The Totem Heritage Center houses an invaluable collection of 19th century totem poles retrieved in the 1970s from the Tlingit villages on Tongass Island and Village Island and from the Haida village of Old Kasaan on Prince of Wales Island.
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Totem Heritage Center

4.6
·1k reviews·Ketchikan, United States

Discover the rich heritage of Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian cultures through a stunning collection of preserved totem poles and native artistry.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday Mornings

Fewer crowds, more peaceful

CrowdLow
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The Totem Heritage Center houses an invaluable collection of 19th century totem poles retrieved in the 1970s from the Tlingit villages on Tongass Island and Village Island and from the Haida village of Old Kasaan on Prince of Wales Island.

Totem Heritage Center

Best Time

Weekday Mornings

Fewer crowds, more peaceful

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Discover the rich heritage of Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian cultures through a stunning collection of preserved totem poles and native artistry.

4.6
(1k reviews)

"Super informative museum that preserves the cultural heritage of Totem poles and other hand weaved and made items."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚶‍♀️ Walk or Shuttle?

It's a bit uphill from the dock, but walkable. Free shuttles are also available! :bus:

💰 Affordable Entry

Admission is around $6 for adults, with free entry for kids under 17 and military. :ticket:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Preserved Totem Poles

Preserved Totem Poles

Main Exhibition Hall

Marvel at a vast collection of preserved totem poles, showcasing intricate carvings and rich cultural stories.

Native Weaving Artistry

Native Weaving Artistry

Exhibition Hall

Explore an expansive section dedicated to native weaving artistry, highlighting the skill and tradition of local tribes.

Clan House Replica

Clan House Replica

Exhibition Hall

Step inside a replica clan house to gain a deeper understanding of Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian cultural practices.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Visit

To avoid crowds and experience the Totem Heritage Center at its best, consider visiting during off-peak hours. Early mornings or late afternoons can offer a more intimate experience with the exhibits. Check for local events or festivals that might impact visitor numbers.

Getting There & Admission

The Totem Heritage Center is accessible by foot from the dock, though it's a bit of an uphill walk. Free shuttles are also available, often as part of a loop that includes the salmon run. Admission is typically around $6 for adults, with discounts for seniors and free entry for children under 17 and active military families.

Best Times

When
Weekday Mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Crowd
Low
When
Late Afternoon
Why
Tour groups thin out
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

#greenscreen #Alaska #AlaskaCruise #JuneauAlaska #Juneau #Totem #KootéeyaaDeiyí #Kootéeyaa #TotemTrail #DecolonizeTravel #CulturalTourism
@notoriousraven
91.3K likes • 386.2K views

🚶‍♀️ Walk or Shuttle?

It's a bit uphill from the dock, but walkable. Free shuttles are also available! :bus:

💰 Affordable Entry

Admission is around $6 for adults, with free entry for kids under 17 and military. :ticket:

Inside the clan house #clanhouse #nativeamerican #tlingit #haida #tsimshian #alaska #totembight #ketchikan
@akchev
2.4K likes • 20.6K views
Visit the Totem Heritage Center and Tongass Historical Museum! Where it is always free admission for locals, seasonals, and their guests!!
ketchikanmuseums
13 likes • 237 views

🕰️ Quick Visit Possible

You can see the highlights in 20-30 mins, but allow more time for deeper exploration. :stopwatch:

📚 Learn the Stories

Each pole tells a story! Take time to read the descriptions to understand their cultural significance. :books:

Totem Heritage Center
tersites
8 likes • 157 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚶‍♀️ Walk or Shuttle?

