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Chief Little Owl: Bethany Beach's Iconic Landmark

A towering tribute to Native American heritage, Chief Little Owl has welcomed visitors to Bethany Beach since 1976.

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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 Nanticoke Indian Tribe and has become an enduring symbol of the town since the first carving in 1976. The current sculpture, dedicated in 2002, is the third iteration, crafted from red cedar to withstand the elements.

A brief summary to Chief Little Owl

  • 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 artistry and history behind this iconic landmark.
  • Learn about the Nanticoke Indian Tribe and their significance to the region.
  • Visit the Nanticoke Indian Museum in Oak Orchard to see the remains of the first 'Chief Little Owl' sculpture.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    Chief Little Owl is located at 214 DE-26, Bethany Beach, DE 19930, at the intersection of Route 26 and Route 1. If you are in the downtown area, simply head west on Garfield Parkway until you reach Route 1. Cross Route 1, and you will see the sculpture on your right. The walk from the boardwalk is approximately 15-20 minutes.

  • Public Transport

    The Bethany Beach Trolley provides free transport around the town. Check the trolley route map and schedule to find the nearest stop to your location. The trolley runs from the Friday before Memorial Day through mid-September. Exit at a stop near the intersection of Route 26 and Route 1. From there, it's a short walk to the sculpture. The DART bus also services Bethany Beach, with the closest bus station being Garfield Ave @ Pennsylvania Ave. From there, it is a 7 minute walk to the sculpture.

  • Driving

    From most points in Bethany Beach, follow signs to Route 26. The sculpture is located at the intersection of Route 26 and Route 1. Parking is available in public parking spaces throughout Bethany Beach. From May 15th to September 15th, parking is enforced. Parking costs $4.00 per hour. Payment can be made at pay stations using credit cards or quarters, or via the Parkmobile app.

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Discover more about Chief Little Owl

Chief Little Owl stands as a welcoming figure at the entrance to Bethany Beach, Delaware. This 24-foot sculpture is more than just a landmark; it's a symbol of the town and a tribute to the Nanticoke Indian Tribe. Created by renowned sculptor Peter Wolf Toth, it's part of his 'Trail of the Whispering Giants' project, which aimed to place a Native American sculpture in every state. The original sculpture was carved in 1976 from a poplar tree as Toth's 22nd stop on his artistic journey. It was named in honor of Charles C. “Little Owl” Clark, who served as chief of the Nanticokes from 1933 until his death in 1971. Unfortunately, the first sculpture succumbed to termite damage and was toppled during a storm in 1992. A second sculpture, created by Dennis Beach, also suffered from rot and had to be removed in 2000. In 2002, Toth returned to carve the current version from Alaskan red cedar, ensuring its legacy endures. The sculpture depicts a Nanticoke Indian chief with an eagle atop his head. While often called a totem pole, Toth distinguished his work as art that 'depicts an Indian, not copies of Indian art'. The Clark family, synonymous with the Nanticoke Tribe, has been part of the tribe since it was formed as the Nanticoke Indian Association in 1921. Today, more than 700 Nanticokes live in Sussex County.

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