Totem Bight State Historical Park is a 33acre state park in the U.S. state of Alaska. It is located north of Ketchikan.
The park is located on the former site of a traditional Native campground known as Mud Village and Mud Bight Village. It contains a collection of totem poles and a replica of a traditional chieftain's house. This wood-frame structure has a low oval entrance, leading into a square chamber with a central fire pit, decorated with carved "house posts". A stylized raven adorns the main facade. The carvings on the house were executed by Charles Brown, a Native from Saxman.
The United States Forest Service used Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) funds to hire skilled carvers from among the older Native Alaskans to repair or duplicate totem poles that were abandoned when the natives moved to communities where work was available. The CCC project built the community house and placed 15 totem poles, most of them replicas of 19th-century poles. At statehood in 1959, title to the land passed from the federal government to the State of Alaska.
The historic site, comprising of the park, was added to the National Register of Historic Places on October 27, 1970. A visit to Saxman Native Village represents just the start of the adventure when you use our Ketchikan route builder to plot your vacation.
Create a full itinerary - for free!
Saxman Native Village reviews
-
This was a really nice trip which covered a Saxman village dance totem pole viewing and a trip to the carving shop to see how they are made , very informative and an insight into a different way of...
This was a really nice trip which covered a Saxman village dance totem pole viewing and a trip to the carving shop to see how they are made , very informative and an insight into a different way of... more »
-
There are two hour shows running when a ship is on port. Watch a short movie, see native dancing and then see a real life totem pole craft shop.
There are two hour shows running when a ship is on port. Watch a short movie, see native dancing and then see a real life totem pole craft shop. more »
-
Loved it. So clearly explained Had only read about such but had never seen or understood the detail. Thanks for such an educational experience.
-
Absolutely awesome! The farewell dance from the tribe quit literally made me weep. Such a beautiful culture! I will remember this forever! Thank you to our gracious hosts.
Plan your trip to Ketchikan
Get a personalized tripA full day by day itinerary based on your preferences Customize itRefine your trip. We'll find the
best routes and schedules Manage itEverything in one place. Everyone on the same page.Know more
Popular things to do in Ketchikan
Museums in Ketchikan
Hidden gems in Ketchikan
Shopping in Ketchikan
Nearby attractions in Ketchikan
Trips in Saxman Native Village by other users
29 days in Alaska
BY A USER FROM THAILAND
Ketchikan
Sitka
Juneau
15 days in Alaska
BY A USER FROM HUNGARY
Ketchikan
Juneau
Anchorage
11 days in Alaska
BY A USER FROM HUNGARY
Ketchikan
Juneau
Anchorage
7 days in Alaska
BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES
Sitka
Ketchikan
17 days in Alaska
BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES
Fairbanks
Denali National Park and Preserve
Homer
8 days in Alaska
BY A USER FROM GERMANY
Fairbanks
Anchorage
Haines