It's a bit uphill from the dock, but walkable. Free shuttles are also available! :bus:

💰 Affordable Entry

Admission is around $6 for adults, with free entry for kids under 17 and military. :ticket:

🕰️ Quick Visit Possible

You can see the highlights in 20-30 mins, but allow more time for deeper exploration. :stopwatch:

📚 Learn the Stories

Each pole tells a story! Take time to read the descriptions to understand their cultural significance. :books:

📸 Respectful Photography

Photos are generally allowed, but be mindful and respectful of the cultural artifacts. :camerawithflash:

What Travellers Say

4.6
(1k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise the Totem Heritage Center for its well-preserved collection of totem poles and insightful exhibits on Indigenous culture. Many find it to be a highly informative and worthwhile stop, appreciating the affordability and the opportunity to learn about Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian heritage. Some note that it can be a quick visit, while others suggest allowing ample time to absorb the rich history and artistry.

"It is a very nice museum with a lot of examples of native carvings and totem poles for your viewing pleasure. Right next to a fish hatchery, unfortunately closed to the public, and a public park which is well maintained across a bridge from the parking area. Would recommend as it is so we'll done and kept very well."

Sea Hawk

"Visited here in June 2025. Walked here from the dock and followed the creek. There are buses that will drop you off, but if you are out walking around town, you can make it by foot. Entry was six dollars. It was cool to see the history and old totems. Worth stopping in if you like history. Only spent 20 to 30 minutes to see the whole museum."

Josh H

"Totally worth going if you like history, culture, and art. There is a free shuttle you can take from town, it's part of a loop that includes the salmon run. You learn a lot about history of the local tribes. Highly recommend. Can easily spend a couple hours. We walked from town there, BUT it's a little long and uphill!"

RicK

What People Like

Well-preserved totem poles
Informative cultural exhibits
Affordable admission

What People Dislike

Can be a quick visit

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

You can walk from the cruise dock, though it's a bit of an uphill trek. Alternatively, free shuttles often run as part of a loop that includes the center, making it easily accessible. InstagramReddit

Yes, parking is available near the center. It's also located across a bridge from a public park, making it convenient for those exploring the area on foot. Reddit

Taxis are readily available in Ketchikan and can take you directly to the Totem Heritage Center. It's a short ride from most areas in town.

While specific accessibility details can vary, many museums strive to be accessible. It's recommended to contact the center directly for the most up-to-date information on wheelchair access.

Ketchikan boasts the largest collection of standing traditional totem poles in the world. You can see many around town, but the Totem Heritage Center offers a concentrated and informative experience. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

The admission fee is typically around $6 for adults. Children under 17 are usually admitted free of charge, and discounts may be available for seniors. Active military and their families often receive free admission. InstagramReddit

Yes, children under 17 often get in free, and active military personnel and their families may also have free admission. Locals and seasonals might also have special arrangements. InstagramReddit

Operating hours can vary by season. It's best to check the official Totem Heritage Center website or contact them directly for the most current information on opening and closing times.

Advance booking is generally not required for the Totem Heritage Center, especially during non-peak times. You can usually purchase tickets upon arrival. Instagram

Some tour packages or city passes might include admission to the Totem Heritage Center. It's advisable to check the details of any pass or tour you are considering.

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

A quick visit to see the main exhibits can take around 20-30 minutes. However, if you want to delve deeper into the history and artistry, you could easily spend a couple of hours. Reddit

You'll find a significant collection of preserved totem poles, showcasing Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian cultures. There are also exhibits on native weaving artistry and a replica clan house. TikTokReddit

Yes, children under 17 often get free admission and can be captivated by the large totem poles and the stories they represent. It's an educational and visually engaging experience. Instagram

Photography is generally permitted inside the Totem Heritage Center, but it's important to be respectful of the artifacts and other visitors. Avoid flash photography if it's prohibited. TikTok

While not always explicitly advertised, staff members are often available to provide insights. Inquire upon arrival about any informal tours or information sessions. Some local tours also visit the center. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The totem poles themselves are the main subjects, offering dramatic and colorful photo opportunities. The replica clan house also provides a unique backdrop. TikTok+1

It's best to assume flash photography is not allowed to protect the delicate artifacts. Always look for signage or ask staff if you're unsure. TikTok

A camera with good low-light capabilities is beneficial, especially if visiting during dimmer hours. A wide-angle lens can help capture the full scale of the larger poles. TikTok

Drone usage is typically restricted in and around cultural heritage sites and museums to ensure the safety and preservation of the exhibits. Always check local regulations before flying a drone.

