The Best Native Cultural Experiences in Alaska
- Ketchikan Totem Poles: The junction of three totem-making tribes -- Tlingits, Haida, and Tsimshian -- the island has three unique places to see totem poles: historic poles indoors at the Totem Heritage Center, faithful reproductions outdoors in a natural setting at Totem Bight State Park, and brand-new poles as they are created in a workshop at the Saxman Native Village Totem Pole Park.
- Sitka: The Tlingits influence remains strong here, where they met Russian settlers in two battles more than 200 years ago. There are a significant number of totem poles at the Sitka National Historic Park, a grand clan house to tour, and an astonishing collection of Native art from around the state at the Sheldon Jackson Museum.
- Alaska Native Heritage Center (Anchorage): All of Alaska's Native groups joined together to build this grand living museum and gathering place, where dance and music performances, storytelling, and art and craft demonstrations happen daily.
- Iñupiat Heritage Center (Barrow): A living museum, this is a place to meet and enjoy performances by the Native people who built it, and to see extraordinary artifacts they have made and recovered from digs in frozen ground.