Potlatch Totem Park
Potlatch Totem Park
4.5
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
Welcome to Potlatch Park! We host some of the finest native art in the world. The park features an authentic tribal house, cedar totem poles, and a carving center. We also have a car museum!
Duration: 2-3 hours
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5 within 3 miles
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10 within 6 miles
See what travelers are saying
- Karen123WVElkins, West Virginia324 contributionsReally interesting visitWhat an amazing place to visit. Our guide did a terrific job explaining about the totem poles and the various buildings at the site. Learning about native culture is always a plus to me when visiting somewhere. Most of the gift shop items seems to be locally made but I did notice a few that had "made in China" on them so check before you buy if you want local items.Visited June 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten June 8, 2024
- jerrys01Bel Air, Maryland647 contributionsLearning a little about the native Alaska peopleOur tour guide brought us through the park to explain how the native people lived hundreds of years ago. Housing was communal, so I'm not sure how private, personal moments were handled. We were also able to see numerous totem poles, where the stories were explained. We also were able to see a totem pole under construction. The trip was educational.Visited June 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten July 5, 2024
- Catherine C16 contributionsPotlatch Park KetchikanMy husband and I enjoyed our visit to Potlatch Park. We learned a lot about this family-owned park and the legend associated with the totem poles. The totem poles, buildings, antique cars, and museum were a nice surprise on our Alaskan journey.Visited August 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten August 1, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
394 reviews
Excellent
221
Very good
119
Average
41
Poor
7
Terrible
6
jerrys01
Bel Air, MD647 contributions
Jun 2024 • Couples
Our tour guide brought us through the park to explain how the native people lived hundreds of years ago. Housing was communal, so I'm not sure how private, personal moments were handled. We were also able to see numerous totem poles, where the stories were explained. We also were able to see a totem pole under construction. The trip was educational.
Written July 5, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
eyehearttravelling
Buckinghamshire, England296 contributions
Jun 2022
We were disappointed with this trip. Although our bus driver explained about the history and stories behind the totem poles and the clan house we felt it was all too 'new' and lacked a sense of real history. We were told that totem poles only last about 80 years so maybe that is why the replicas didn't 'feel real'.
Nice gift shop at the end.
Nice gift shop at the end.
Written June 25, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for the input! The tribal house and carving center are authentic and based off historical buildings. We would love to tell you more about the park if you visit again.
Written June 9, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Jp P
17 contributions
May 2023
Place would be tough to find on your own. Lots of interesting displays to see for free. Museum has gift shop and a rare guns display even if you're not into that. Many totems and antique cars too.
Written May 30, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for the review! We are working on our marketing to reach more people! Hope you can come visit again!
Written June 8, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Karen123WV
Elkins, WV324 contributions
Jun 2024 • Couples
What an amazing place to visit. Our guide did a terrific job explaining about the totem poles and the various buildings at the site. Learning about native culture is always a plus to me when visiting somewhere. Most of the gift shop items seems to be locally made but I did notice a few that had "made in China" on them so check before you buy if you want local items.
Written June 8, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
cedar4604
North Richland Hills, TX1,131 contributions
Sep 2024 • Couples
We turned into Totem Bight, but weren't sure where to park. Then suddenly we were at Potlatch. The nice guy at the gift shop said it was free to look, so we did the short walk in the rain. The totem poles were interesting. We were the only ones there.
Written September 19, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kimberlea A
Colorado Springs, CO32 contributions
Jul 2023 • Friends
The totems were very interesting, I would have liked to have something in writing to refer to regarding each totem.
We saw a whale just cruising along.
The Lumberjack show was so much fun. Too bad no videos were to be taken. The seats were covered bleachers.
I would do a return trip.
We saw a whale just cruising along.
The Lumberjack show was so much fun. Too bad no videos were to be taken. The seats were covered bleachers.
I would do a return trip.
Written August 1, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
George C
Edinburgh, UK273 contributions
May 2011 • Couples
On a previous visit to Ketchikan we had visited Totem Bight State Historical Park but had not at that time known that there was another park right next door. It is Potlatch Park, barely a one minute walk from the entrance to Totem Bight.
In May we made a repeat visit to Ketchikan and this time headed first of all to Potlatch Park. In addition to some amazing poles and clanhouses, Potlach has a carving centre and if you are there when the carver is, you can watch her at work. If she is not there, you can still view her "work in progress" and see the tools and designs she uses to create a totem pole. There is also a small antique car museum, some indoor displays including stuffed animals and birds, some antique firearms.....and a very extensive gift shop.
