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Totem Heritage Center Tours and Tickets

🎧 Available audio guides (5)

Emotional Experience Guide (EN)

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Hidden Gems (EN)

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Local Insights (EN)

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Photo Opportunity (EN)

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Practical Information (EN)

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255 Reviews

1. The Totem Heritage Center in Ketchikan, Alaska is home to a collection of authentic totem poles and Native Alaskan artifacts. The center was established in 1976 to preserve and showcase the totemic art form, which the Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian Native Alaskan tribes have been dedicated to for centuries. The poles on display date back as far as the late 1700s, and many of them have been intricately restored to ensure their longevity. In addition to the totem poles, visitors can also view traditional Native Alaskan art and ceremonial clothing.

2. The Totem Heritage Center is open from Monday to Saturday, from 10am to 4pm. They can be reached at (907) 225-5900.

3. Admission prices as of 2021 are $10 for adults, $8 for seniors, $6 for students, and free for children 18 and under. The center is located in downtown Ketchikan, and is easily accessible by foot or taxi. There is also a city bus that stops nearby.

601 Deermont Street

and personal reflections that enhance the experience of visiting the Totem Heritage Center in Ketchikan.

[Soft, haunting music plays in the background as the sound of gentle rain pattering against the windows sets the tone for your journey through the Totem Heritage Center in Ketchikan. As you enter the center, the earthy scent of cedar greets you, taking you back in time to the days when these majestic totems stood tall and proud in the Alaskan wilderness.

Walking through the dimly lit room, you can feel the weight of history pressing down on you, a palpable sense of the stories and spirits that linger in each carefully carved totem pole. Your fingers brush against the rough bark of the poles, tracing the intricate patterns that tell tales of generations past.

As you move deeper into the center, the light shifts, casting long shadows that dance on the walls like ancient spirits come to life. You can almost hear the creaking of the cedar trees as they sway in the wind, the echo of long-forgotten voices whispering in your ear.

Each totem pole tells a different story, a unique moment captured in time and preserved for generations to come. You can sense the skill and dedication of the carvers who poured their hearts and souls into creating these masterpieces, each stroke of the chisel a labor of love and devotion.

In the quiet stillness of the center, you can feel a deep sense of connection to the land and its people, a shared history that binds us all together in a tapestry of memory and meaning. The totems stand as silent sentinels, guardians of the past and guides to the future, offering a glimpse into a world that is both familiar and foreign.

As you make your way back to the entrance, a sense of peace and reverence settles over you, a newfound appreciation for the beauty and resilience of the Native peoples who created these totem poles. The Totem Heritage Center is not just a museum, but a living testament to the power of art and culture to transcend time and space, touching the heart and soul in ways words cannot express.

With a final glance back at the totems, you step out into the rain-washed streets of Ketchikan, your heart full and your spirit uplifted by the emotional journey you have taken through the Totem Heritage Center. The memory of the totems lingers in your mind long after you have left, a reminder of the enduring legacy of a people whose stories are etched in wood and stone for all eternity.]

The Totem Heritage Center in Ketchikan does not specifically advertise availability of audio descriptive guides or sensory-friendly hours on its website. Visitors who require audio descriptive guides or have sensory sensitivities may want to contact the center directly to inquire about any accommodations that may be available.

The Totem Heritage Center in Ketchikan is a place where the rich history and culture of the native Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian people are preserved and celebrated. Local writers and artists who have visited the center often speak of the deep sense of connection they feel to their ancestors and the land when they are surrounded by the intricate carvings and totem poles that are on display.

One local writer, Sarah Jackson, describes the experience of walking through the center as a powerful reminder of the resilience and creativity of the indigenous peoples of Southeast Alaska. "Each totem pole tells a story, not just of the artist who carved it, but of the tribe it represents and the traditions that have been passed down through generations," she says. "It’s a humbling experience to be in the presence of such incredible craftsmanship and to know that these traditions are still alive and thriving today."

Local artist, David Williams, echoes this sentiment, noting that the Totem Heritage Center serves as a source of inspiration for his own work. "The designs and motifs that I see in the totem poles and carvings here influence my own artistic practice," he explains. "There is something truly special about being able to draw on the heritage and creativity of my ancestors in my own work."

For many local residents, the Totem Heritage Center is more than just a museum – it is a living testament to the enduring cultural identity of the native peoples of Southeast Alaska. As one local artist, Mia Roberts, puts it, "Visiting the center is a way for me to honor my heritage and to connect with the land and the stories that have shaped who I am. It’s a place of beauty and power, and I feel privileged to have it in my community."

### Totem Heritage Center, Ketchikan: Directions and Transportation

The Totem Heritage Center is located at 601 Deermount Street, Ketchikan, Alaska. Here are some transportation options to reach the center:

#### By Car:

- If you are driving, you can easily reach the center by following the directions on your GPS or maps app. Parking is available nearby.

#### By Public Transportation:

- Ketchikan Public Transportation provides bus services that stop close to the Totem Heritage Center. Check the schedule to plan your visit accordingly.

#### By Taxi or Ride-Sharing:

- Taxis and ride-sharing services are also available in Ketchikan and can drop you off at the Totem Heritage Center.

#### Accessibility:

- The Totem Heritage Center is wheelchair accessible. If you have specific accessibility needs, it is recommended to contact the center in advance to make arrangements.

### Totem Heritage Center, Ketchikan: Ticket Booking and Discounts

Tickets for the Totem Heritage Center can be purchased on-site or in advance through their official website. Discounts may be available for:

- Seniors

- Students

- Military personnel

- Local residents

Make sure to check the center’s website for the latest information on ticket prices and available discounts. Group rates may also be available for large parties or educational groups.

### Totem Heritage Center, Ketchikan: Local Amenities

#### Parking:

- There is parking available near the Totem Heritage Center. Follow any posted parking regulations to ensure a hassle-free visit.

#### Restrooms:

- Restrooms are available at the Totem Heritage Center for visitors.

#### Dining Options:

- While the Totem Heritage Center does not have an on-site restaurant, there are dining options nearby in Ketchikan to suit various dietary needs. Feel free to ask the staff for recommendations on local eateries.

Whether you’re arriving by car, public transportation, or taxi, the Totem Heritage Center in Ketchikan offers a culturally enriching experience for visitors of all ages and backgrounds.

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