Nancy Lake State Recreation Area is a 22,685 acres (9,180 ha) park near Willow in the Matanuska-Susitna Borough of Alaska.

Founded on July 6, 1966, and set aside specifically for recreational use, the park is home to more than a hundred lakes as well as extensive wetlands.

The landscape of the park was crafted in glacial retreats around 9,000 years ago, and around this same time the first inhabitants likely moved into the area.

They were eventually followed by Russian exploration, and later increases in white settlement due to commerce and the presence of gold.

Throughout both, water related activities are a popular draw for visitors, with the larger and smaller parks hosting as many as 40,000 and 12,000 guests annually.

[7] The canoe trails range from one- to two-day paddles, and most routes involve portages between lakes.

[3] In winter months the park is popular with a variety of users, and about 40 miles (64 km) of trails are maintained for cross-country skiing, dog mushing and snowmachines.

[6][11] It was established in 1967 in cooperation between the Alaska Divisions of Mining, Land & Water, and Parks and Outdoor Recreation.

[4]: 2–15 [a] Nancy Lake State Recreation Area includes 22,685 acres (9,180 ha) of land near the towns of Willow toward the north, and Houston toward the south.

A number of wells have been drilled in order to supply drinking water, and these may produce as much as 10 US gallons (38 L; 8.3 imp gal) per minute.

[13]: 24 The low, forested landscape with numerous lakes and relatively mild winters compared to other areas of interior Alaska creates an environment suitable for various types of flora and fauna.

[4]: 2–6 Wildlife one can expect to see include many animals that prefer wet environments, such as beavers, and numerous waterfowl, in particular the common loon.