See Living Prehistoric Creatures at the Musk Ox Farm – Palmer, Alaska

Planning a visit to Alaska and want to book a truly unique animal experience? Don’t miss the chance to visit the Musk Ox Farm in Palmer, Alaska. This is one of only two farms in the entire United States where you can see live musk ox, prehistoric mammals that have outlived wooly mammoths, and saber-tooth tigers.

During my Fall 2021 Alaska Trip, I wanted to see as much Alaskan wildlife as possible. I rode Anchorage’s Coastal Trail to see moose and bald eagles. Then I took a Resurrection Bay Cruise with Major Marine to see Orcas, sea otters, puffins, and other sea life. Last on my list was to see musk oxen and that meant a trip to Palmer, AK just north of Anchorage.

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Unique Alaskan animal experience

Visiting animal farms is an excellent opportunity to get up close to magnificent creatures. But how often do you get the opportunity to visit animals that date to the last ice age and whose ancestors walked alongside the Wooly Mammoth?

Visitors to Palmer can visit the Musk Ox Farm, a not-for-profit farm, and learn more about Alaska native muskoxen and Alaskan culture. I opted to visit the farm as part of a guided tour with Salmon Berry Tours based in Anchorage. When you visit, you can opt for a group tour like I did or visit the farm on your own.

What is a musk ox?

Muskoxen (Ovibos moschatus) are large hairy mammals that live in the arctic tundra. I think they look like a combination of a water buffalo, camel, and mini cow. Yet, they are actually related to takin, goats, and sheep.

These herbivores have horns and short stubby legs covered by their long overcoat. Their undercoat, known as quiviut, is thick, soft wool to keep them warm in frigid arctic temperatures. Adult males can reach 5 feet at the shoulder and females 4 feet, weighing between 400 to 800 pounds.

Today, muskoxen are found in Alaska, Canada, Greenland, Sweden, Norway, and Siberian Russia. They have a mild temperament so they will not attack humans unless they feel threatened. When touring the farm, I was able to see how laid back these animals were as they grazed and lounged around in their large fenced paddocks.

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What to Expect Visiting the Musk Ox Farm in Palmer

When visiting the Musk Ox Farm in Palmer, Alaska, you can expect to see these prehistoric creatures up close. You’ll check in for your tour inside the gift shop that has a variety of muskox-inspired items like plush toys, mittens, and t-shirts.

Admission (as of Winter 21/22) – $11 Adult, $9 Senior, $5 Child. Reservations are recommended for the Farm Tours and can be made on the Palmer farm’s website.

After purchasing your ticket to the farm, you’ll:

1. Meet your tour guide that will conduct the 45-60 minute educational tour
2. You’ll gather indoors first to learn more about these animals, their history, and the farm.
3. Inside the building, there are two taxidermied animals that you can touch. These are the only animals you can pet/touch on the tour.
4. Head outside for a walking tour of the property.
5. You’ll walk along dirt paths between the paddocks where more than 80 animals are kept.
6. Learn about their breeding and feeding program.
7. Take some great photos (mine are included in this article).
8. Learn about quiviut and get the opportunity to shop from products made from quiviut and other muskox-related items.
9. Learn about annual events like the Running of the Bulls, a human foot race held in August.

Quivit – Musk Ox Wool

The musk ox’s undercoat, known as quivit, is one of the most expensive fibers in the world. One ounce of yarn sells for approximately $125 USD.

I found how they harvest the wool really interesting. Quivit is harvested once a year by combing out the undercoat rather than shaving like you would a sheep. The animals have to allow their caretakers to comb them to gather the fiber that is made into yarn for knit clothing. This means it is more ethical to harvest muskoxen fiber than sheep or cashmere.

Given that information, I see why it is so expensive. This wooly fiber is super soft and eight times warmer than wool by weight. Check out these quiviut clothing items available on Etsy.

What You Should Know Before Taking this Farm Tour

1. Wear layers – Layers are essential as you’ll be outside.
2. Wear shoes that can get damp – Paths between the enclosures as dirt and the grass along it can be damp. I wore my XtraTuf rain boots, which are made in Alaska, and they did great.
3. Bring your camera – These animals are docile and you will have a great opportunity for some great photos.
4. Be prepared to be patient – As with most animals, you’ll need time to get the best shots. Watch your guide closely and follow their directions.
5. Who is this tour for? This farm tour is for anyone interested in learning about musk oxen or who has a love of animals. This is a unique experience, so bring people you love to share it with.

Read next: 23 Clothing Essentials for Winter Travel – What to Pack for a Cold Weather Trip

Where is the Musk Ox Farm – Palmer, Alaska?

The Musk Ox Farm is 45 miles north of Anchorage in Palmer, Alaska.

Salmon Berry Tours

I visited the farm as part of an organized group tour with Salmon Berry Tours (based in Anchorage.) The tour included this guided farm tour, a guided tour of the Gold Mine, and dinner at Turkey Red, a farm-to-table restaurant in Palmer. Round trip transportation was provided from Anchorage with a convenient pick up in front of their downtown Anchorage offer in front of the Log Cabin Visitors Center.

I found having two guides, one on the farm and one exclusively with our tour to be most helpful. It gave us the chance to ask more questions and I know I learned a lot. Plus, it was nice to not have to drive and park after getting off the plane.

If you are planning a trip to Alaska and want to learn more about the area, I recommend Salmon Berry Tours. You can learn more about Salmon Berry Tours on their website.

I’m glad I had the opportunity to learn more about musk oxen and their farm. I hope you do too! Check out the farm’s website for current hours and special events.