The two parks have some similarities but are also different so a visit to one should definitely include a visit to the other. As their totem poles are different you get a great variety to look at, but by visiting both you also get the opportunity to see the work and skill involved in carving a totem pole.
Both Totem Bight and Potlatch Park have free admittance and are an easy bus ride from Ketchikan. The same bus stop does for both, it is actually the terminus. Currently $1 pp each way, only 50 cents each way for seniors.
http://www.potlatchpark.com/index.html
In May we made a repeat visit to Ketchikan and this time headed first of all to Potlatch Park. In addition to some amazing poles and clanhouses, Potlach has a carving centre and if you are there when the carver is, you can watch her at work. If she is not there, you can still view her "work in progress" and see the tools and designs she uses to create a totem pole. There is also a small antique car museum, some indoor displays including stuffed animals and birds, some antique firearms.....and a very extensive gift shop.
The two parks have some similarities but are also different so a visit to one should definitely include a visit to the other. As their totem poles are different you get a great variety to look at, but by visiting both you also get the opportunity to see the work and skill involved in carving a totem pole.
Both Totem Bight and Potlatch Park have free admittance and are an easy bus ride from Ketchikan. The same bus stop does for both, it is actually the terminus. Currently $1 pp each way, only 50 cents each way for seniors.
http://www.potlatchpark.com/index.html
Written June 23, 2011
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Joyce C
Barnesville, GA10 contributions
May 2014 • Couples
We went to Totem Bright (next door) and happened across Potlatch Totem Park. Wish we had more time to spend there, it was so beautiful. The totem poles were much better than others in the area. And we were able to see 2 totem poles that were being carved. We rode the public bus from town, $1 each way. Both Potlatch totem Park and Totem Bright State Park have free admission. I highly recommend visiting both. The gift shop at Potlatch Totem Park was very nice and not outrageous. It was an inexpensive but relaxing outing, don't pay the $40 excursion price thru the cruiselines!
Written June 4, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jujuju2
34 contributions
Jun 2013 • Couples
We had visited Ketchikan on cruise ships several times before, but never even knew this park existed until I happened upon a mention of it and researched to find out where it is. Imagine my surprise to find it is right smack dab adjoining Totem Bight State Park. When you get out of your bus or vehicle in Totem Bight parking lot, walk over to the next parking lot south (towards town), and you will find Potlatch Totem Park.
Read the rest of the reviews to find out what is there. I will tell you how to have a wonderful shore excursion for $2 per person, $1 if over 65. Exit your ship and look left. That is north. Cross the street and walk along northbound, paying attention to the signposts, until you find one that says Bus Stop. Catch the Blue city bus going north. Fare is $1, exact change, 50 cents if over 65. Tell the driver you are going to Potlatch Park. He or she will tell you everything else you need to know, like where to get off, and when and where to catch the return bus (same place you got off, in the parking lot). Allow about three hours, four if you want to visit both Potlatch and Totem Bight.
Read the rest of the reviews to find out what is there. I will tell you how to have a wonderful shore excursion for $2 per person, $1 if over 65. Exit your ship and look left. That is north. Cross the street and walk along northbound, paying attention to the signposts, until you find one that says Bus Stop. Catch the Blue city bus going north. Fare is $1, exact change, 50 cents if over 65. Tell the driver you are going to Potlatch Park. He or she will tell you everything else you need to know, like where to get off, and when and where to catch the return bus (same place you got off, in the parking lot). Allow about three hours, four if you want to visit both Potlatch and Totem Bight.
Written July 22, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jan33694
Wheat Ridge, CO9 contributions
Aug 2012 • Solo
This park is not to be missed, for it goes way beyond having incredible Totem Poles! It is the BEST representation of a Tlingit village that I personally found in my 2 1/2 weeks as an independent traveler through the Inside Passage from Sitka to Ketchikan. My suggestion is to go to their website and see firsthand on the video what I mean! The location is perfect, because it is adjacent to Totem Bight State Park. We just walked over from their parking lot. In addition, the gift shop is huge with a wide variety items, including a small museum.
Written August 8, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi, approximately how far of a walk is it from the bus stop to the Potlatch Totem Park? I know it doesn’t look far on the map but I have elderly people with me and they want to confirm. Also how often does the bus pass by. Is there a place to sit and wait for the bus? Thanks so much! Looking forward to seeing the park!!
