Saxman Native Village, Ketchikan: Address, Phone Number, Saxman Native Village Reviews: 4/5
Saxman Native Village
Saxman Native Village
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This unique park's 24 totem poles each tell a different story.
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Restaurants
43 within 3 miles
Ketchikan's Gold Pan Pizza
18
0.5 mi$ • Pizza • Vegetarian Friendly
Garcia's Galley
24
1.9 mi$ • Mexican • Latin • Fast Food
Alaska Fish House
1,074
2.3 mi$$ - $$$ • Quick Bites • American • Seafood
New York Cafe
311
2.3 mi$$ - $$$ • American • Cafe • Seafood
Cape Fox Lodge
440
2.4 mi$$ - $$$ • American • Bar • Seafood
Alaska Crêpe Co
87
2.4 mi$$ - $$$ • Quick Bites • American • Cafe
Ketchikan Crab & Grille
305
2.3 mi$$ - $$$ • American • Bar • Seafood
Diaz Cafe
45
2.2 mi$$ - $$$ • Asian • Vegetarian Friendly
Good Coffee Company
66
2.3 mi$ • Quick Bites • American • Cafe
Pioneer Cafe
275
2.4 mi$$ - $$$ • American • Cafe • Diner
Attractions
27 within 6 miles
Tongass National Forest
145
1.9 miForests
Rotary Beach
30
0.7 miBeaches
Alaska Rainforest Sanctuary
934
2.8 miNature & Wildlife Areas
Southeast Alaska Discovery Center
269
2.4 miVisitor Centers • Natural History Museums
Totem Heritage Center
539
2.2 miHistoric Sites • History Museums
Creek Street
2,391
2.4 miHistoric Walking Areas
Deer Mountain Trail
110
1.9 miHiking Trails
Dolly's House Museum
324
2.3 miSpeciality Museums
Tongass Historical Museum
155
2.4 miHistory Museums
Scanlon Gallery
56
2.5 miArt Galleries • Points of Interest & Landmarks
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.0
691 reviews
Excellent
249
Very good
228
Average
142
Poor
49
Terrible
23
Murphy5708
Crown Point, IN337 contributions
This was an optional excursion from the cruise ship. A bus picked us up at the cruise ship dock and drove us out to the Village. First we were seated in a building and given information on the history etc. of the Tlingit people. Then we walked to the clan house where we enjoyed a traditional Tlingit dance with the performers all dressed in "costume". After that we walked to the workshop where you could see artisans actually carving a huge totem pole. Lastly, of course, was the gift shop. It was very interesting few hours and worth it to connect to the indigenous people.
Written July 14, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
thorwege
Springfield, OR8 contributions
This was one of my favorite excursions off of our Norwegian ship. This tour was very informative. There was a native dance. Dancers from different villages danced slightly differently. This was a way that villages were unique. Information on the different Tlingit customs and school was presented. Totem pole demonstration was outstanding. Guides Marcus and Maleek answered a lot of questions about their culture. I am so glad I went on this tour.
Written August 15, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
WeloveDisneyland
10 contributions
The Saxman Clan house tour hosted by Cape Fox was great. Native song and dance, history and culture of the Tlingit and Haida clans are discussed. Also there is a live demonstration of Totem Pole carving. The village area features a large display of many totem poles.
Written May 21, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
steve
Puerto Rico1 contribution
Read the one star and two star reviews they are on point. If this is your first time, and on a cruise with around 5hrs skip this tour it will wreck your day. Do the lumberjack and walk the town. Im pretty sure this was a great place before but the current offering is not worth it. The tour bus driver was great. Btw the Norwegian Encore cruise pkg is $189,Saxman or Norwegian ripped us off on this one!
Written August 2, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
N3065LKdebbies
Abingdon, VA364 contributions
Enjoyed a very informative tour of this very beautiful area ,learning about the Saxman tribe, their way of life and the seeing the most intricate carvings of numerous totem poles. Were able to actually see the area where totem poles are carved..almost where their story is told. Truly a place to see.
Written September 14, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Jasmine38Chichester UK
Chichester, UK1,736 contributions
Couples
A little way out of town. We visited as part of a tour but can easily catch the bus from the harbour, although you then miss out on the explanation. A number of interesting and different totem poles to see that have been moved here from various locations.
Written July 3, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Lynne C
West Malling, UK165 contributions
We enjoyed a great afternoon out at this village. We walked from Ketchikan, it took about 40 minutes to get there, some of the walk was on a busy road but mostly on a track along the shore. , We were greeted by a very friendly gentleman at the ticket office , who explained the layout of the village. There are about 24 totem poles on display, plus the clan house, carving centre and a large shop with good rest rooms. The pocket guide we were given was extremely informative. We walked back too!
