Our Famous Hodag

What is a Hodag?

Some say the Hodag is the fiercest, strangest, most terrifying monster ever to set razor-sharp claws on this earth. Others describe the Hodag as a reclusive woodland creature, misunderstood by many and only wanting to be left alone in the woodland paradise that is the Rhinelander Area. No one really knows for certain, but for the people of Hodag Country, he’s as real as the towering pines and the crystal clear lakes that encompass the area.

History of the Hodag Hodag Statues

A larger-than-life representation of the fierce beast can be found outside the Rhinelander Area Chamber of Commerce office at 450 W. Kemp Street.

While it’s hard to put a finger on the exact nature of the actual Hodag, we do have a very accurate history of the legends surrounding the fabled beast. In 1896, Rhinelander pioneer and timber cruiser Eugene “Gene” Shepard claimed to have snapped a picture of a ferocious monster just before the beast sprang on him from a white pine log. The camera caught the most horrible sight: a hairy animal seven feet long and thirty inches tall, with white horns, menacing tusks, vise-like jaws, and sharp claws.

Not surprisingly, Shepard later admitted that the Hodag was something of a hoax, and that the beast in the photograph was really just made of wood and ox hides, bull horns and steel. But for Rhinelander residents, the Hodag is no hoax. The Hodag has become a local legend and the symbol of the City. Parks, plaques, schools, and businesses bear the Hodag name and image. And rumors of Hodag pranks, sightings, and other close encounters circulate to this day. When something out of the ordinary occurs in Hodag Country, you’ll hear people say, “I think it was a Hodag.”

Painted Hodag Statues

Hodags come in many sizes, and they like to try to camouflage themselves by wearing various disguises. Thanks to Downtown Rhinelander Inc.’s Hodags on Parade initiative, there are many hand-painted statues located at different businesses and locations around Rhinelander. If you would like to go Hodag hunting, stop by the Rhinelander Chamber to pick up a map!

Hodag Fan Club

Sign up for the Hodag Fan Club today and you’ll get tons of great perks: an official membership card, newsletters chock-full of fun, and games and (this is probably the best part) an autographed photo from our beloved Hodag. Sign up today and show off your Hodag pride!