Nestled in the hills of the "Great Smoky Mountains" of North Carolina, Chief Saunooke Trading Post is located on the "Cherokee Indian Reservation". This beautiful site on the banks of the Oconoluftee River has been the home of this trading post since 1939. It was first started by Chief of the Cherokee's, Osley Saunooke, as a small road side stop for visitors to the newly formed national park. The little road side stop was added on to several times over the years and became one of the areas most popular attractions. Tourists to the area loved to walk across the swinging bridge, shop for souvenirs and see the live bears in the bear park. In July of 1994, the original building was destroyed by fire. In less than one year, the new building you see was constructed and opened on Memorial Day weekend. With a new modern day look, several new shops and attractions were added and once again, Chief Saunooke Trading Post is first on everyones list of places to visit when they come to Cherokee, North Carolina.