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Chief Little Owl: A Symbol of Bethany Beach

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A towering tribute to Native American heritage, Chief Little Owl welcomes visitors to Bethany Beach, Delaware.

Chief Little Owl is a prominent totem pole at the entrance of Bethany Beach, Delaware, honoring the Nanticoke Indian Tribe and Charles C. “Little Owl” Clark, who served as their chief. Created by sculptor Peter Wolf Toth as part of his 'Trail of the Whispering Giants,' it has become an iconic landmark representing the town's history and Native American heritage.

A brief summary to Chief Little Owl

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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.

  • Visit early in the morning or late afternoon for a quieter experience and better lighting for photos.
  • Take time to read the informational plaques nearby for a deeper understanding of the totem's significance.
  • Combine your visit with a stroll on the nearby beach to enjoy the scenic coastal views.

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Getting There

  • Walking

    Chief Little Owl is located at 214 DE-26, Bethany Beach. If you are in downtown Bethany Beach, near the intersection of Garfield Parkway and Atlantic Avenue, head west on Garfield Parkway. Turn left onto DE-26/Pennsylvania Ave. Continue for a short distance; the Totem Pole will be on your left. The walk is approximately 0.2 miles and should take about 5 minutes.

  • Public Transport

    The Bethany Beach Trolley is a free service that operates from Memorial Day through mid-September. Check the trolley route map to see if there is a stop near your location. The trolley can be flagged down anywhere along the route except on Route 26, Route 1, and Jefferson Bridge Road. Get off the trolley near the intersection of DE-26 and Pennsylvania Ave. Walk a short distance to the Totem Pole.

  • Driving

    If driving from the north or south, take Route 1 to Bethany Beach. Turn west onto Garfield Parkway, then turn left onto DE-26/Pennsylvania Ave. The Totem Pole will be on your left. Parking: From May 15th to September 15th, parking is enforced in Bethany Beach. Parking costs $4.00 per hour. Daily permits are available for $40. Pay stations accept credit cards and quarters. Parking is free outside of the dates of enforcement.

Discover more about Chief Little Owl

Located at the entrance to Bethany Beach, Delaware, Chief Little Owl stands as a towering tribute to the area's Native American history. This impressive totem pole is part of Peter Wolf Toth's 'Trail of the Whispering Giants,' a series of sculptures honoring Native Americans across the United States and Canada. The original sculpture was erected in 1976 as part of the US Bicentennial celebrations.The current iteration, dedicated in 2002, is the third totem pole to grace this location. The first, carved from poplar, succumbed to termite damage and was toppled in a storm in 1992. A second sculpture also suffered from rot and was removed in 2000. Toth returned to carve the current version from red cedar, ensuring its legacy endures. The sculpture is named in honor of Charles C. “Little Owl” Clark, who served as chief of the Nanticoke Indian Tribe from 1933 until his death in 1971. The carvings include an eagle at the top and the face of Chief Little Owl himself.While often referred to as a totem pole, Toth distinguished his work as art depicting Native Americans rather than a replica of Native American art. The statue has become a beloved landmark for visitors and residents alike, symbolizing the town's unique character and history.

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