Wasilla

Wasilla is in the Matanuska-Susitna Borough along the Parks Hwy in the Mat-Su Valley, 43 miles north of Anchorage.

Wasilla was named after the respected local Dena'ina Indian, Chief Wasilla. Wasilla was a supply base for gold and coal mining in the region through WWII.

Today Wasilla, population 5,100, is one of the fastest-growing cities in the country and the largest community between Anchorage and Fairbanks. Important to its economy are agriculture, building materials distribution, building truss manufacturing, concrete products millwork, steel fabrication and tourism.

The town is headquarters of the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race between Anchorage and Nome, held annually in March. Lakes Lucille and Wasilla, located within city limits, are used year-round. Nearby Knik is a point of interest for history buffs.

The Wasilla Visitors Center is in the same building as the Dorothy Page Museum & Visitor Center.