Totem Bight State Historical Park

Overview

Totem Bight State Historical Park is a fascinating park that showcases the rich history and culture of the Tlingit and Haida peoples of Southeast Alaska. The park features a collection of 15 totem poles, a clan house, and a carved house post.

The park preserves and displays the traditional art and culture of the Tlingit and Haida peoples, providing visitors with a unique insight into the region's indigenous heritage.

Cultural Site Outdoor Attraction

Location

Address

9883 N. Tongass Highway, Ketchikan, Alaska

Neighborhood: North Tongass

Coordinates

55.341800, -131.697700

Visiting Information

Opening Hours

monday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

tuesday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

wednesday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

thursday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

friday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

saturday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

sunday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Admission

Adults

$5

Children

$2 (ages 7-17), free (ages 6 and under)

Best Time to Visit

Overall Best Period

May - September

Best Time of Day

Morning

Fewer tourists and cooler temperatures

Duration Recommendations

Minimum

1 hour

Recommended

2-3 hours

Full Experience

Half day

Seasonal Highlights

spring

Mild to cool

• New growth and blooming flowers
• Mild temperatures

summer

Warm and sunny

• Long daylight hours
• All facilities open

autumn

Cool to mild

• Fall foliage
• Cool crisp air

winter

Cold and snowy

• Snow-covered landscape
• Holiday decorations

Know Before You Go

Essential Information

Check park hours and accessibility
Bring appropriate clothing for the weather
Respect the cultural significance of the site

What to Bring

essential

Comfortable walking shoes Weather-appropriate clothing Camera

seasonal

Rain gear in summer Warm layers in spring/fall Snow gear in winter

not allowed

Drones Pets (except service animals) Alcohol

Health & Safety

Physical Requirements: Low to moderate

• Uneven paths and steps
• Bear and wildlife in the area

Medical facilities: First aid available at visitor center

Payment Information

Accepted

Cash, Credit/Debit cards (Visa, MasterCard, Discover)

Currency

US Dollars

Typical Costs

entry $5 (adults), $2 (children 7-17), free (children 6 and under)

parking $0

food $10-$20 (picnic)

souvenirs $10-$50

Dress Code

Casual, comfortable, Layers for changing weather, sturdy shoes, Comfortable walking shoes, Revealing or inappropriate clothing

Booking Tips

• Not required, but recommended for guided tours
• Official Alaska State Parks website
• Varies by tour or activity
• Guided tours may have shorter waits

Amenities

Restrooms

Gift shop

Atm

Wifi

Lockers

Wheelchair rental

Stroller rental

On site restaurant

Cafe

Picnic areas

Outside food allowed

Digital Services

Mobile App

Alaska State Parks

Size: 30 MB

Features: Park information and maps, Event calendars, Parking and pass information, Contact information for park staff

Platforms: iOS, Android

WiFi Zones: Visitor center, Picnic areas

Charging Stations: Visitor center

How to Reach

From Airport

Nearest: Ketchikan International Airport (KTN)

Distance: 12 miles

Travel Time: 25 minutes

taxi

$40-$50 25 min

public_transport

$2 45 min

From City Center

Distance: 3 miles

taxi

$15-$20 10 min

public_transport

$2 15 min

bicycle

20 min

walking

75 min

Local Insights

Cultural Context

Why Locals Love It: Totem Bight is a proud representation of our Tlingit and Haida heritage, showcasing the artistry and cultural significance of our ancestors.

Historical Significance: The totem poles at Totem Bight were carved in the 1930s as part of a New Deal program to preserve and promote native Alaskan art and culture.

Insider Tips

Visit the park in the morning for the best lighting and fewer crowds
Check the visitor center for information on guided tours and cultural events
Bring a picnic lunch to enjoy in the scenic picnic areas

Local Recommendations

• Visit the nearby Saxman Village to see more totem poles and cultural performances
• Try local Alaskan cuisine at nearby restaurants
• Explore the Tongass National Forest for hiking and wildlife viewing

Language Help

Useful Phrases

hello Háw'aa (Tlingit)

thank_you Gunalchéesh (Tlingit)

where_is Aa yei (Tlingit) ...

how_much Aa héin (Tlingit) ...

beautiful X̱atí (Tlingit) (of things), X̱aatí (Tlingit) (of people)

ticket Cháak' (Tlingit) or 'Billyet' (Haida)

Guide Languages: English, Tlingit (limited)

Photography Guide

Best Photo Spots

Totem Pole Circle

Best Time: Morning or late afternoon

Tips: Capture the poles from different angles to highlight their intricate carvings

Result: Stunning photos of the totem poles with good lighting

#TotemBight #AlaskaCulture #TotemPoles

Photography Rules

allowed areas Outdoor areas, Visitor center, Picnic areas

prohibited areas Inside the clan house, Restricted areas

flash photography Allowed in outdoor areas, not in indoor exhibits

commercial photography Permit required

drone policy Prohibited without special permit

tripod policy Allowed in designated areas only

selfie sticks Allowed

Nearby Attractions

Saxman Village

Distance: 1.5 miles

Walking: 30 min

Type: Cultural Site

Tongass National Forest

Distance: 5 miles

Walking: N/A

Type: Nature Reserve

Misty Fiords National Monument

Distance: 30 miles