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Saxman Totem Park
The art of totem pole carving was a luxury that experienced its heyday in the mid-1700s to the late 1800s. The fur trade had provided the Tlingit, Haida and Tsimshian peoples a newfound sense of wealth – and time to focus on the artistry of the totem
Totem Heritage Center
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this collection of 19th century totem poles is the biggest in the world. Salvaged from abandoned Haida and Tlingit villages, some are as old as 160 years—no small feat, since totem poles usually deteriorate in less than a century. You can take a quick, free tour, or check out the current exhibits of contemporary Tlingit art.
Potlatch Totem Park
Built on the old fishing grounds of Tlingit Natives, the park hosts some of the finest native art in the world!
Southeast Alaska Discovery Center
Experience world-class exhibits and audiovisual programs. Discover Tsimshian, Haida and Tlingit totem poles, the rainforest room, a Native fish camp scene, and exhibits on Southeast Alaska's ecosystems, fishing, mining, timber and tourism. Located one block from the cruise ship dock in downtown Ketchikan. Accepts America-the-Beautiful passes.
Totem Bight Park
As part of the New Deal during the 1930s, the Civilian Conservation Corps came to this area and hired skilled Native artists who could recreate old crumbling poles and train apprentices, to keep the art form alive. You can wander the grounds at this state park, and learn about how to interpret the symbols on poles, or check out the large, carved tribal house. Was named to the National Register of Historic Places in 1970. 10 miles out of town on N. Tongass Hwy.
Ketchikan Museum & Library
If you want a chance to sit back and enjoy an iconic view of Alaska, catch up on your work, or peruse a large collection of Alaskana, there’s no more perfect place than the new Ketchikan library.
Tongass Historical Museum and Ketchikan Public Library
In the museum are artifacts,text and photos telling of Alaska's spirited First City as a Native fish camp, mining hub, salmon canning capital, fishing port and timber town. The Centennial Building commemorates the purchase of Alaska from Russia in 1867. In front is the Raven Stealing the Sun pole, carved by Dempsey Bob and raised in 1983.
Norman Jackson
Southeast Alaska is known for its Native carvings, especially of totems and masks. Sometimes it’s hard to put into words what’s so impressive about this artwork, but when you look at a mask carved by Norman Jackson, you can just feel the emotions embedded in one of his wonderfully carved red or yellow cedar mask.
Ketchikan Through Photos
Here you’ll find real people who make a living on the ocean coming off their boats – more often than not covered in fish slime.
Dolly’s House Museum
Dolly Arthur was Ketchikan's most famous madam in the heyday of Creek Street. Her house, preserved much as she left it, features antiques caches and garish decor. Tours are provided for a fee.
Arctic Spirit Gallery
Highest quality Native art from the Northwest Coast and throughout Alaska in the Peter's homey shop, Arctic Dreams, located on historic Mission Street just a short walk from the cruise ship docks.