n the 1890's the Iditarod Trail, which was heavily used by miners on their way to and from Nome, passed only 2 miles south of Big Lake. The region was first homesteaded in 1916.

Right past Wasilla, it now sits on on a spur road at Mile 52.3 of the Parks Highway, an hour's drive from Anchorage.

Big Lake offers boating and year-round fishing. Big Lake's 50 miles of shoreline and proximity to Anchorage still draws fishermen and boaters. It has not gone through its long history without a few close scrapes, however.

Several years ago, a massive forest fire (believed to be started by fireworks) swept through the Big Lake region, and hundreds of people living around Big Lake were left without homes.

There is still evidence of the charred forests as you travel down Big Lake Road. Now, half a decade later, most homes have been rebuilt, and Big Lake continues in its role as a summer playground.

And by the way, if you want to sound local, put the accent on the first syllable when you talk about "BIG Lake!"