Clifton Park Spark

Clifton Park Bass Pro Shops OPEN NOW!

Clifton Park Bass Pro Opening Date July 30th, 2025

Bass Pro Shops Clifton Park: Hours, Location & More

Bass Pro Shops has opened a brand-new 70,000-square-foot superstore in Clifton Park, New York offering everything from fishing tackle to hiking gear under one roof.

Details:

  • Opened: July 30th, 2025
  • Location: 400 Clifton Park Center Road, Clifton Park, NY
    Conveniently located near Northway Exit 9, at the site of the former Northstar Chevrolet dealership between Clifton Park Center Mall and I-87.
  • Store Size: ~70,000 sq. ft.
    A massive “Great American Outdoor Store” designed as an homage to upstate New York’s outdoor heritage.
  • Store Hours: (Expected) Monday–Saturday 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM; Sunday 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM.
  • Store Features: Huge selection of fishing, hunting, camping, hiking and outdoor equipment, plus an on-site boat & ATV center, a large aquarium, indoor waterfalls, wildlife mounts, and Adirondack-themed décor.
  • Jobs & Community Impact: 115+ jobs created – Bass Pro is hiring ~115–145 “Outfitters” (employees) locally, and town officials expect a significant economic boost and new tourism from this major retail attraction.

Location – Easy Access at Exit 9

One of the biggest advantages of the new Bass Pro Shops is its prime location. The store is situated at 400 Clifton Park Center Road, just off I-87’s Exit 9. This places it between the Northway (I-87) and Clifton Park Center Mall, making it highly accessible for both locals and travelers.

Local officials have praised the choice of site. “They found the perfect location that they were looking for in Clifton Park, and the renderings that I have seen for the store are just incredible,” said Phil Barrett, Clifton Park Town Supervisor.

The store is being built on the property of a former auto dealership (Northstar/Mohawk Chevrolet), repurposing that lot into a destination for outdoor recreation shoppers. Importantly, there’s ample parking and proximity to other retail centers (like the mall and big-box stores on Route 146), so it fits well into the existing commercial zone.

Directions:

  • From Albany and points south: Take I-87 North to Exit 9. Turn left onto Route 146 west, then immediately right onto Clifton Park Center Road. Bass Pro will be on your right (north side of the road) near the mall entrance.
  • From Saratoga and north: I-87 South to Exit 9E, merge onto Route 146 east toward Clifton Park. At the first major intersection, turn right onto Clifton Park Center Road (past the mall), Bass Pro Shops will be ahead on the left.
  • From Schenectady/Niskayuna area: Take Route 146 east into Clifton Park, cross over the Northway, then turn right onto Clifton Park Center Road.

Being just off the highway, expect to see Bass Pro’s signage and a distinctive log-cabin style façade visible from a distance.

Store Design & Atmosphere

The Clifton Park Bass Pro Shops is just a retail outlet, but an immersive destination. Like other Bass Pro locations, this store combines shopping with a museum-quality outdoor atmosphere. Visitors are greeted by an Adirondack lodge-inspired interior, complete with trophy wildlife mounts, hand-painted murals of local nature scenes, and even indoor water features.

Every Bass Pro is uniquely themed to its region, and this one pays tribute to the Capital Region and Adirondacks’ rich sporting heritage.

Inside the store, shoppers are greeted by a jaw-dropping centerpiece aquarium teeming with native New York fish species. Bass Pro is famous for its giant aquariums, and the Clifton Park location has a large freshwater tank stocked with bass, trout, and other local fish.

Surrounding the aquarium, the decor includes hundreds of antiques, artifacts, and wildlife displays curated by Bass Pro’s team of artists and taxidermists. It’s not just a store, it’s like stepping into an indoor wilderness. Waterfalls and flowing streams, wood-carved beams, and outdoor murals contribute to the ambiance, giving visitors a taste of the Adirondacks even as they shop for gear.

This attention to atmosphere is deliberate. Johnny Morris, Bass Pro’s founder (often called “The Walt Disney of the Outdoors”), believes in creating a fun outdoor experience indoors for the whole family. That means even non-shoppers or kids can find something to enjoy – whether it’s watching the fish, marveling at a record-setting buck mount, or exploring a mock campsite setup in the camping section. Bass Pro’s goal is to make the store itself a destination: “The store proudly outfits the sportsmen, women and families who continue to enjoy the Adirondacks today. For that, we are humbled, excited and deep down proud,” Morris said of the Clifton Park location.

