Bear Island (Lake Winnipesaukee)

Bear Island is the second largest island in Lake Winnipesaukee in New Hampshire, USA. In the summer it is accessible only by boat or helicopter because it is not connected to the mainland via a bridge. In the winter it can be reached by snowmobile. According to the Lake Winnipesaukee Historical Society, the island got its name when a few hunters along with a few members of the Penacook tribe were sent to survey the island. However they encountered a few bears, which they decided to hunt. The hunters had only 2 single shot muskets and took on 4 bears. They ended up defending themselves with knives and axes and were injured in the fight before they finished off the bears. They ate the meat and took the skins back to Portsmouth, New Hampshire. Originally the island was named "Big Bear Island," which was later shortened to "Bear Island" when the island was annexed by the town of Meredith in 1799.

Summer Camps

The island houses two YMCA summer camps: one for boys and one for girls. The boys camp is called Camp Lawrence, and its sister camp is called Camp Nokomis. Both are sponsored by the Bear Island Camps Association under the direction of the Merrimack Valley YMCA.