Reindeer Farm

About Reindeer Farm

Reindeer Farm is a family-operated farm at 5561 S. Bodenburg Loop near Palmer, Alaska, in the Matanuska Valley. According to the farm's website, its mission is to preserve the spirit of Alaskan wildlife while creating lasting memories for visitors, and the farm emphasizes interactive, hands-on experiences. The farm uses the phrase Conservation through Connection on its site, and its animals page refers to it as Williams Reindeer Farm.

The farm's animals page describes the herd as the largest captive reindeer herd in North America, with more than 120 reindeer. The same page says the farm is home to more than 200 animals and houses more than 30 species of reptiles and amphibians, most of which it says were rescued or adopted from people who could no longer care for them. The farm is not accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.

Alaska.org describes the property as seven miles south of Palmer at 11.5 Mile on the Old Glenn Highway, and as a 200-acre farm. Alaska's News Source reported in December 2024 that the farm sits at the base of Pioneer Peak.

History

According to the farm's website, Reindeer Farm was established in 1987, when founder Tom Williams purchased the first herd of 20 reindeer from northern Canada. The website says Williams grew up on the property in the 1950s, when it operated as a dairy farm. According to the farm, Tom and Gene Williams grew the herd to as many as 300 reindeer.

The farm says that Tom and Gene have since died and that their oldest daughter, Denise Williams Hardy, and her family have run the farm since 2011, expanding it and welcoming visitors from around the world.

Alaska.org describes the farm as a three-generation family operation with roots in a colony started in 1935 by the U.S. Army to increase agricultural production in the far north. The farm has also appeared in media, including National Geographic Wild's Dr. Oakley Yukon Vet, according to its website, and takes part in community events such as the Running of the Reindeer at Fur Rondy.

Exhibits and habitats

The farm's animals page lists the following.

Mammals: reindeer, moose, Rocky Mountain elk, bison, Tibetan yaks, Highland cattle, alpacas, llamas, rabbits, horses, Shetland ponies and miniature donkeys. The moose are described as rescued as calves under Alaska Department of Fish and Game permits. The farm's about page mentions a moose named Lilly.

Birds: turkeys, chickens and peacocks.

Reptiles and other animals: an Asian water monitor named Nigel, which the farm describes as the only black dragon Asian water monitor in Alaska, along with a Burmese python, bearded dragon, emerald tree skinks, an African pygmy hedgehog, a blue-tongued skink, Russian tortoise, African bullfrog, uromastyx, red-footed tortoise, plated lizard, black and white Argentine tegu, crested gecko, chameleon and Madagascar giant day gecko.

Alaska.org describes a one-hour tour hosted by family members or local high school students, in which visitors pet reindeer and feed moose willow branches.

Conservation and programs

The farm describes its approach as hands-on education about Alaskan wildlife. Its website lists a range of programs and bookings: birthday parties, corporate parties, field trips, weddings and virtual farm visits, along with memberships, a gift shop and a reindeer sales page.

Seasonal programming changes through the year. The site has a separate activity page for each month of the year. The farm lists a food truck and barista stand during summer months and a kids' play area. In March 2025, Alaska's News Source reported that the farm planned to open its gates on Saturdays in April for the first time, with daily tours beginning in May. The report said about 40 calves were born the previous spring and a similar number was expected, and described the April openings as the first time the farm had opened to visitors during calving season.

In December 2024, Alaska's News Source reported that the farm hosted family visits on Christmas Eve, when children could meet Santa and his reindeer. The report described the farm's animals as including reindeer, alpacas, horses, reptiles, chickens and a turkey.

Planning your visit

The farm's plan-your-visit page says it is now open year-round, and its home page says visits are by appointment, with winter experiences booked as guided tours. Alaska.org says the farm operates year-round by appointment, seven days a week, and that advance booking is required. In 2025, a farm representative interviewed by Alaska's News Source recommended buying tickets in advance through the farm's website. Tickets and activities are booked through the farm's website, and ticket details are listed there.

Alaska.org advises visitors to prepare for the weather with rain gear or older clothing and to bring a camera. The farm's phone number is 907-745-4000. The farm's website lists private driver and taxi options for visitors traveling from Anchorage and recommends reserving drivers in advance.