Chief Little Owl, Delaware Piedmont Travel Guide

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A towering tribute to local Native American heritage, the Chief Little Owl totem pole is a must-see landmark in Bethany Beach.

A landmark at the entrance to Bethany Beach, the Chief Little Owl totem pole honors Charles C. “Little Owl” Clark, a former chief of the Nanticoke tribe. Carved by Peter Wolf Toth as part of his Trail of the Whispering Giants, it's a tribute to Native American heritage.

A brief summary to Chief Little Owl

214 DE-26, Bethany Beach, Delaware, 19930, US
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Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Chief Little Owl.

Visit early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and enjoy the serene beauty of the beach as a backdrop.
Take time to read the informational plaques near the totem pole to learn more about its significance and the history of the Nanticoke tribe.
Combine your visit with a stroll on the nearby Bethany Beach boardwalk for scenic coastal views and classic beachside fun.

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Getting There

Walking

The Chief Little Owl totem pole is located at the entrance to Bethany Beach on Route 26. If you're already in the downtown area, it's easily accessible on foot. From the Bethany Beach boardwalk, walk west on Garfield Parkway, then turn left onto Delaware Avenue. The totem pole will be on your left, at the intersection of Delaware Avenue and Route 26. The walk is approximately 5-10 minutes from the boardwalk.
Public Transport

The Bethany Beach Trolley provides free transportation around the town, operating from Memorial Day through mid-September. You can board the trolley at various stops along Atlantic Avenue and other locations within Bethany Beach. Check the trolley route map to find the nearest stop and track the trolley's location. Get off the trolley near the intersection of Route 26 and Delaware Avenue, where the totem pole is located. The DART Beach Bus also stops at Garfield Avenue and Pennsylvania Avenue, about a 7-minute walk to the totem pole.
Parking

If driving, be aware that parking in Bethany Beach can be limited, especially during the peak season. Paid parking is in effect from May 15 through September 15. Hourly rates are $4.00 per hour. You can pay at pay stations using credit cards or quarters, or use the ParkMobile app. Daily and weekly permits are available for purchase online, but these are not valid on Garfield Parkway or in residential/business permit areas. Free parking is available off-season (September 16 to May 14). Limited 15-minute free parking spots are available for quick visits.

Discover more about Chief Little Owl

The Chief Little Owl totem pole is an iconic symbol of Bethany Beach, Delaware, standing as a tribute to the Nanticoke Indian Tribe and a welcoming beacon for visitors. The current 24-foot statue, dedicated in 2002, is the third iteration of the landmark, created by sculptor Peter Wolf Toth as part of his “Trail of the Whispering Giants” project, which aimed to place a Native American totem in every state.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 totem pole, carved from poplar, was erected in 1976 but succumbed to termite damage and toppled in a storm in 1992. A second pole, carved by Dennis Beach, also suffered from rot and was removed in 2000. Toth returned to carve the current version from red cedar, a wood known for its longevity. The detailed carving features an eagle at the top and the face of Chief Little Owl himself.While often called a totem pole, Toth distinguished his work as art depicting Native Americans rather than a copy of Native American art. The statue has become a beloved landmark and a reminder of the area's rich Native American history.