Written June 3, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
rainbirdbrain
Ukiah, CA201 contributions
Solo
There seems to be a lot of confusion here surrounding Saxman, let me help you make a good choice. A lot of the negative reviews here are from people who expected to receive things they didn't pay for. There is a tour you can purchase through the cruise ships called "Saxman Native Village" or "Saxman Native Village & Lumberjack Show" which includes a video welcoming you to Saxman, the Native dancing demonstration, a talk about the totems by your Driver Guide, a carving demonstration, and some shopping/free time. It is a fun and informative tour that most people really enjoy.
You can also take the local bus to the Native village of Saxman, but that doesn't mean you should expect to see all the things that come with the "Saxman Native Village" tour. You will be able to see the totems for a small park fee, and you can go to the gift shop.
Likewise, if you purchase a "Highlights by Trolley" tour, or" Best of Ketchikan by Land and Sea" tour through the cruise ship, it includes a photo stop in Saxman of approx. 30 minutes, it does not include the video, Native dancing, or carving demonstration. You can also purchase tours from independent vendors, but again, they do not include everything included in the "Saxman Native Village" tour.
The tour is great, Saxman is also a great place to visit via the local bus, or by walking (about two and a half miles each way from the cruise ship docks), if you have a realistic expectation of what you are going to see.
Hope that helps!
You can also take the local bus to the Native village of Saxman, but that doesn't mean you should expect to see all the things that come with the "Saxman Native Village" tour. You will be able to see the totems for a small park fee, and you can go to the gift shop.
Likewise, if you purchase a "Highlights by Trolley" tour, or" Best of Ketchikan by Land and Sea" tour through the cruise ship, it includes a photo stop in Saxman of approx. 30 minutes, it does not include the video, Native dancing, or carving demonstration. You can also purchase tours from independent vendors, but again, they do not include everything included in the "Saxman Native Village" tour.
The tour is great, Saxman is also a great place to visit via the local bus, or by walking (about two and a half miles each way from the cruise ship docks), if you have a realistic expectation of what you are going to see.
Hope that helps!
Written September 24, 2011
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
donaldsc
Las Vegas, NV212 contributions
Couples
We went to two totem museums on our own during our stay in Ketchikan - Saxman and Totem Bight State Park. We did Saxman late in the afternoon after the cruise ships left so all of the inside stuff was closed and I can not comment on the dancing and cultural displays. However, based on just the totems and the ambiance of the place, I would give Saxman a 3 and Totem Bight a 9.
Saxman was clear set up just to get money from the cruise ship tours; Totem Bight is a State Park set up to preserve artifacts.
We did go back to Saxman the next day when the shop was open because it looked as if there might be some interesting stuff in it. However, all they had was artless tourist junk and they even wanted to charge me to park my car to go into the shop.
Skip Saxman and go to Totem Bight.
Saxman was clear set up just to get money from the cruise ship tours; Totem Bight is a State Park set up to preserve artifacts.
We did go back to Saxman the next day when the shop was open because it looked as if there might be some interesting stuff in it. However, all they had was artless tourist junk and they even wanted to charge me to park my car to go into the shop.
Skip Saxman and go to Totem Bight.
Written September 21, 2011
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
pricelessbaron
Tampa, FL108 contributions
Friends
This tourist attraction is all about the money. A very unfriendly man collects $5.00 to walk up the hill to see the totems. To see any other attractions/buildings, you have to pay additional monies. For $5.00 you walk up the hill and what you see from the bottom is what you pay for, unless you want to shell out additional monies to enter buildings.
Instead, go to Totem Bight Alaska State Park and walk in a beautiful park setting and look at pretty Totems, for free. That is right, for free. Of course, we were treated so kindly that we left donations for our stay. They offer complimentary coffee and hot chocolate in the gift shop, donations accepted. The people in the gift shop are so friendly and helpful that you want to adopt them!!
We took public buses to both totem attractions. If you only have time for one, skip Saxman. If you have time for both, well then enjoy. One is all about the monies and the other is folksy home style Alaska.
Instead, go to Totem Bight Alaska State Park and walk in a beautiful park setting and look at pretty Totems, for free. That is right, for free. Of course, we were treated so kindly that we left donations for our stay. They offer complimentary coffee and hot chocolate in the gift shop, donations accepted. The people in the gift shop are so friendly and helpful that you want to adopt them!!
