What’s there to do in Oklahoma?
Take a cruise down Route 66 and visit the Largest Totem Pole in the World at Ed Galloway’s Totem Pole Park
Many people say there is nothing to do in Oklahoma, but I’m here to tell you those people are mistaken. That’s why we started our “Whats there to do in Oklahoma” series. Oklahoma actually has places to see and things to do that you may have never heard about. Ed Galloway’s Totem Pole is one of those places.
What is the Ed Galloway Totem Pole?
Ed Galloway Totem Pole also known as the worlds largest totem pole. It is made of concrete and is actually billed the “worlds largest concrete totem pole” The totem pole stands at approximately 90 feet tall 27 m and the base is 30 feet wide where it sits on a large turtle. You can come see the totem pole just off Route 66 in Chelsea, Oklahoma. The Totem Pole has designs of over 200 bas relief (art style) images . There are many symbols, animals and Native American Portraits throughout it.
It is very close to Foyil, and not far from Claremore. The television series American Pickers even featured it in an episode and is listed on the National Register of Historical Places. It is owned and operated by the Foyil Heritage Association and the Rogers County Historical Society.
Our Experiences at the Totem Pole Park
I remember first seeing the Ed Galloway Totem Pole on the way to work on a project for my day job. My coworker was surprised I had never seen it or heard of it. I was amazed, having lived in Oklahoma my whole life and I didn’t know of its existence. I had bypassed it on trips by always taking the fastest route and missing this great roadside attraction.
After my initial visit I knew I had to bring the family. They were as amazed as I was. It’s so colorful and elaborate there are so many little things to see hidden throughout it. Every visit we notice something new. It is a great area for photography because of its large size and the many colors.
I make sure to visit it at least once a year just to enjoy it to stretch my legs on a long drive and see what’s new. There’s actually a variety of things you can do at the Totem Pole Park rather than just be in awe at the Totem Pole.
What can you do at the Totem Pole Park?
Around the Totem Pole
There’s more than just a huge totem pole. They have many other structures and pieces of art around it. There are picnic tables, gazebos and plenty of grass. It’s definitely a place for a picnic. They even have a hiking trail, a free restroom and a gift shop/museum.
Inside the Totem Pole
On many of my visits to the Totem Pole I was unable to look inside of it. Thankfully you can now since they have done some renovations and now allow you to look inside though you can’t go up within it anymore.
The Gift Shop/Museum
The gift shop is open from 11am to 3pm Monday through Saturday and 12:30 to 4pm Sunday. The park is normally ran by one of the sweetest ladies ever Lorene Walkingstick.
The museum portion has a great layout of fiddles that Mr. Galloway carved and enjoyed. They also have many informative signs and a large book that teaches the history of Ed Galloway and his Totem Pole Park.
The History
Ed Galloway’s Totem Pole Park was created by … you guessed it Ed Galloway. He was a US Army veteran who served in the Philippines. After serving he started carving sculptures in trees and worked as an art teacher in Sand Springs, Oklahoma. At retirement he moved near Foyil and began constructing the Totem Pole.
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Mr. Galloway lived and worked at the at his park until he died from cancer in 1962.
Today the park continues to get updates and renovations. They recently finished repainting much of the park from cash donations, gift shop purchases and volunteer work.
The Location
Where exactly is the Largest Totem Pole in the World? It is near Route 66 in Chelsea, OK?
It is very close to Foyil, Oklahoma and not far from Claremore. Check out the map below to see exactly where it is and how to get there.
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Want to know more great things to do in Oklahoma?
Check out our What’s there to do in Oklahoma section of our site!
Check out our post about Crystal Digging and more at the Great Salt Plains State Park in Alfalfa, Oklahoma . It is near the Gloss Mountain State Park and can easily be added as a stop on your next road trip!
Does this sound like something you and your family would enjoy? Please share with your friends and plan a trip! Let us know what you think in the comment section below!
Had no idea this was here. We saw some in Vancouver and in Alaska, and they were neat, but this one is huge!
There are some interesting things to do in OK!! thanks for sharing
I’m loving this series!! I know my family would love the totem pole so much! How cool that you can see inside too!
That’s pretty cool! I love all the violins hanging in the background