Family owned and operated since 1928. Today, you can find, third, fourth and fifth generation family members working at the trading post.
I was going to save Clark’s Bears until they opened in May because it’s been a while since I’ve visited. But I’ve had bears on my mind so I decided to squeeze it in.
If you read last weeks blog, I mention going to a friends mill to process wool. I also go to help process wool for her business. One of her clients is Maureen Clark from Clark’s Bears. When the bears shed, she brushes them, collects the fur and brings it to the mill. At the mill, it’s cleaned and carded. From there another friend hand spins it into yarn. Maureen then sends it to a family member in Russia who knits a treasured item. Maureen then gifts it to someone special. I don’t know Maureen but the behind-the-scenes scoop is the same as what you see at the show. Maureen loves her bears.
Reading up on what they’ve been up to at Clark’s, I’m now embarrassed that I haven’t visited more often. Right away I’m sharing the link to their site because it tells the story better than I can. Clarksbears.com
There is a piece about remembering Ed and Murray Clark, sons of Edward and Florence Clark who started the business with Eskimo Sled Dogs in 1928. Clarksbears.com/ed-clark Who would have thought two young men from Lincoln would train British troops to use dog sleds to go behind enemy lines during WWII. Edward also participated in the invasion of Normandy.
When we first started looking at activities for FreakOut we had Clark’s Bears on the list but their 2023 schedule only offers weekends in early June. Thinking along the lines of “Road Trip!”, I still wanted to highlight Clark’s Bears. Maybe it would be a fun heading out of town activity, after the auction on Sunday.
I am fascinated by trains but Ed and Murray Clark went well beyond a mere fascination, they created “Green Pastures for Iron Horses” at the trading post, to rescue steam engines from the cutting torch. If you don’t go for the bear show then the White Mountain Central Railroad will be the ticket. Included in the admission to Clark’s Bears is a 25 minute, 2 1/2-mile train ride aboard their 1943 General Electric diesel locomotive. They also have a 1921 Climax steam locomotive that runs July through Labor Day. You could always come back for that! (Maybe a Fiat drive destination?) There is a separate site, whitemountaincentralrr.com for the trains. I also like the 1904 Howe Truss covered bridge moved from Montpelier, VT. There’s a story there too. Check it out on the railroad site.
The bears and trains are the main attractions but let’s not forget the Anaconda Escape (although I’ll skip this one, I don’t do snakes, even fiberglass ones), Blaster Boats, Climbing Tower (Featuring the Old Man of the Mountain.), Merlin’s Mansion (I think you have to see it to believe it.) and a Segway Park. There’s a very popular Mountain Man, I’m not sure what’s up there but he does have a car.
The trading post also includes, five museums celebrating Americana, six gift shops, and four restaurants. Included in the museums are a few antique cars, motorcycles and hand pump fire trucks.
I wouldn’t mind driving the Moxie car.
Clark’s Bears are open 10:00 to 4:00 on weekends in early June.
Advance Tickets- Full Day, General Admission Ages 6-64, $29, Seniors Ages 65+, $26, Military, with valid ID, $26, Toddlers Ages 1-3, Free. Processing fees apply to all online purchases.
In Person Tickets- Full Day, General Admission Ages 6-64, $33, Seniors Ages 65+, $30, Military, with valid ID, $30, Toddlers Ages 1-3, Free. Processing fees apply to all online purchases. In person tickets are available until park is sold out.
To top it off, you have to get there! One last drive from Bartlett, through Crawford notch and Franconia Notch into Lincoln. Or, from Bartlett to Bear Notch Road and one last trip along the Kancamagus into Lincoln. Either way the views will be great!