Massive Selection of Gear & Services

Beyond the eye-catching decor, Bass Pro Shops Clifton Park offers a huge selection of outdoor gear. As the company’s fourth New York store, it carries everything Bass Pro is known for:

  • Fishing: A vast fishing department with rods, reels, tackle, and bait for freshwater and saltwater anglers. Expect aisles of lures, lines, and local fishing expertise.
  • Hunting: A full hunting department offering firearms, ammunition, archery equipment, hunting clothing, game calls, and accessories. From deer hunting in the Catskills to waterfowl gear, local hunters have access to top brands and expert advice.
  • Camping & Hiking: An array of camping gear (tents, sleeping bags, backpacks) and hiking equipment like boots, GPS units, and trail supplies. The store stocks items for casual family campers as well as backcountry backpackers preparing for Adirondack high peaks treks.
  • Boating & Fishing Boats: One special feature of this Bass Pro is an on-site marine center. The Clifton Park store showcases industry-leading boat brands – including Tracker, Nitro, Ranger, Sun Tracker, Regency, and Tahoe fishing and pontoon boats. A Boat Sales and Service Center is on hand, so customers can shop for new boats or get service and parts for their current vessels. Bass Pro’s White River Marine Group, the nation’s largest boat manufacturer, will ensure inventory tailored to the needs of local fishermen. There is also be a selection of canoes, kayaks, and small craft ideal for the region’s lakes and rivers.
  • ATVs & Off-Road: In addition to boats, look for ATVs and side-by-side off-road vehicles on display. Bass Pro has expanded into off-road with its Tracker Off Road brand, and the Clifton Park store displays a variety of all-terrain vehicles – a nod to the popularity of ATVs in rural upstate New York.
  • Apparel & Footwear: A large clothing section features outdoor apparel for men, women, and children. Shoppers can find hiking boots, camo gear, fishing vests, cold-weather outerwear, and casual outdoor-themed clothing. Bass Pro’s in-house brands like RedHead, Natural Reflections, and ASCEND will be stocked alongside popular national brands.
  • Camping & Outdoor Recreation: Everything needed for camping trips – from high-tech coolers and grills to kayaks, mountain bikes, metal detectors, and binoculars. The Camping and Outdoor Recreation sections will be filled with gadgets and gear for any adventure.
  • Home & Gifts: Bass Pro often includes a Gifts and Nature Center area. Expect home décor items with a rustic flair (think antler chandeliers, cabin-style furniture, and nature-inspired art), as well as gifts, toys, and souvenirs. This is great for non-outdoorsy visitors or those looking for a unique present.

In short, the Clifton Park Bass Pro Shops is stocked floor-to-ceiling with gear for fishing, hunting, camping, boating, hiking and more. It’s one of the largest selections of outdoor equipment in New York State, comparable only to its sister stores in Utica and Auburn.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the exact grand opening date for the Bass Pro Shops in Clifton Park?

Wednesday, July 30th, 2025

Are the store hours (Monday–Saturday 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM; Sunday 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM)?

Yes

How can someone apply for a job at the store now, especially if they missed the May 2025 hiring fair?

Apply online at https://careers.basspro.com/us/en. Search for Clifton Park positions. Ongoing hires for outdoor enthusiasts, with pay, benefits, and up to 50% discounts.

Will the store include a restaurant, cafe, or food options like Uncle Buck’s FishBowl, which are found in some other Bass Pro Shops locations?

No restaurant, cafe, or Uncle Buck’s at this location. Focus is on retail and outdoor features only.

What measures are in place for managing traffic and parking during the opening weeks, beyond coordination with police?

Optimized entry/exit points from site plan, ample parking on former dealership lot, and infrastructure tweaks. Traffic expected to normalize after initial rush.

Will the store offer ongoing workshops, classes, or demonstrations on topics like fishing techniques, hunting safety, or boat maintenance?

Yes, expect free year-round events like “Gone Fishing” seminars, hands-on classes on fishing, hunting safety, boat maintenance, and conservation for all ages.

Are there any unique features or inventory items exclusive to this Adirondack-themed location that aren’t available at other Bass Pro Shops in New York?

Adirondack lodge design with rustic timber, local murals, wildlife mounts, water features, and aquarium of native fish. Inventory tailored to region: boats for local waters, ATVs for trails, gear for Adirondack hiking/camping

What is the pet policy—can customers bring dogs or other pets inside the store?

Pet-friendly: Well-behaved leashed dogs and household pets allowed. Owners must clean up; disruptive pets may be removed. Service animals always welcome. No local restrictions noted.

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