Beyond the Totem Heritage Center, many totem poles are scattered throughout Ketchikan, particularly along Creek Street and in Saxman Native Village. The 'Eagle Statue' is also a notable landmark. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Totem Heritage Center is a fantastic educational outing for families. Children under 17 often get free admission, making it an affordable option. The towering totem poles are visually captivating for younger visitors, and the stories behind them can spark curiosity about different cultures. Instagram

Consider making it part of a larger Ketchikan exploration that includes the nearby salmon hatchery or a walk through the park. The interactive nature of understanding the carvings can be engaging for kids, and it offers a great opportunity to discuss history and art in a tangible way. Remember to bring comfortable shoes if you plan to walk from the cruise port. :athletic_shoe:

💰 Budget Travelers

For budget-conscious travelers, the Totem Heritage Center is a great value. With an admission fee typically around $6 for adults and free entry for children and often military personnel, it's an accessible cultural experience. InstagramReddit

Combine your visit with exploring Ketchikan on foot or utilizing the free city shuttles. Many of the town's other attractions, like Creek Street and various totem pole viewing areas, are free to wander. This makes the Totem Heritage Center a cost-effective way to gain significant cultural insight without breaking the bank. :moneywithwings:

🚢 Cruise Ship Passengers

If you're on an Alaska cruise, the Totem Heritage Center is a highly recommended stop in Ketchikan. It's relatively easy to access from the cruise port, either by a brisk walk or a short shuttle ride. InstagramReddit

Many cruise excursions include visits to totem pole sites, but visiting the center independently allows for a more self-paced experience. It provides a concentrated dose of history and art that complements the broader Alaskan cultural experiences offered on your cruise. Allocate about an hour to fully appreciate the exhibits. :cruise_ship:

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Significance of Totem Poles

Totem poles are more than just art; they are intricate historical records and symbols of identity for the Indigenous peoples of the Pacific Northwest Coast, including the Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian nations. Each pole tells a story, often depicting clan crests, ancestral lineage, significant events, or spiritual beliefs. The carving process itself is a sacred tradition, passed down through generations. TikTok

Historically, totem poles were erected outside homes or in village centers to commemorate important events, honor ancestors, or assert a clan's rights and privileges. The figures carved on the poles are not deities but rather representations of the natural world and the spiritual connections the people have with it. Understanding these narratives is key to appreciating the depth of cultural heritage preserved at the Totem Heritage Center. TikTokInstagram

By the early 20th century, many totem poles faced neglect or destruction due to assimilation policies. The preservation efforts highlighted at the Totem Heritage Center are crucial for safeguarding this vital cultural legacy. The center showcases poles that have been recovered or recreated, offering a tangible link to the past and a testament to the resilience of these Indigenous cultures. TikTokReddit

Exploring Ketchikan's Cultural Landscape

Ketchikan, known as the 'Salmon Capital of the World,' offers a rich tapestry of cultural experiences beyond the Totem Heritage Center. The town itself is dotted with numerous totem poles, many of which are still standing in their original locations or have been relocated to public spaces. Walking through Ketchikan provides a continuous immersion into the art and history of the region. TikTokInstagram

Creek Street, a historic boardwalk built over the water, is a must-visit, offering a glimpse into Ketchikan's past as a bustling red-light district and a hub for fishermen. Nearby, Dolly's House Museum provides further insight into the town's colorful history. For those interested in contemporary Indigenous art, exploring local galleries can reveal stunning works by modern Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian artists. Instagram

Don't miss the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show for a dose of local entertainment and a look at a traditional industry. For a taste of local cuisine, especially salmon, the Alaska Fish House and Alaska King Crab Co. are highly recommended. The Totem Heritage Center often serves as a starting or ending point for exploring these diverse attractions, making it a central piece of the Ketchikan visitor experience. Instagram

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