About Us

Store History - Offering Minnetonka Moccasins since 1952!

Mike and Connie welcome you to Totem Pole and our Website featuring Minnetonka Moccasins. Totem Pole is a family owned business focusing on what people want most; fast, reliable quality service. We spent many years in the corporate world where we learned many things, but nothing more important than the essence of providing outstanding customer service. We purchased the Totem Pole in 2004, growing the company each year, but we never lose site of our strategic goal of gaining and retaining customers through second to none customer care. Our dedicated, enthusiastic staff share in our passion. We may be a smaller family owned business, but we truly believe you will enjoy and appreciate working with us.

The Totem Pole was established in Nisswa Minnesota, located about 2 1/2 hours north of Minneapolis, in 1947. Back then it was known as the Indian Trading Post, also operating as the Tourist Information Center. The actual 24 foot Totem Pole in front of the store was carved in 1949 and is the only known Totem Pole in the World to feature Paul Bunyan. The store was soon changed to the Totem Pole and the building was enlarged. The early years found a Native dancer performing daily on a sand filled ring at the base of the Totem Pole and fresh popcorn was served curbside. Visitors streamed in from the HWY 371 corridor to witness this performance.

The Totem Pole has survived two large fires, one in January of 1968 and the other in September of 1980. In October 2000 the Totem Pole expanded and was totally remodeled. Crews demolished the back of the building while preserving the Main Street store’s front. The goal of renovating the Totem Pole was to retain the stores historic tradition while updating with Nisswa’s continuing growth.

Presently we have two storefront locations in Nisswa and Crosslake Minnesota . Along with our outstanding selection of Minnetonka Moccasins, we carry numerous styles of sport clothing, weather proof jackets, sweatshirts (lots of hoodies) and t-shirts for all ages. We also have a vast selection of jewelry ranging from a unique variety of kid’s jewelry, popular styles for teenage boys and girls to a very nice selection of fine jewelry for adults…all at great prices! We also carry an exclusive selection of authentic hand made Native American artifacts and jewelry including a great assortment of genuine turquoise. The rest of the Totem Pole’s extensive inventory includes collector’s knives, cedar boxes and plaques, huge selection of games, toys for the kids, a gags area second to none (you won’t find fart spray at Wal-Mart!), incense, greeting cards and a limitless array of souvenirs and gifts. We even have a year round Christmas Corner.

Generations after generation have taken pictures in front of the Totem Pole. The pony ride in front of the store now boasts several pictures of three generation families. It's been there since 1958 and it's still only 10 cents to ride!

If you are ever in the northern Minnesota area, Connie and Mike invite you to come visit us at either of our Totem Pole locations. The Totem Pole on Main Street in Nisswa, or the Totem Pole in Town Square, Crosslake.

The Totem Pole…something fun…for everyone!