Clark's Trading Post

"White Mountain family Classic"

Clark’s trading post is an 80 year family tradition in the White Mountains. It was begun by  Florence and Edward Clark in 1928 as a sled dog show. The first bear show was added in 1931 and remains today. Clark's Trading post has  grown over these 80 years to include several attractions where your family can spend an entire day.

We arrived just after 2pm and were concerned that we would not be able to take in all the attractions before they closed at 5:30. However we were able to fit in every attraction and had an enjoyable time.
When we first got there we went on a scheduled train ride. The highlight of train ride was the quasi mascot of the post is the Wolfman. He is an angry character with long hair and beard. He is certainly harmless but might be frightening to small children. He appears to be angry with the establishment and chases down the train with pretend guns and lots of yelling. The train eventually turns around for a safe ride home. However there are touches of Wolfman all over the park; the gift shoppe sells Wolfie hats, the park map has Wolfie puzzles and he will pose for a picture with you when the park closes for the day. Most kids love the Wolfman, ours included.

After the train ride we watched the bear show which was the founding show at the post. The bear show was an exhibition on bear training and had jokes woven in between. They have raised and trained many black bears for the shows over the years and their bears that have passed have a final resting place on the grounds. The descendants of the original founder continue the training and shows like their father before. In the same arena the Yandong Chinese Acrobatic Troupe performs a few shows a day. This show may change seasonally. Both shows are reasonably timed so as to keep the attention of all of the youngsters in the audience.

In addition to the shows there are other attractions to see in between including Merlin’s Mystical Mansion and Tuttle’s Rustic House. Both of these attractions are quick and are based on illusion and suitable for all ages. We also spent some time on the climbing tower. The kids kept trying over and over until they could ring the bell at the top. What the kids liked most about Clark’s Trading Post was the Segway Park. They have 2 Segway attractions. The White Mountain Segway ride is included in the price of admission. You must be 48 inches to ride. We were all able to ride and my 6 year old just made it after being measured twice. You receive a quick lesson on Segway gliding and set out over a small course. Your glide is timed and you return when the timer goes off. This attraction seemed to have the most people in line and had we been earlier we might have been able to participate twice. There is also another Segway tour for an additional; $25.00 called Wolfman’s Segway safari. You must be at least 15 to participate as you enter the notorious Wolfman territory and glide on public roads, highways and off road trails. .

There are several other smaller attractions including photo booths, Post history museums and shoppes at Clarks Trading Post as well as water blaster boats where you get soaked. We have been to the White Mountains many times and never stopped at Clarks. We had a very pleasant afternoon and the kids enjoyed all of the attractions in the fresh mountain air. The park is very clean and well-organized and the staff friendly and accommodating.  We plan on stopping in again the next time we head for the White Mountains.

All attractions mentioned above except the special Segway ride are included in the price of admission. Ages 4 to 64 are $18.00. Ages 1-3 are free and 65 and up are $16.00.

This review is based on a complimentary family visit to Clark's Trading Post. I received no other compensation beside the visit and Clark's Trading Post did not state any requirements that I express a particular view