Willow is a census-designated place in the Matanuska-Susitna Borough, about 26 miles northwest of Wasilla on the George Parks Highway. It had 2,196 residents in 2020 and is the largest census-designated place in the United States by area; it is the official host of the Iditarod restart.[1]
| Population (2020) | 2,196 |
|---|---|
| Area | About 693–699 sq mi |
| Elevation | About 213 ft |
| Gold discovery | 1897, Willow Creek |
| Annual precipitation | About 21.8 in; 75.8 in snow |
| Records | 89°F to −50°F |
History
Miners discovered gold on Willow Creek in 1897, with supplies landed at Knik or Tyonek and carried over a 26-mile summer trail. The Alaska Railroad built a station house in 1920 on the Seward–Fairbanks line. A radar warning station and airfield were built nearby in World War II, a post office opened in 1948, and in 1954 Willow Creek was Alaska’s largest gold mining district, with production near $18 million. Growth followed land disposals, homestead subdivisions and the completion of the George Parks Highway in 1972.[1]
Capital move vote
In 1976 Alaskans voted to move the state capital from Juneau to Willow, and a master plan was prepared for a new city. In November 1982 voters defeated the funding needed for the move, and Juneau remains the capital.[1]
Community
The median age is 55.3, and more than half of the roughly 1,500 cabins are seasonal, so 55 percent of housing units are vacant. Nearly all occupied homes rely on individual wells and septic systems. Sources give slightly different area figures, 698.57 and 692.9 square miles.[1]
Recreation
Willow is the official host of the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race restart. Willow Creek State Recreation Area covers about 3,583 acres with a large campground and access to one of Alaska’s busiest salmon fishing areas, and Nancy Lake State Recreation Area and Montana Creek State Recreation Site are nearby. One end of the Hatcher Pass road is in Willow. The Sockeye wildfire in June 2015 burned thousands of acres and closed the George Parks Highway.[1]
FAQs
Where is Willow? In the Matanuska-Susitna Borough, about 26 miles northwest of Wasilla.
What is Willow known for? The Iditarod restart, gold mining history and a 1976 vote to move the capital.
Did the capital move to Willow? No, voters defeated the funding in 1982.
Sources
Key facts
- Population 2,196 (2020)
- Gold found 1897
Quick checkWhich race restarts at Willow?Show answer
The Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race
Sources
- Wikipedia. Willow, Alaska. 2026 (accessed 2026-11-13)
Editorially reviewed by Specialty Digest Editorial TeamLast reviewed November 13, 2026Researched and drafted with AI assistanceReport an issue