Written April 10, 2024
How to get there and the fees
Written June 22, 2023
Ayme Z
Ketchikan, Alaska
Hi! You can either book a tour off the cruise ship or book an independent tour on the dock! You can also take a taxi or the city bus out here as well! Feel free to call us if you have any other questions!
Written June 22, 2023
Would like to know difference between Potlatch Totem Park and Totem Bight State Historical Park. Is there an admission fee for either Park.
Thanks
Written September 25, 2019
There is no admission fee for either park. I've heard the parks are similar, and quite close to each other. I chose to visit Potlatch because I did a Celebrity cruise tour for US$75 that included a bus tour from the cruise dock through Ketchikan up to Potlatch Totem Park, a guided tour through the Totem Park, bus ride back and then the Lumberjack Show. (I think it was called the Ketchikan Highlights and Lumberjack Show).
Written September 25, 2019
The disappointing description of this traveler is describing Saxman Totem Village, not Potlatch Park.
Saxman has guests watch a video in the community house, then walk through the rain forest trail and into tribal house for native dancers. Potlatch Park is self-guiding or with tour guide of a native village replicate, carving center and clan house; showcasing an antique firearms collection and antique auto collection (Stanley Steamer) and fabulous gift store. Don't give a poor rating to Potlatch which is FREE to the public; give it to Saxman which charges $5 to the walk-in guests who get grounds only and $$$ for exclusivity, some describe as overrated and disappointing! LHD.
Written September 7, 2019
I agree with above 2 answers... great walk, plenty of totems and vintage cars( not really part of presentation, but in a garage which u can go thro’)
Written September 7, 2019
there are some very old poles here. as has been stated many are replacements which does not take away from the native history . throughout town you will see poles in front if the homes also. but I recommend potlatch park and the forestry park next door to it. I live here and this bus where I take my visitors.
Written July 22, 2017
How much is a private tour for 3?. What does it cover?How long does it last? What time do you start We will be in Ketchikan on August 14th on Royal Caribbean.
9 AM start would be perfect.
Please respond
Wendy Schelew
wendyschelew@gmail.coim
Written August 4, 2016
I a traveler not a tour company sorry
Written January 26, 2017
We are going to be in Ketchikan from 6am to 1:30 pm. Knowing my crew of not-so-early risers i am somewhat leery of us using public transport safely. i would like to see both Potlatch and Totem Bight. The cruise tour is expensive and doesn't leave much time in either place. is there another tour company that would get me out there (and back in time!) and let me experience both places? There is a longer viatour tour that says it goes to totem bight but doesn't include Potlatch. Aren't they right next to each other? Can i sneak away and see both? Could we just take a taxi?
Written May 22, 2016
Hi, we used Ketchikan Taxi cab tours who charge a flat hourly rate of ~$74.00 per hour. You can book this in advance, Kat and Dave were absolutely wonderful and very knowledgeable tour guides who make it easy to find by waiting across the street from the pier, "look for a sign with your name on it". In fact we could see them from our stateroom as we waited to disembark.
There were six of us, all adults and the Van they use was very comfortable.
Put the Totem parks first on your list and you should have no problems with a 9am or even 10am start to see the Totem parks. Most shopping is around town by the pier and you can easily walk to local Creek Street shops and still be back in time.
For me this was the way to go, and knowing I had the booking in advance was less stressful.
Enjoy your cruise!
Kat
Written May 29, 2016
Kanoe Z
Ketchikan, Alaska
If you come on a guided tour through the numerous outlets available the charge will vary. The price includes a tour of the Park, Carving Center & Musuem.
If you come as an independent traveler the Park is complimentary.
We look forward to you enjoying your visit at Potlatch Park.
Written April 11, 2016
We are cruising on Carnival and will stop here in late June. I saw an independent tour for Potlatch Totem Park for same price as Carnival tour to Totem Bight State Park. I did a map search and it appears the two locations are very close (as Potlatch is located on the state park or next to). Can someone confirm that if I take the carnival excursion Potlatch is the totem park we will see?
Written April 5, 2016
Potlatch is privately owned and does adjoin Totem Bight. Potlatch has demonstrations and exhibits. Totem Bight has all of the totem poles and lodgepole houses. Both are nice but Totem Bight is probably what you would enjoy the most. It is beautiful.
Written April 11, 2016
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