Deep in the heart of the state where there are the fewest people -- in a town with very few people indeed -- bears from around the world have created a place of their own -- the Teddy Bear Den. In this protected basin where the hot mineral springs flow, it is neither too snowy nor too cold (although only the oldest bears would notice such things, as their fur has grown thinner with age). The winter waters do not freeze over; and like the migrating geese and ducks, they find it a pleasant rendezvous site. They indulge in a few games, dance a bit (when no human is looking), renew old friendships, even occasionally wander off in a corner for a winter snuggle and snooze.

They have come from all corners of the globe and continue to come as word spreads.

Now, no other animal loves a good story more than the bear. So when the head bears suggested they re-create the story of bears and teddy bears, of fairy tales and nursery rhymes, and even of great men and women -- why, the entire community agreed it was a splendid idea.

After all, who else would want to dress up as Scotland's "Braveheart" or England's Queen Elizabeth I? And who better to tell the story of Teddy Roosevelt and the bear cub that never existed? Who could relate the sad story of the Titanic and the teddy bears who were rescued but lost their owners? Who understands how important it is to teach conservation better than Smokey? And as for hiking, no one can find his way through the woods better than a bear!

And so it was. And so it is the world of bears and teddy bears, of history and art and story -- are all rolled up in the Teddy Bear Den -- waiting for those who are lucky enough to find their way to this remarkable place.

Come see our winter scenes.