Clark's Bears facts for kids
| Previously known as Clark's Trading Post | |
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| Location | Lincoln, New Hampshire, U.S. |
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| Coordinates | 44°2′54″N 71°41′8″W / 44.04833°N 71.68556°W |
| Status | Operating |
| Opened | 1928 |
| Owner | Privately owned |
| Slogan | "Family Fun and Family Run Since 1928" |
| Operating season | mid-May to mid-October |
| Attractions | |
| Total | Merlin's Mystical Mansion |
| Water rides | Anaconda Escape, Blaster Boats |
| Other rides | White Mountain Central Railroad |
| Shows | Summer Circus |
Clark's Bears is a super fun place to visit in Lincoln, New Hampshire, USA. It's nestled in the beautiful White Mountains. Until 2019, it was known as Clark's Trading Post. This special spot is famous for its amazing trained bears. It also has the White Mountain Central Railroad, a cool 30-minute train ride powered by a steam engine. The park is easy to find along U.S. Route 3. It is about one mile north of North Woodstock village.
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History of Clark's Bears
Clark's Bears started way back in 1928. It began as a small roadside stand called "Ed Clark's Eskimo Sled Dog Ranch." Here, visitors could buy souvenirs. They could also see Florence and Ed Clark's Labrador sled dogs.
In 1931, the Clarks bought their first black bear. They used the bear to attract more tourists. Later, in 1949, the Clark sons, Edward and Murray, began training the bears. They created the popular bear show that many people enjoy today.
Building the White Mountain Central Railroad
In the 1950s, the Clark brothers started collecting old steam locomotives. They put these trains on display at the Trading Post. This collection led to a big idea: building their own train ride! They decided to create the White Mountain Central Railroad. This was a special tourist railroad with a standard-sized track.
Construction on the railroad began in 1955. The very first train ride happened on July 30, 1958.
The Covered Bridge and Train Ride
The railroad has a really old and cool Howe truss covered bridge. This bridge was built in 1904. It was first located in East Montpelier, Vermont. There, it crossed the Winooski River and carried trains for another railroad.
The Clark brothers bought this bridge in 1964. They carefully took it apart. Then, they moved it and put it back together. Now, it crosses the Pemigewasset River right near Clark's Bears.
Today, the train ride is usually pulled by a 1920 Climax steam locomotive. During the middle of the fall foliage season, a 1943 GE 65-ton switcher (which uses diesel power) pulls the train. The 30-minute train ride is exciting! It includes a fun appearance by a character called the Wolfman. He pretends to be a wild prospector. He tries to protect his special mine by playfully bothering the train passengers.
Fun Museums at Clark's Bears
Clark's Bears also has several interesting museums for you to explore:
- Americana Museum – This museum has collections of old American items. You can see steam and gas engines, early home appliances, and old advertisements.
- 1884 Pemigewasset Hook and Ladder Fire Station – Here, you can see horse-drawn fire engines. There are also old wagons and firefighting tools.
- Clark History Museum – Learn all about the history of Clark's Trading Post. Discover more about the Clark family who started it all.
- Florence Murray Museum – This museum features antique games, old guns, swords, and souvenir china. You can also see typewriters and railroad items.
- Avery's Garage – This is a replica of an old gas station. It has cool early car items, vintage motorcycles, and antique cars.
See also
