Ketchikan Highlights, Saxman Native Village, and Lumberjack Show from Ward Cove

Discover the rich Native culture and logging history of Southeast Alaska on this tour from Ward Cove, featuring a visit to Saxman Native Village and the action-packed Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show.

Begin at Saxman Native Village, where you'll learn about the heritage and traditions of the Tlingit community and its ancestral connection to the Saanya Kwaan, the "People of the Southeast Wind." A Cultural Ambassador will greet you in the Tlingit language and guide you into the Beaver Clan House, one of the largest clan houses in Southeast Alaska.

Inside, discover the construction and cultural importance of this community landmark before enjoying a presentation featuring traditional storytelling about the clans and their ancestors. Admire intricate regalia crafted by community Elders and passed down through generations, reflecting the community's enduring traditions.

After the presentation, your Cultural Ambassador will lead you through the Carving Center for a close-up look at totem pole carving and paint production. Continue to the totem pole park, where detailed descriptions introduce the carved figures and explain the cultural significance of each pole.

Next, you'll be dropped off near the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show arena for an exhilarating celebration of Alaska's logging heritage. Watch world-champion athletes in spiked boots and hard hats compete in twelve thrilling events. From wielding seven-pound axes and maneuvering six-foot razor-sharp saws to climbing towering trees and operating roaring chainsaws, these competitors deliver an impressive display of strength, precision, and skill.

Combining cultural storytelling, traditional artistry, and lively entertainment, this tour offers a memorable introduction to the people and history of Southeast Alaska.