Chief Little Owl, The Atlantic Coastal Plain Travel Guide

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A towering tribute to the Nanticoke tribe, Chief Little Owl has welcomed visitors to Bethany Beach since 1976.

Chief Little Owl is a prominent wooden sculpture at the entrance to Bethany Beach, Delaware. Carved by Peter Wolf Toth as part of his 'Trail of the Whispering Giants,' it represents a tribute to the local Nanticoke tribe and has become a beloved symbol of the town. The current statue, dedicated in 2002, is the third iteration, replacing previous versions damaged by weather and termites.

A brief summary to Chief Little Owl

214 DE-26, Bethany Beach, Delaware, 19930, US
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From Eve

Know before you go

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

Take a photo with Chief Little Owl to commemorate your visit to Bethany Beach.
Learn about the history of the Nanticoke tribe at the Nanticoke Indian Museum in Oak Orchard.
Visit the beach and other attractions in Bethany Beach after seeing the sculpture.

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Explore Chief Little Owl on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Chief Little Owl, mapped for you.

Getting There

Walking

Chief Little Owl is located at 214 DE-26, Bethany Beach, DE 19930, at the intersection of Route 26 and Garfield Parkway. If you are in downtown Bethany Beach, simply walk west along Garfield Parkway. The statue is easily visible from the intersection.
Public Transport

The Bethany Beach Trolley and the DART Beach Bus both serve Bethany Beach. The DART 208 bus stops at Garfield Avenue and Pennsylvania Avenue, which is a short walk to the statue. The Bethany Beach Trolley is free and runs from Memorial Day through mid-September. You can flag down the trolley anywhere along its route, except on Route 26, Route 1, and Jefferson Bridge Road. DART Beach Bus fares are $4 per day.
Driving

If driving, approach Bethany Beach via Route 26 or Route 1. Chief Little Owl is located at the intersection of these two roads. Parking is available in public parking spaces throughout Bethany Beach. From May 15th to September 15th, parking costs $4 per hour. Payment can be made at pay stations using credit cards or quarters, or via the Parkmobile app. Daily and weekly permits are available for purchase online. Parking is free from September 16th to May 14th.

Discover more about Chief Little Owl

Greeting visitors at the entrance to Bethany Beach, Delaware, stands 'Chief Little Owl,' a towering sculpture that has become synonymous with the town itself. This impressive figure is part of the 'Trail of the Whispering Giants,' a series of Native American sculptures created by Hungarian-born artist Peter Wolf Toth, with the goal of placing one in every state to honor America's indigenous peoples.The original 'Chief Little Owl' was carved in 1976 from a poplar tree. The statue is named in honor of Charles C. “Little Owl” Clark, who served as chief of the Nanticokes from 1933 until his death in 1971. Over time, the elements took their toll, and the original sculpture was toppled by a storm in 1992. Termite damage and rot had irreparably weakened the structure. A second sculpture, created by Dennis Beach, also succumbed to the effects of the weather and was removed in 2000.In 2002, Toth returned to carve a new 'Chief Little Owl' from durable Alaskan red cedar, ensuring a longer lifespan for this iconic landmark. The current 24-foot carving depicts a Nanticoke Indian chief with an eagle atop his head. The sculpture was blessed by Charles “Little Owl” Clark IV, a descendant of the Nanticoke leader, during a dedication ceremony. While often referred to as a totem pole, Toth has clarified that his work is intended as art depicting Native Americans, rather than a replication of Native American art forms.