HISTORY, LEGENDS AND LINKS

Milwaukee Journal Sentinal Story

Museum of Hoaxes

Rhinelander Area History

Roadside America Visit

Google Hodag books with this link


HODAG DEFINITIONS

Wikipedia

Wisconsin Historical Society


HODAG MERCHANDISE

Shirts, Signs and Designs

Hodag Gallery

 

The tale of the Hodag is a strange tale indeed. While the Hodag is known almost exclusively as lumberjack lore in the Northern Midwest, the Hodag is also well known to cave explorers across the U.S.

One lumber scout in particular brought the legend of the Hodag to life in the Northwoods region of Rhinelander, WI by telling tall tales of encounters, organizing hunting parties and ultimately capturing one. The creature captured was later found to be an elaborate mixed media sculpture rigged to move when it's puppeteer deemed it necessary in the dark recesses of a viewing tent.

While some might conclude the allure of the creature would have dissipated when it was outed as a hoax, the Hodag was actually reborn. Adopted as the town mascot of Rhinelander, WI and the face of a popular country music festival in the area, the hodag has graduated to a symbol, standing for many things.

Locals and visitors to the area have a very personal relationship with the Hodag, but one thing most can agree on is that to be a Hodag or to know of the Hodag is equal to knowing how to tell a whopper, have a good time, and enjoy life to it's fullest.

JK 1-9-2008