Hodag Statue in Downtown Rhinelander. Image courtesy: WAOW TV
RHINELANDER, WI (WSAU-WXPR) – From its High School mascot to the statues throughout town, Rhinelander has fully embraced the Hodag legend.
All this week the city will be celebrating the mythical beast with the Hodag Heritage Festival.
129 years ago Eugene Shepard created the Hodag partly as a prank but also as way to draw people to the Northwoods, according to Kerry Bloedorn, director of the Pioneer Park Historical Complex and an organizer of the festival. “He created the Hodag, this mythological, furbearing, lizard-like, prehistoric, horned creature. Articles about this beast were printed in newspapers across the country. It just captivated the minds of America. Since that time it has been ingrained in the fabric of Rhinelander’s history.”
There are events happening all week.
You can join in on the Hodag Scavenger Hunt at any time. Local restaurants have created Hodag-themed food.
It all culminates with the big event Saturday at Pioneer Park. There will be a pancake breakfast, kids activities, a history bus tour, and a beer garden among other activities.
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