Williams Reindeer Farm Palmer, AK- Tour Review

If you are looking for a super kid friendly activity in the Anchorage area or as part of a road trip from Anchorage to Valdez, Alaska, the self-guided tour at the Williams Reindeer Farm in Palmer, Alaska is a must-do! We spent a few hours with these adorable animals during our Alaska vacation and it was the sleeper hit of the entire trip! Check out this review of our experience and what to expect.

Related: Guide to Matanuska Glacier Tours and Activities

Reindeer Farm Overview

The Williams Reindeer Farm is located in Palmer, Alaska, about 43 miles or an hour from downtown Anchorage. This is a quintessential family run farm that has been the home of a reindeer herd since 1987!

For the summer self-guided tour you don’t need to make an online reservation. But we did book online and it was super easy. Once you park, just purchase or activate your tickets and take a photo of the farm map. This map gives a good overview of the types of animals you can see.

Related: How to Spend 3 Days in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park

Visiting the reindeer

Clearly the reindeer are the stars of the farm! The reindeer herd numbers around 300 reindeer. You can’t get inside the reindeer pen during the self-guided tours, but you can absolutely feed and pet the reindeer. Also, I love the fact that the feed for the reindeer and the rest of the animals is included in the cost of admission!

The reindeer are quite friendly and have quite the appetite. Many of the reindeer come right up to the fence and you can feed them by hand, as well as pet them. There are farm workers in the reindeer area as well and they are more than happy to take family photos with the reindeer.

I mean, just look at how ginormous and beautiful those reindeer antlers are!

Related: The Ultimate Guide to 3 Days in Valdez, Alaska

Other animals on the Farm

The trip to the Williams Reindeer Farm would be worth it for the reindeer alone. But the farm has so many other animals you can interact with as well!

We loved feeding and interacting with this huge moose! I mean, where else can you get this close to a moose and feed him?!

And honestly, check out the moose antlers. This dude is a total dead wringer for Bullwinkle!

There are alpacas, bison, elk, and more! The non-reindeer animal residents change season to season because the Williams Reindeer Farm works with the State of Alaska for animal care and preservation efforts. But you can typically count on seeing Lilly the Moose, elk, alpacas, yaks, and more!

Related: Check out the Lu-Lu Belle Glacier and Wildlife Tour!

This yak was totally posing for the photo. Do you think we got his good side?

Note: We went on a fairly cloudy and overcast day. So, the mountains were somewhat obscured. But if you go on a clear day, the view of the animals against the backdrop of the Chugach Mountains is incredible! Check out the Reindeer Farm Instagram page for some jaw dropping gorgeous photos.

Related: Wrangell Mountain Air Flight Seeing Tour Review

The Highland Cows might have been my husband’s favorite part of the entire farm. He called them, ‘Trump Cows.’ Can you see the resemblance? (btw– totally joking, not meaning disrespect. lol. But… the hair!)

And just like with the reindeer you can feed all of these animals. There are feed stations near each animal enclosure. We visited in July and honestly, there were hardly any other visitors. Perhaps the Reindeer Farm will get crowded, but it’s spread out enough that you definitely feel like you are practically alone with the animals sometimes.

Related: What to Expect On the Kennecott Mill Mine Tour

Kids Activities on the Reindeer Farm

The Williams Reindeer Farm absolutely caters to families and families with younger kids. You can pay extra for your kids to go on a short pony ride.

Visit the Bunny Barn to pet the bunnies! Inside the bunny barn you can also check out the bee hive and honeycomb.

In 2024 the Reindeer Farm also opened up a reptile house. It has all kinds of reptiles including a bearded dragon, snakes, and turtles.

There are a number of other kid’s activities inside the Bunny Barn.

Race each other to see who can milk the cow the fastest.

And you can get some really cute photos with the reindeer and moose antlers. Actually, there are likely antlers in various places near the animals too.

There is an outdoor kids area as well with giant sandboxes, a jumping pad, giant bubbles, hay play, a maze, and tractor wagon rides. Out of all these activities the only one that cost an additional cost are the pony rides.

Related: Stay Inside Wrangell-St. Elias National Park at the Kennicott Glacier Lodge

Reindeer Farm Dining Options

Definitely bring your appetite when you visit the Reindeer Farm because there are a few great lunch and snack options. Dasher Dawg serves Reindeer Dogs (a must-try for any Alaska vacation), cheeseburgers, and pulled pork sandwiches.

Inside the barn there is a cafe with baked goods and drinks. When there are indoor classes and events they will typically be held here.

My favorite foodie recommendation though is to order the Fireweed Milkshake! Apparently fireweed is the reindeer’s favorite treat. For them it’s like eating cotton candy. I am not sure I want to chow down on a fireweed plant. But put it in milkshake form? Sign me up! This milkshake was really delicious!

Reindeer Farm tours Year Round

We visited the Williams Reindeer Farm in the summer. But they do offer year round festivities. In October the farm holds a fall festival experience complete with pumpkin picking and a nighttime semi-spooky Glow Lights event.

During December they offer a Grinch Night and a Santa experience, as well as Reindeer sled rides. For Winter in general there are guided tours of the farm during the Winter Farm Experience. The Reindeer Farm also has various special events including paint nights, story times, and more.

FAQ/Know Before You Go

Pin For Later!