Communities – On The Glenn Highway Scenic Byway

Welcome to Sutton – Alaska

The Alpine Historical Park & Sutton Visitors Center

Alaska is all about individuality, and nowhere is it showcased better than the community of Sutton. A unique spot situated at Mile 60 of the Glenn, Sutton was originally founded in 1918 as a station on the Matanuska Branch of the Alaska Railroad and became a mining town. Today, Sutton is a picturesque stopping point along the Glenn and has a population of about 900 people.

Sponsors

Alpine Historical Society

Coal Mining at Alpine Historical Park

A little piece of Alaska’s past, located at Mile 60. The Sutton Coal Washing Plant was originally built by the Navy and operated briefly in 1922. Learn about the early days of coal mining in the Matanuska Valley and check out the old buildings and equipment there. Admission is free, and there is also a nice park area with picnic tables and a playground.

For more information on the Park visit

The Sutton Visitors Center

The Sutton Visitors Center is located in The Alpine Historical Park.  This new addition to our community will provide information on businesses and attractions along The Glenn Highway Scenic Byway.  Included will be information on The Matanuska Glacier, River Rafting, Lodging, Restaurants, Camping, RV Parks, Hiking, Geo Caching maps, History and Cultural Activities and Events.

For more information on Activities and Reservations email

ALPINE HISTORICAL SOCIETY

The Alpine Historical Society (AHS) is a non-profit organization established to encourage the preservation and utilization of the Sutton and Chickaloon historic resources as a cultural, economic and educational asset for the community.

As a nonprofit, the Alpine Historical Park relies on membership, in-kind donations, charitable contributions and volunteers to sustain the expenses of keeping our beautiful historical park open to the community and visitors from afar to enjoy.

The Alpine Historical Society oversees the operation of the Alpine Historical Park in Sutton, AK which is host to the “Old Timer’s Hall of Fame”.  Additionally the AHS hosts the annual Coal Miner’s Ball, the Old Timer’s community picnic, the Valley Trash Show and Shine Car Show, as well as participating in community events.

This year promises to be one of our best years.  Through the cooperation and grants from the State of Alaska,  Sutton will be getting a New Public Library.

As Board Members of the Alpine Historical Society we thank you for your support of the new Sutton Library Project.  The Alpine Historical Park located adjacent to the new library site will be sharing our facility’s infrastructure.  The Historic O’Neil House, situated on The Alpine Historical Park property has been identified as the selected site, by the Glenn Highway Byways Committee as the Glenn Highway Visitors Center.

We currently have grant money in place to continue with restoration of the O’Neill House this summer and another grant with MAT-SU HEALTHY IMPACT GRANT PROGRAM, Titled  – “A Trail to Better Health Begins in Sutton” to install lights, expand our trail system and install exercise equipment near the existing playground equipment per a recent request from the community.   We are working with the Sutton Community Council and the new Sutton library site to coordinate a safe place for our community to play and exercise for young and old. We are within walking distance of the Sutton Manor Senior Center, and Sutton Elementary.

The Sutton Public Library/Community Center is currently on the Mat-Su Borough’s Capital Improvement List which has been submitted to the Alaska State Legislature.  We are hopeful that the bill was passed, SB119 sponsored by Senator Bert Stedman and will receive funding this year.  Additionally, the Borough has included the Sutton Library on their priority list of Federal Economic Stimulus Projects, submitted to our US Congressional delegation.

Our vision is to unite with all communities along the Glenn Highway in a co-op combining all of our efforts, so we  all will prosper.  The purpose is to include a visible and accessible environment to our community and tourism as a focal point year round.

HISTORY

Visitors to The Alpine Historical Park will find many historical buildings with informative displays of Coal Mining, Glenn Highway Construction and Athabascan Culture.  The Park is home to the Coal Miners Hall of Fame and pictures of inductees are displayed.  Perennial flowerbeds, picnic tables and playground equipment welcome visitors to the park.

In the coal boom era of the Matanuska Valley, Alaska Central Railroad laid tracks from Seward through Sutton. The coal from the Sutton area was used to power the steam engines. The Wishbone Coal Mining Company built the “Washery” to clean the coal mined in Eska and Chickaloon mines until 1922.  The foundation of the coal washery and several pieces of historic mining equipment rest in the park.

Road builders, including many locals who still live in the area, built the Glenn Highway portion of the Alaskan-Canadian Highway in a period of months.  The park features an indoor exhibit of photographs and history of the building of this highway.

The Athabascan people of Chickaloon have maintained their traditional culture and are working with the Historical Society to interpret their history.

The Park is located in the heart of the Matanuska Valley on the Glenn Highway at Mile 61.6 in Sutton, Alaska.  The Park sits on 6.6 acres bordering the powerful Matanuska River.  It is just 14 miles from Palmer and a beautiful one-hour drive from Anchorage.

Full Moon Over Sutton

Alpine Historical Park
Alpine Historical Society
P.O. Box 266
Sutton, AK 99674
907 745 – 7000
For more information on Alpine Historical Park visit

For more information about  Sutton Visitors Center email