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Trip Planner:   USA  /  Alaska  /  Ketchikan  /  Saxman Native Village

Saxman Native Village, Ketchikan

3.7
#4 of 13 in Parks in Ketchikan
Historic Site · Park
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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.
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Saxman Native Village reviews

TripAdvisor traveler rating
TripAdvisor traveler rating 4.0
700 reviews
Google
4.4
TripAdvisor
  • This is a great educational venue as well as fun and insightfly. I happen to be history buff and enjoy learning of the various tribes of native Americans and how they pass on their value generation... 
    This is a great educational venue as well as fun and insightfly. I happen to be history buff and enjoy learning of the various tribes of native Americans and how they pass on their value generation...  more »
  • Learned a lot about totem poles and their significance. Actually got to watch a native working on one who makes them for the Smithsonian and other impressive venues. 
    Learned a lot about totem poles and their significance. Actually got to watch a native working on one who makes them for the Smithsonian and other impressive venues.  more »
  • Welcoming introduction to a different culture. This was the second part of a day tour and was by far the most interesting. We had an introduction video and a few words from an inhabitant of the... 
    Welcoming introduction to a different culture. This was the second part of a day tour and was by far the most interesting. We had an introduction video and a few words from an inhabitant of the...  more »
Google
  • Really cool totems. There is a master carver demonstrating his craft. Unfortunately, he wasn't there on the day we went, so maybe check that ahead of time. Also, if you are interested in the cultural program and dancing, that is only available through a tour.
  • First Nation People have preserved their heritage and art of making totem poles. We had guide give history or story behind the totem poles. The gift shop is wonderful!!!
  • Extremely disappointing. Bus driver/guide was new and temporary, that was obvious. But, there was no real depth to the experience. We were forced to stand far from another group and listen to the guide's stories about the poles away from the poles themselves. Then, when the other group left, we had only limited time to actually check out the site, without the guide, with the recommendation to visit the gift store. I chose to check out the native house. Unfortunately, though workers were out back smoking, they were very unfriendly and answered questions with one word. Not exactly warm and friendly. Additionally, there was some sort of private event I was told keeping our group from entering. This was just not enriching or enjoyable at all.
  • They are very cool but Even though it’s called a park and you have to pay an entrance fee it’s just on the street. Very very small if you have extra time it’s worth seeing.
  • What a magical place. Not only is it surrounded by the stunning nature of the Tongass National Rainforest, the largest temperate rainforest in the world, but the history and culture of the village and the Tlingit Beaver tribe was remarkable. To see the culture preserved and continued by he younger generations was wonderful.

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