Chief Little Owl Totem Pole

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A towering tribute to the Nanticoke tribe, Chief Little Owl stands as a landmark and symbol of Bethany Beach, Delaware, since 1976.

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Chief Little Owl

The Chief Little Owl totem pole is a landmark at the entrance to Bethany Beach, Delaware. Carved by Peter Wolf Toth as part of his 'Trail of the Whispering Giants,' it honors Charles C. 'Little Owl' Clark, a chief of the Nanticoke tribe. The current statue, dedicated in 2002, is the third iteration, replacing previous poles damaged by weather and termites.

A brief summary to Chief Little Owl

214 DE-26, Bethany Beach, Delaware, 19930, US
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Monday 12 am-12 am
Tuesday 12 am-12 am
Wednesday 12 am-12 am
Thursday 12 am-12 am
Friday 12 am-12 am
Saturday 12 am-12 am
Sunday 12 am-12 am

Local tips

Take a photo with the iconic Chief Little Owl totem pole as a memorable keepsake of your visit to Bethany Beach.
Explore the nearby Nanticoke Indian Museum in Oak Orchard to learn more about the history and culture of the Nanticoke tribe.
Combine your visit with a stroll along the Bethany Beach Boardwalk, just a short distance from the totem pole.

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Getting There

Walking

From the Bethany Beach boardwalk, walk west along Garfield Parkway. Turn right onto Delaware Avenue, then left onto Route 26. The Chief Little Owl statue will be on your left as you enter the town. The walk is approximately 5-10 minutes.
Public Transport

The Bethany Beach Trolley provides free transport around the town. Check the trolley route for the nearest stop to your location and ride to the entrance of Bethany Beach on Route 26. The trolley operates from Memorial Day through mid-September. Alternatively, the DART Route 208 bus stops at Garfield Avenue and Pennsylvania Avenue, a 7-minute walk to the statue. A daily pass on the DART bus costs $4.
Driving

From Route 1, turn west onto Route 26. Continue straight; Chief Little Owl will be visible on your left as you enter Bethany Beach. Note that parking in Bethany Beach is paid from May 15 to September 15. Parking costs $4.00 per hour. You can pay at pay stations using credit cards or quarters, or via the Parkmobile app. Daily parking permits are available for purchase online. Parking spaces are limited, especially during peak season.

Discover more about Chief Little Owl

Chief Little Owl stands tall as a welcoming figure at the entrance to Bethany Beach. This 24-foot statue is more than just a carving; it's a tribute to the Nanticoke Indian Tribe and a symbol of the town. The totem pole is named in honor of Charles C. “Little Owl” Clark, who served as chief of the Nanticokes from 1933 until his death in 1971. The original statue was created in 1976 by Peter Wolf Toth, a sculptor who donated similar totem poles to every state in the U.S. as part of his 'Trail of the Whispering Giants' project. Toth, born in Hungary, sought to honor Native Americans through his art. The first pole succumbed to termite damage and toppled in a windstorm in 1992. A second pole, carved by Dennis Beach, also suffered from rot and was removed in 2000. Toth returned in 2002 to carve the current red cedar pole, ensuring a longer lifespan. During the 2022 dedication, Charles “Little Owl” Clark IV, a descendant, blessed the pole with traditional Nanticoke customs. While often called a totem pole, Toth distinguished his work as art depicting Indians rather than copies of Indian art. The statue features a carving of Chief Little Owl and an eagle. The site has become a landmark and is a reminder of the Nanticoke's history in the region.