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Discover the Saxman Totem Park Carving Shed Tour in Alaska

Located in Saxman, Alaska, just south of Ketchikan, the Saxman Totem Park Carving Shed Tour offers visitors a behind-the-scenes look at traditional Northwest Coast totem pole carving. Guests visit the working carving shed where Native artists create and restore towering totem poles, while learning about the cultural meaning of the symbols and stories carved into the wood. The tour combines Indigenous art, cultural education, and craftsmanship within one of Alaska’s most famous totem parks.

Why it’s special: Saxman Totem Park is home to one of the largest collections of standing totem poles in Alaska, and the carving shed preserves the living tradition of Tlingit totem carving.

History & Story of Saxman Totem Park

Saxman Totem Park was established in the early 20th century as part of efforts to preserve and restore traditional totem poles from abandoned Native villages across Southeast Alaska. Many original poles were relocated and carefully restored by skilled carvers.

Over time, the park became an important cultural center for the Tlingit people, allowing traditional carving knowledge to be passed down through generations. The carving shed was built to support the ongoing creation and restoration of totem poles, ensuring that this historic art form continues to thrive.

What You’ll See & Do on the Saxman Totem Park Carving Shed Tour

• Watch master carvers shaping cedar logs into traditional totem poles
• Learn about the symbolic meanings of figures carved into the poles
• Observe carving tools and techniques used in Northwest Coast art
• Explore Saxman Totem Park’s collection of historic totem poles
• Hear stories about the legends and cultural traditions represented in the carvings

Hands-On Elements: Demonstrations may allow visitors to examine carving tools and learn how cedar logs are prepared for carving.

Photo/Video Policy: Photography is allowed in the carving shed and throughout the totem park.

Souvenirs & Extras: Native art, carvings, and locally crafted souvenirs available in the nearby cultural center gift shop.

Pricing of the Saxman Totem Park Carving Shed Tour

Adult price: $5 per adult

Guided cultural tours and performances may be available for an additional fee.

Visiting information for Saxman Totem Park Carving Shed Tour

Duration: Approximately 30–45 minutes
Age limits: All ages welcome
Accessibility: Main paths and visitor areas are wheelchair accessible
Working Hours: Monday–Saturday 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM; Sunday Closed

Visitors can explore the carving shed and surrounding totem park grounds during open hours.

Nearby attractions to Saxman Totem Park Carving Shed Tour

• Totem Heritage Center
• Creek Street Historic District
• Deer Mountain Tribal Hatchery

FAQs About Visiting the Saxman Totem Park Carving Shed Tour

What is a totem pole used for?
Totem poles represent family histories, clan identities, legends, and important cultural stories within Northwest Coast Indigenous traditions.

Are the totem poles in Saxman authentic?
Yes. Many poles in the park are original historic poles that were relocated from abandoned villages, while others are newly carved reproductions.

Can visitors watch artists carving totem poles?
Yes. The carving shed often hosts working artists who demonstrate traditional carving techniques using cedar logs.

What tribe created the totem poles at Saxman?
The totem poles represent the culture and traditions of the Tlingit people, the Indigenous inhabitants of Southeast Alaska.

How far is Saxman from Ketchikan?
Saxman is located about 2 miles south of downtown Ketchikan, making it a quick and easy visit.