Discover Alaska Native Stories through Totem Poles in Juneau, AK

Visiting Juneau offers a unique opportunity to experience Alaskan Native culture firsthand, and one of the best ways to do that is by exploring the city’s historical collection of totem poles. But with so many totem poles located throughout downtown, where do you begin? How do you ensure you see the most significant ones, understand their meaning, and make the most of your time?  

That’s where the Kootéeyaa Deiyí (Totem Pole Trail) comes in — an easily walkable route that leads you through Juneau’s rich Indigenous heritage, with each pole offering a deeper connection to the land and the people who have called it home for thousands of years. Get ready to learn the stories of Alaska’s Indigenous people one totem at a time! 

Totem Pole Trail in Juneau 

Walking along the scenic waterfront in downtown Juneau, you’ll find Kootéeyaa Deiyí, or the Totem Pole Trail, a collection of towering symbols that tell the stories of Alaska’s Indigenous people. Each totem pole here reflects the deep cultural traditions of the Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian, honoring their histories, clan relationships, and spiritual beliefs. 

Located on Heritage Square in the center of the Sealaska Heritage Arts Campus in downtown Juneau, the three-sided Sealaska Cultural Values Pole reflects four core values, with intricate carvings representing the Land, People, Balance, and Strength. Nearby, the Lẻeneidỉ Pole tells the story of how the Raven brought daylight into the world. Another impressive carving, the Haida Eagle Pole, stands as a tribute to the Haida people who migrated to Southeast Alaska. Featuring symbols such as the Frog, Beaver, and Bear, it embodies the belief that everything, including the Sun, Moon, and Stars, has a spirit. 

As you continue down the seawalk, ten additional totem poles offer a glimpse into Indigenous storytelling, with figures that serve as more than decoration. They hold history, lineage, and teachings that have been passed down for generations. You can learn more and get a Totem Trail map here. 

Other Notable Totem Poles in Juneau 

Beyond the Kootéeyaa Deiyí trail, several other remarkable totem poles can be found throughout downtown Juneau. 

• Harnessing the Atom Pole (Outside City Museum) – A unique pole that blends traditional Indigenous artistry with a modern theme, symbolizing the impact of nuclear energy on Native lands and communities. 
• Friendship Totem Pole (Juneau Courthouse Lobby) – A newly conserved and striking representation of the unity between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people, this totem pole emphasizes shared history and cooperation. 
• Wasgo Totem Pole/The Old Witch Totem Pole (State Office Building) – Carved by Kitkoojawus (Dwight Wallace), a Tlingit carver, around 1880, this pole was purchased by Dr. Robert Simpson and displayed in front of his wife’s store, The Nugget Shop. It was donated to the city upon his passing.  
• The Governor’s Totem Pole (Governor’s Mansion) – Standing proudly outside the historic residence, this pole represents the story of creation and how the earth became populated with animals. 
• Wooshkeetann (State Office Building) – This recently refurbished (and relocated) pole honors the original inhabitants of the Juneau area, showcasing their heritage and contributions. 
• Four Story Totem Pole (Outside City Museum) – One of the tallest poles in Juneau at 35 feet, this intricate carving shares four clan stories across its towering height. 

Whether you explore on your own or join a guided Juneau walking tour, these incredible works of art will leave you with a greater appreciation for the stories they carry. 

Take a Guided Tour to Learn About Juneau’s Totem Poles 

For curious travelers seeking meaningful cultural experiences, the Alaska Native Tour offers a rich and respectful introduction to the traditions of Alaska’s Indigenous peoples. Through powerful storytelling, you’ll gain insight into a way of life that has thrived for generations in harmony with the natural world. 

You’ll discover how ancestral practices not only align with modern environmental science but often enhance it. Along the way, you’ll visit eight intricately carved totem poles—but more than that, you’ll hear the stories of the people and places they represent. It’s a journey of understanding, where culture isn’t just observed—it’s experienced. 

Embarking on the Totem Pole Trail and participating in a guided walking tour are enriching ways to experience Juneau’s cultural heritage, making your visit both memorable and meaningful.