A bear claw is a sweet, Danish-like pastry that originated in the USA in the 1920s. They are absolutely delicious, and you’ll find them all over Montana… but none ever taste quite as amazing as the huckleberry bear claws at the Polebridge Mercantile.

The Polebridge Mercantile was built in 1914, just 4 years after Glacier National Park became a park.
Beth P / Yelp
The Merc is an essential part of our local history.
But until 1994, the Polebridge Mercantile didn't even have a bakery.
Polebridge Mercantile Facebook
The bakery has since become the store's most popular addition. Most of the recipes are the legacy of Dan Kaufman, a third-generation baker from Idaho who owned The Merc for 15 years.
We're not exactly sure when the huckleberry bear claws were added to the menu, but these treats have become the most popular snack in the store.
Jim P / Yelp
The Merc isn't exactly conveniently located.... every Montanan has to make quite a drive to reach it. Still, people don't mind driving miles and miles out of their way to taste these bear claws.

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The most impressive part of these pastries isn't even the incredible taste... it's the fact that they're made without electricity.
Polebridge Mercantile Facebook
That's right, The Merc has no electricity. Solar panels and a diesel generator power Polebridge. They use as much renewable energy as possible.
You'll find all kinds of tasty treats at the Polebridge Mercantile, but if you don't grab a huckleberry bear claw (or two), you're missing out.
Polebridge Mercantile Facebook
Ask any Montanan you meet who has tried them, and they'll agree.
The Mercantile is located 26 miles from West Glacier.
Polebridge Mercantile Facebook
It's open all year, but snow tires or chains are recommended for those who brave the drive in winter.

Want to learn more about the historic Polebridge Mercantile? Read on for more interesting facts.

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