The Quirky Market In Alaska Where You’ll Find Terrific Treasures
By Carey Seward
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Published August 13, 2018
Trapper Creek is a small community that lies north of Talkeetna on the Parks Highway, and many people know of the town because of the quirky market called Wal*Mikes. The store is part antique store, part souvenir shop and 100% entertaining. You’ll find so many treasures you didn’t know you were looking for. Make this a definite stop on your next trip along the Parks. You will not regret being sucked into the vortex of Wal*Mikes for an hour or two and you may emerge with an amazing treasure. Visit Wal*Mikes, an Alaskan institution and a popular place to stop while cruising down the highway.
114.8 Mile West Parks Highway
Trapper Creek, AK 99683
Wal*Mikes is a superstore, Alaska style. This simple roadside building holds treasures untold and the most curious curios you will ever find.
Wal*Mikes opened its doors in 1965 and this quirky market has been delighting travelers with stories and weird objects ever since.
Wal*Mikes motto is: "Why by new when you can get it used for the same price!" They carry Alaskan books, vintage records, gold mining equipment, furs, trinkets, tools, jewelry, and thousands of other unique items you have to see to believe.
Outside, there are lots of useful and practical Alaskan items that those who live in the rustic small town. From antique cast iron stoves, antique auto parts and gold mining equipment, Wal*Mikes has everything a sourdough needs.
Signs are also a port of the Wal*Mikes collection. Hand-carved wooden signs, vintage Alaska license plates, and signs for businesses of the past all decorate the grounds and interior of the shop.
Have you ever seen an antique stagecoach full of caribou antlers? At Wal*Mikes it is almost unfathomable the weirdness you will discover.
I bet you didn't know you needed an antique barbershop horse, but now that you see it, how can you resist? This is the way Wal*Mikes works. You will fall under the spell and suddenly you need to buy everything you see.
Statues of old timers are everywhere. You never know when a inanimate gold miner will surprise you in the Wal*Mikes estate.
Wal*Mikes is also a spot for nearby residents to get necessities. They carry propane and locals may stop by to refill their tanks, as well as pick up some garden veggies or local eggs.
I'm not going to lie to you. Wal*Mikes is also sort of a junkyard with piles of parts and pieces of equipment all over, but that just adds to the rustic Alaskan charm and it means they actually have everything.
Sculpture garden? Strange serial killer shrine? We may never know. Visit Wal*Mikes on the side of the Parks Highway and you will definitely see some strange things at this quirky market and have a story to tell when you get home.
If you love hunting for treasure, head to these 8 Must-Visit Flea Markets In Alaska Where You’ll Find Awesome Stuff . While you are in the neighborhood, stop by Talkeetna, The Small Town In Alaska That’s One Of The Coolest In The U.S.
Have you been to Wal*Mikes? Tell us about the treasures you found there in the comments below.
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