We took public buses to both totem attractions. If you only have time for one, skip Saxman. If you have time for both, well then enjoy. One is all about the monies and the other is folksy home style Alaska.
Written July 25, 2011
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
maleka s
Mississauga, Canada9 contributions
Interested in taking Saxman Native Village &Ketchikan City Tour. Can someone guide me about tour operators that's also reasonable or can we do this on our own.We are taking Celebrity cruise .
Thanks
Maleka
David W
Jenks, OK443 contributions
We got our tours through Expedia. Bought a package that included Juneau and Ketchikan city tours for a little over $100. Our tour guide was of Indian discent, who gave us a detailed history of the totem poles. This he learned From a tribe elder.
Judy W
Marblehead, OH85 contributions
Are there guides at Saxman Native Village? We would be interested in taking the bus there, and would like to tour with a guide, and include the clan house and dancers. Can we take the bus and purchase tickets to get in with a guide?
bchamlet
Vancouver, Canada34 contributions
At the time I visited, at the end of the season, there was only one person on duty to answer questions. During the summer, I think there might be more guides on site, especially for the lodge.
Susan E
Colorado Springs, CO52 contributions
What time does the gift shop and everything close at Saxman Village?
Marlene S
Ketchikan, AK83 contributions
everything depends on how many cruise ships are in town and what their departure time is. on most days will be open till about 3 however you will not find authentic art there. if you are interested in authentic art you need to go to a place such as Crazy Wolf near Creek Street.
gogogoLongIsland
Long Island, NY7 contributions
Hi, gogogoLongIsland. What would you like to know about this attraction?
Saxman Village Ketchikan: which tours include visiting the inside of the Clan House including a Native Dancing show and the Carving Shed outside?
Roamie
Brisbane Region, Australia89 contributions
Our tour in September was also through the cruise ship and we were taken into the Clan House and given a show and into the carving house. We were disappointed with both. The history is interesting. I will point out our trip was at the end of the tourist season but still we paid far more than we felt it was worth.
jannfri
Shelbyville, KY266 contributions
How much was the price per person?
Hummy
49 contributions
Their website states entrance fee is $5 if you come in your own (not apart of a cruise shore tour). I am an Alaskan resident and went on July 4 while visiting Ketchikan and they waived me thru with no charge.
I walked the 2 miles from town and back as was slovenly day and there were salmon berries to pick and eat along the way.
I highly recommend going to Totem Bight State Historical Park vs this place in Saxman. I was disappointed in the condition of the park, the very minimal number of totem poles, and that it was a waste of time.
Patricia V
Belleville, Canada591 contributions
What is the admission charge?
Mahadera
Las Vegas, NV1,009 contributions
I really don't know. We were on a cruise ship and we paid the tour price which included the bus, the tour of the Village and the Bight Totem Pole Park and the dance presentation by the Tlingit people.
photoman9
Jackson, TN5 contributions
How do I get there using public transportation?
rudit
Anchorage, AK6 contributions
Take the Silver Line bus south to Saxman. Just ask the driver, they are very helpful. You can catch it at the Federal Building, a salmon colored building, about 3 blocks from the docks. The crossing guards will get you to a bus stop, no worries.
Lindy M
Loxahatchee, Florida, United States13 contributions
which is a better view of totems and history, Totem Bight Historic Park or Saxman Totem Park?
maryjaned252
Chehalis, WA53 contributions
Totem Bight was the better historical visit by far. it is a beautiful setting and informative items along the trails throughout. A wheelchair route is also available.
Frequently Asked Questions about Saxman Native Village
- We recommend booking Saxman Native Village tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 7 Saxman Native Village tours on Tripadvisor
- According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience Saxman Native Village:
- Totems, City & Wildlife by Cable Car Trolley (From $79.00)
- Bears, Totems and City Highlights Van/Ground Tour (From $59.00)
- Ketchikan Exclusive Private Group Tour (Price up to 11 Passengers) (From $625.00)
- Ketchikan All In One (From $94.00)
- Ketchikan’s Premier Land and Sea Tour Package (From $289.00)
- Hotels near Saxman Native Village:
- (2.35 mi) Inn at Creek Street
- (0.73 mi) Edgewater Bed and Breakfast
- (4.48 mi) The Landing Hotel
- (7.18 mi) Black Bear Inn
- (2.46 mi) Waterfall Resort Alaska
- Restaurants near Saxman Native Village:
- (0.47 mi) Ketchikan's Gold Pan Pizza
- (2.33 mi) Alaska Fish House
- (2.71 mi) The Asylum Bar
- (2.70 mi) Burger Queen
- (5.74 mi) George Inlet Crab Feast