The Hodag
Credit: Cassie Tucker
Where:
Rhinelander, Wisconsin
Legend:
The Hodag is said to be a roughly 7-foot-long lizard-like beast that is covered in horns and has short, stumpy legs and protruding teeth. The creature was first seen in 1893 by a man named Eugene Shepard, who allegedly captured it in 1896 by cornering it in its den and knocking it out with a chloroform sponge on a pole. Conveniently enough, this was right before the Oneida Country Fair. Shepard charged a dime for spectators to view the creature from afar in a dimly lit tent, and this proved to be the most popular attraction. Since then, this has given the town of Rhinelander an unusual appeal, which they have gladly acknowledged by making the Hodag the town’s mascot.
Visit:
Rhinelander, Wisconsin
There are several landmarks and statues of the Hodag scattered throughout Rhinelander, with the most famous one located outside the Chamber of Commerce. You can find a map of all of the Hodag statues and monuments here. You can also stop by the Rhinelander Brewery Tap Room & Gift Shop for one of their refreshing Hodag Ales, or visit The Hodag Store for all of your ‘dag swag.
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