotel.com [3], $105–125 d) is a modern two-story log building across from Nye Ford. It’s convenient for shopping and dining, and windows frame the Chugach Range.

Alaska’s Select Inn (3451 Palmdale Dr., 907/357-4768 or 888/357-4768, www.alaskaselectinn.com [4]) is a newly built place with spacious guest rooms ($116 d) and suites ($137 d), all with full kitchens and Wi-Fi.

Best Western Lake Lucille Inn (1300 W. Lake Lucille Dr., 907/373-1776 or 800/897-1776, www.bestwestern.com/lakelucilleinn [5], $169–199 d) has 54 roomy guest rooms ($169–199 d) and suites ($279–299 d), many with private balconies overlooking the lake. Guests will also appreciate the fitness center, sauna, hot tub, business center, Wi-Fi, and continental breakfasts.

Agate Inn (907/373-2290 or 800/770-2290, www.agateinn.com [6]), three miles from Wasilla on the Palmer-Wasilla Highway, has a variety of lodging options scattered over four buildings: motel-type rooms with king beds ($135–155 d), apartment suites with kitchens ($195–275), and two guest houses ($225–375 for up to 6 people). A continental breakfast is provided. The six pet reindeer on the grounds are a favorite of guests.

Mat-Su Lodge (1850 Bogard Rd., 907/376-3228, www.matsulodge.com [7]) charges $104 d for standard guest rooms or cabins. The resort sits on the quiet north side of Lake Wasilla and has paddleboats for rent.

Lake Lucille B&B (907/357-0353 or 888/353-0352, www.alaskaslakelucillebnb.com [8]) is a gracious home right on the shore of Lake Lucille, just a short distance from Wasilla. The four guest rooms (with shared baths) are a reasonable $79–89 d; a family suite is $99. A light breakfast starts each day.

For something more uniquely Alaskan, stay at Pioneer Ridge B&B (1830 E. Parks Hwy., 907/376-7472 or 800/478-7472, www.pioneerridge.com [9], $99–159 d). This distinctive former barn sits on a hill in the country south of Wasilla [1]. Six guest rooms with shared or private baths are available. A buffet breakfast is served in the common room, where you can also play a game of pool, watch a video, listen to the player piano, surf the Web, or simply relax. On top of the house is a unique glass-enclosed room with a fireplace and 360-degree views.

Visit the Mat-Su Bed & Breakfast Association’s website (www.alaskabnbhosts.com [10]) for links to local B&Bs, including a daily vacancy listing in the summer.