Bears arrived at Clark's Trading Post in 1930, and the Bear Show was introduced in 1949. For more than half a century, the playful bears have been part of four generations of the Clark family, and they have consistently entertained White Mountains vacationers with their antics. If you can't wait to see the bears in action, start the virtual photo tour now. Or, read on to learn more about the storied history of Clark's Trading Post and how you, too, can visit this popular New Hampshire attraction.
Ed Clark's Eskimo Sled Dog Ranch was opened by Florence M. and Edward P. Clark in 1928. The business's original focus was the raising and exhibiting of Eskimo Sled Dogs. In 1930, the first bears arrived on the premises, and they helped to catch the attention of travelers passing by on Route 3. The Bear Show debuted in 1949, and today, though Clark's Trading Post is an expansive attraction complex with an Americana Museum, Merlin's Mystical Mansion, the White Mountain Central Railroad, bumper boats, specialty shops, dining spots and more, the Bear Show remains the most compelling reason to include a visit to Clark's on your White Mountains itinerary.
Bear Shows are held three times each day at 11 a.m., 1 and 3 p.m. from July 1 through late August; there is also a 7 p.m. show on Saturdays. On weekends from Memorial Day through mid-June and from Labor Day through Columbus Day, shows are held twice daily at noon and 3 p.m. Check the online calendar for complete information on show times. It is definitely a good idea to arrive early, particularly if you want to get a seat for the show. The best vantage point is the second level, where you can look down on the bears without the fencing obstructing your view.
Senior Bear Trainer Murray Clark, who has worked with bears for more than 60 years, and his children, Murray and Maureen, put the bears through their paces and keep them plied with a favorite treat--vanilla ice cream. The elder Murray peppers the show with humorous one-liners, such as cautioning the bears not to eat their ice cream too quickly, or they'll need a Bear (Bayer) aspirin. The family's love and respect for these animal entertainers is abundantly apparent throughout the half-hour performance.
While I was enthralled by the bears as I clicked away with two cameras during the show, I was even more impressed when I returned from New Hampshire and really thought about how bright and amazing these trained bruins are. I, for one, wouldn't be able to wake up from two and a half months of winter slumber and remember any of the tricks I knew the summer before!
What tricks can these bears do? I'd rather show you than tell you, so come along with me on a virtual photo tour for a peek at these incredible animals. I'll prove to you that a bear can be a ham.
If you're going... Clark's Trading Post is open daily from late June through Labor Day. Call ahead, 603-745-8913, or check the online calendar to confirm days of operation in May, June, September and October, when Clark's is primarily open on weekends.
Getting there... Clark's Trading Post is located at exit 33 off I-93. Travel one mile south on Route 3. You can't miss it!
Admission... 2008 rates are $15 per person ages 6 and up. Children ages 3 to 5 are admitted for $6, and children under age 3 are admitted free. There is a $14 rate for seniors ages 65 and up. A season pass is $49. Tickets include all rides, shows and tours.
Clark's Trading Post
Route 3
Lincoln, New Hampshire 03251
603-745-8913
http://www.clarkstradingpost.com
