The Hodag of the Northwoods

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. The Hodag is known to have horns like a bull, tail spikes like that of a dinosaur, claws and sharp teeth akin to a lion, and is covered from head to tip of tail in green fur.

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 this version of the lore 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