By Brickhead (age 12) One hundred twenty six years ago, Rheinlander, Wisconsin was thought to be a land that lacked excitement. Whilst other states had something, Wisconsin had nothing. But one day that all changed with the first sighting of the Hodag. It was said that a man by the name of Eugene Shepard caught a glimpse of the terrifying creature perched atop a fallen pine. Eugene un-boxed his camera and caught a photo of the beast just as it readied to pounce. The camera caught an image that would never be forgotten. The photo displayed a strange beast, coated in green fur with malevolent red eyes peering out from narrowed sockets. The creature displayed terrifying razor sharp teeth. Glistening claws protruded from the beast's leathery hands. Curved, white horns crept out from its frog-like head. A row of terrifying spikes emerged from its dinosaur-like back and continued out across its foxish tail. After emerging from the sighting of the beast, Eugene proudly displayed the black and white photograph, and knew that Rheinlander now had something to live for: It was Hodag Country.
About a year after the discovery that was now Rheinlander’s fame, the news of the attack had spread across the nation, right to the capital in Washington DC, and to the Smithsonian. The world famous museum quickly sprang at the opportunity and announced that they would be sending a group of their best biologists to investigate this strange creature. When the news made it to Rheinlander, Eugene Shepard was forced to fess up. The Hodag was a hoax. The now famous photograph was a fake, and the creature in the image was made of wood, metal, and ox hide that Eugene had pieced together for the trick. It was a tremendous let down for Rheinlander and for everybody else in the US who had been looking forward to the Smithsonian’s research on the new-found creature. But the citizens of Rheinlander knew the truth: The Hodag was no hoax. This beast, no matter how cruel and terrifying, lived on in their hearts, and it would until the end of time. While Wisconsin may now be famous for its cheese, the little town of Rheinlander celebrates their legendary hoax of a beast with commemorating statues, restaurants, shops, the town high school, their local newspaper, and even a country festival called the Hodag Country Festival. (Creative, right?) The Hodag has its own website, kids activity pamphlet, fan club, and a discovery center for learning about the Hodag. So if you're ever driving through Wisconsin and stumble upon the little, seemingly boring town of Rheinlander, take a stop at the Chamber of Commerce and learn everything you need to know to begin your HUNT for the HODAG! Hidden around the town are twenty-five Hodag statues, all with a unique, creative designs. Once you return to the Chamber of Commerce with photographic evidence that you have found the bounty, you will be rewarded with a trinket from the Hodag's 'Gold' Collection. You can also download a special scavenger hunt app called Adventure Lab, where you find five key statues and answer questions about each one to complete the Hodag hunt. The Hodag hunt is on!
4 Comments
Maxine Holmes
8/14/2022 06:39:50 pm
What a great imagination ! Think he will become a writer in his lifetime .
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Joni Ramsey
8/19/2022 12:11:39 am
He gets frustrated when authors don't paint a good enough picture! LOL. I would love to see him become an author.
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Anne
8/17/2022 07:13:43 am
Wow! This is the first I've heard of the Hodag. What a great promotional gag for the town! Thanks for the posting.
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Joni Ramsey
8/19/2022 12:14:13 am
You would not have believed all the hodag paraphernalia in this town! To think that they have made bank on this hoax since 1889. It's pretty smart of them! The Chamber of Commerce stays pretty busy for a little town.
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