Rhinelander in Oneida County, Wisconsin — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
The Hodag
Photographed by Greta Schassler, August 24, 2024
1. The Hodag Marker
This mythical creature is the official symbol of Rhinelander. It was created in 1896 by "Gene" Shepard, Rhinelander pioneer timber cruiser and famous prankster. Shepard claimed to have discovered the animal in the woods near Rice Creek. He "captured" it by blocking the mouth of its den with rocks and rendering it unconscious with a chloroformed sponge on a long pole. Actually fashioned by a skilled woodcarver named Luke Kearney, the original Hodag was seven feet long and thirty inches high, black and hairy, with two horns on its head, twelve horns along its spine, and short powerful legs armed with long claws.
For years Shepard exhibited the Hodag at county fairs in a dimly lighted tent, controlling its movements with wires. Many spectators believed the animal was real. Shepard would assure them that he had captured it on "Section 37" and that it ate "nothing but white bulldogs and those only on Sundays."
Erected 1973 by the Wisconsin Historical Society. (Marker Number 191.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Entertainment. In addition, it is included in the Wisconsin Historical Society series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1896.
Location. 45° 39.117′ N, 89° 24.708′ W. Marker is in Rhinelander, Wisconsin, in Oneida County. It is on Hodag Park Drive west of Messer Street, on the right when traveling west. The marker stands in Hodag Park. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 509 Hodag Park Dr, Rhinelander WI 54501, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Northern Wisconsin. It is also in the American Midwest, on the Great Lakes, and in the Corn Belt. Globally, it is in North America, the Great North Woods, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically,
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 2 other markers are within one mile of this marker, measured as the crow flies: First Rural Zoning Ordinance (approx. one mile away); Veterans Memorial Monument (approx. one mile away).
More about this marker. The marker has been restored and reinstalled summer of 2024.
Also see . . . Rhinelander Area Chamber of Commerce. About the Hodag. (Submitted on July 24, 2010.)
Photographed by Keith L, July 21, 2010
2. The Hodag Marker prior to restoration
Photographed by Keith L, July 21, 2010
3. The Hodag Marker
Photographed by Keith L, July 21, 2010
4. Hodag Park
Photographed by Keith L, July 21, 2010
5. The Hodag
450 West Kemp Street
Credits. This page was last revised on August 30, 2024. It was originally submitted on July 24, 2010, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. This page has been viewed 2,021 times since then and 125 times this year. Last updated on August 29, 2024, by Greta Schassler of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Photos: 1. submitted on August 29, 2024, by Greta Schassler of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on July 24, 2010, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
