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Discover New Bern’s Iconic Bear Town Bears Wander through historic downtown New Bern and you’ll spot something delightfully unexpected—colorful, life-sized bear statues on nearly every corner. These hand-painted bears celebrate the city’s Swiss heritage and artistic spirit, turning a simple stroll into a fun and family-friendly scavenger hunt.
One of New Bern’s most beloved and quirky traditions is its Bear Town Bears—over 80 life-sized, artist-painted bear statues scattered throughout the historic downtown. These vibrant sculptures aren’t just eye-catching—they're a nod to the city's Swiss roots and a fun, family-friendly way to explore the area.
📖 Why Bears?
New Bern was founded in 1710 by settlers from Bern, Switzerland. The name “Bern” translates to “bear” in Old German, and ever since, the bear has been the city’s symbol. In 2010, to celebrate New Bern’s 300th anniversary, a public art initiative placed dozens of fiberglass bears around town. Each bear was uniquely painted by local artists to reflect the community’s history, culture, and creativity.
Today, the Bear Town Bears are a cherished part of the city’s identity—and a must-see for visitors of all ages.
🗺️ Suggested Bear Scavenger Hunt (Walking Route)
Make your way through downtown New Bern and try to spot as many bears as you can! Here’s a fun walking route covering some of the most photogenic and iconic ones:
🔁 Start: Union Point Park
🧸 Stop 1: "Bern Bear" – Corner of Middle & Broad
🧸 Stop 2: "Bearer of Rights" – Courthouse area
🧸 Stop 3: "Pepsi Bear" – Next to the Birthplace of Pepsi Store
🧸 Stop 4: "Book Bear" – Near The Next Chapter Books & Art
🧸 Stop 5: "Crafty Bear" – Close to Mitchell Hardware
🧸 Stop 6: "River Bear" – Back at Union Point Park
💡TIP: Stop by the New Bern Visitors Center at 316 S. Front Street to pick up a Bear Town Bears Map, or download the latest brochure here.
🎒 Tips for Your Bear Adventure
✅ Quick Highlights
Category
Details
🐻 Total Bears
Over 80 and counting
🎨 Artist-made
Each bear is uniquely hand-painted
📍 Locations
Primarily in Downtown New Bern
🗺️ Map Access
Visitor Center & online printable brochure
🎯 Fun Factor
Family-friendly, Instagram-worthy, educational
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