Chief Little Owl Totem Pole
A towering tribute to local Nanticoke heritage, Chief Little Owl has welcomed visitors to Bethany Beach since 1976.
Chief Little Owl is a landmark totem pole at the entrance to Bethany Beach, Delaware, dedicated to 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
- Click to display
- 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 moment to appreciate the craftsmanship and detail of the carving, especially the depiction of Chief Little Owl and the eagle.
- Learn about the Nanticoke Indian Tribe and their history in the region at the Nanticoke Indian Museum in Oak Orchard.
- Visit the Whispering Giant totem pole at the Ocean City, MD Inlet, another creation by Peter Wolf Toth.
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Getting There
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Walking
Chief Little Owl is located at the intersection of Route 26 and Garfield Parkway, marking the entrance to downtown Bethany Beach. From most points in the downtown area, it's easily accessible on foot. From the Bethany Beach boardwalk, walk west along Garfield Parkway for approximately 2 blocks. The Totem Pole will be on your left as you approach the intersection.
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Public Transport
The Bethany Beach Trolley provides free transport around the town. It operates from Memorial Day through mid-September. You can flag down the trolley anywhere along its route, except on Route 26 and Route 1. The DART Beach Bus also serves Bethany Beach, with a stop at Garfield Avenue and Pennsylvania Avenue, about a 7-minute walk from the Totem Pole. A daily pass on the DART Beach Bus costs $4.
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Driving
If driving, approach Bethany Beach via Route 26. The Totem Pole is located right at the intersection of Route 26 and Garfield Parkway. Note that parking in Bethany Beach during the peak season (May 15 - September 15) is paid parking. The rate is $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, but these are not valid on Garfield Parkway. Parking is free outside of the peak season.
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