The Alaska Veterans & Pioneers Home (originally known as the Palmer Pioneer Home) first opened in 1971 on the former site of the Alaska State Fairgrounds. Nestled in the heart of downtown Palmer, the home is surrounded by beautiful views of the Chugach and Talkeetna Mountain Ranges, as well as the massive Knik Glacier. In May 2004, the Alaska Legislature approved development of the state’s first veterans’ home. After extensive remodeling and program development to meet U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs requirements, the facility was renamed the Alaska Veterans and Pioneers Home in 2007. Seventy five percent of the 79 beds in the home are designated for veterans with the remaining 25 percent available for non-veterans.