A New Hampshire Tradition Since 1928

look more at the family’s relationship to black bears below.

In the 1950s, the Clarks began salvaging old steam locomotives and displaying them at their Trading Post. This led to the construction of the White Mountain Central Railroad, using standard-gauge track, in 1955. The steam-powered train ride was first offered on July 30, 1958, ultimately reaching 2.5-miles during the 1970s.

In the course of a thirty-minute trip today, passengers are surprised by the appearance of a character known as the Wolfman, a rowdy prospector protecting his unobtainium mine from people on the train. Thus, the Clarks had two key attractions to offer summer visitors to the White Mountains—their bear shows and railroad ride. Before long, the family added substantially to the number of rides and attractions, all of which continue to be provided for the single price of an admission ticket. Today, guests can find—

Museums:

Avery’s Garage, a replica gas station on the Main Street where early motoring memorabilia, vintage motorcycles, and antique autos—including a fully restored 1931 LaSalle Touring car Americana Museum – collections of American historic items including steam and gas engines, early household appliances, period advertising, and other products

1884 Pemigewasset Hook and Ladder Fire Station – horsedrawn fire engines, wagons, and firefighting equipment

Clark History Museum – history of Clark’s Trading Post and the Clark family

Florence Murray Museum – includes antique games, guns, swords, souvenir china, typewriters, and railroad memorabilia

Other Attractions:

Merlin’s Mystical Mansion – purports to turn visitors’ world “upside down”

Anaconda Escape – a water raft ride that speeds visitors through 300 feet of twists, turns, drops, and plunges, before climbing a 40-foot tower offering spectacular views of the park and White Mountains

Old Mill Pond Blaster Boats – visitors splash about and soak others with their own on-board water blaster

Segway Park –two options include a 3-minute trip along 450 feet of track; and, for an additional charge, a 45-minute Segway Safari into the Wolfman’s territory, where guests meet the legendary man himself

Old Man of the Mountain Climbing Tower

There is also a fantastic gift shop, as well as food options at Pullman’s Pizza & Subs and the Whistle Stop Snack Bar.

After nearly a century of operating one of northern New Hampshire’s leading attractions, the Clarks realized that some potential patronage was being lost because people misinterpreted what the name of their Lincoln attraction meant. According to Anne Clark Englert, head of human resources and group sales, “Even after thousands of dollars in marketing was expended, numerous people bypassed Clark’s because they associated the term ‘trading post’ with a large retail store.”

So, in 2019, the family decided to rename the attraction after the true stars—their seven black bears. Thus, Clark’s Trading Post became Clark’s Bears. Today, the bears delight audiences with their impressive tricks and antics. Maureen and Murray Clark have continued a tradition that began in 1949. They state proudly, “No half-hour show is like another because everything from audience reaction to the weather can affect the way bears will perform.”

As part of the Clark family’s ongoing commitment to providing the best possible care and conditions for their bears, they have provided spacious accommodations to house them during the off season. By nature, bears will seek to slow down and look for a comfortable, dark place to sleep as the weather becomes cold. The Clarks’ remote habitat houses the bears during several months when they are not performing in the famous Clark’s Bear show. Each bear has its own den with hay upon which to sleep. For those bears that have trouble falling asleep, a special flap is provided to minimize daylight. Scientists have found that food consumption is not desired after December 7. Therefore, the bears remain in a hibernating state until mid- to late-March, unless the climate is especially cold during early spring. In late May, three of the bears are brought to Clark’s Bears enclosures, in time for their performance season to begin.

Evidence of the love and care provided to its bears by the Clark family is seen in the animals’ longevity. Unlike black bears in the wild, which live for 5 to 7 years on average, most of the Clark’s bears live into their 20s, with some thriving into their 30s.

For people interested in attending a Clark’s Bears performance and taking advantage of the excellent range of activities at the site, tickets will be available in May of 2023. Those seeking information are advised to visit the theme park’s website address: www.ClarksBears.com.

To date, three generations of family members have owned the theme park; and now, a fourth and fifth have joined its workforce. As one repeat patron told the Clarks, “I came here as a child, and now I’m bringing my grandchildren to see the bears. This always will be a trip worth taking.”