The Rhinelander Hodag: A Spooky Legend from the Northwoods of Wisconsin

Boogeyman Boutique
Mar 21
5 min read

Nestled in the northern part of Wisconsin, the small town of Rhinelander is home to one of the most iconic and eerie creatures in American folklore: the Hodag. With its massive, horned frame, spikes along its back, and fierce, yet mysterious nature, the Hodag has become a symbol of the area, drawing both horror enthusiasts and curious visitors alike. But what is the true origin of the Hodag, and how has this beast managed to maintain its place in pop culture today?

Origins of the Hodag: A Legend Is Born

Eugene Shepard's first published drawing of the Hodag appeared in the Oct. 28, 1893 issue of Rhinelander's weekly newspaper-The New North.

The Hodag’s tale begins in the 19th century, during a time when North American folklore was rich with tales of strange and unexplained creatures lurking in the wilderness. According to the legend, the first official sighting of the Hodag occurred in 1893. A local man named Eugene Shepard claimed to have discovered the creature in the woods near Rhinelander, Wisconsin, after hearing strange noises and following mysterious tracks. Shepard, a land surveyor and a bit of a local showman, described the Hodag as a fearsome creature with the body of a bulldog, the head of a frog, the back of a dinosaur, and the tail of an alligator.

Shepard even went so far as to claim that he had captured the creature, dead or alive, and exhibited it to the public. A newspaper report from the time described how he and his companions "tied up" the creature and displayed it in Rhinelander. The Hodag was said to be so vicious that no one had ever dared to capture it, and that it would only appear during certain times of the year.

In 1896, Eugene Shepard took his story to the next level by crafting a taxidermy version of the Hodag. The creature was put on display in the local lumber yard and drew crowds from near and far. While many believed the creature was nothing more than a hoax or elaborate prank, the legend of the Hodag was officially born. To this day, Shepard’s taxidermy remains an important part of the town’s lore.

The Hodag's Place in Wisconsin’s History

Though the original creature may have been a creation of Eugene Shepard's imagination, the Hodag quickly became an important symbol for Rhinelander and the surrounding region. Over the years, the creature became an integral part of local culture, and the people of Rhinelander embraced the tale wholeheartedly. The Hodag’s image appeared on postcards, souvenirs, and even in the name of the annual "Hodag Country Festival," which began in 1978 and celebrates country music and local heritage.

Today, the Hodag is more than just a monster story. It is a key part of Rhinelander’s identity, and the community takes pride in its strange, spooky mascot. The creature’s likeness can be found all over the town, from statues and murals to the official town seal. It's not just a relic of the past—it’s a living, breathing part of the town’s ongoing narrative.

The Hodag in Popular Culture

Though it originated as a local legend, the Hodag’s influence has spread far beyond the borders of Rhinelander. Over the years, it has made its way into popular culture through films, television, books, and even music. For instance, the creature made a notable appearance in the 1990 film The Legend of the Hodag, which helped cement its place in the world of cinematic creatures. It’s also been referenced in various episodes of The X-Files, a show known for featuring creatures and monsters from folklore.

The Hodag’s presence can also be found in literature. For example, in his 2008 novel Wisconsin Folklore: A History of the State's Legendary Creatures, author D.L. Johnson writes about the creature's lasting impact on the state’s cultural landscape. Johnson notes that, “Whether you believe in the Hodag or not, the creature has come to represent the rugged individualism and unique spirit of the people of Rhinelander.”

In a similar vein, Wisconsin native and author John Rocco has often cited the Hodag in his personal works. “Growing up in Rhinelander, the Hodag was never just a monster; it was part of our hometown pride,” Rocco said in an interview. “It’s kind of like the town’s unofficial mascot. It’s creepy and weird, but also endearing.”

Moreover, the Hodag’s influence stretches far beyond Wisconsin. It even appears in the video game The Sims 3, in which a special "Hodag" creature can be summoned by players. While the appearance of the Hodag in such a lighthearted context might be amusing, it demonstrates just how pervasive the creature has become, influencing everything from pop culture to gaming.

The Hodag Today: A Cultural Touchstone

Today, Rhinelander continues to honor the Hodag, and the creature still holds a prominent place in the hearts of locals and tourists alike. One of the most prominent tributes to the Hodag is the Hodag Park, located in the heart of the town. Here, visitors can find a large statue of the creature, surrounded by walking trails and picnic areas, making it the perfect spot for those wanting to get up close to the legend.

“I always bring my kids here when we visit the area,” said local resident Jamie Carlson. “It’s like a rite of passage. I think it’s amazing that the town embraces this quirky part of its history and keeps the legend alive. The Hodag is a little weird, but it’s ours.”

Rhinelander also hosts the annual Hodag Festival, which brings together thousands of music lovers and local residents for a celebration of everything that makes the town unique. The festival’s mascot? You guessed it—the Hodag! Visitors can also find Hodag-themed memorabilia at local shops, from t-shirts and mugs to plush toys and quirky artwork.

In addition to its role as a cultural landmark, the Hodag is also a symbol of resilience and local pride. The people of Rhinelander have embraced their connection to the creature, turning what could have been seen as an embarrassing hoax into a point of pride.

“There's something about the Hodag that taps into our love of mystery and the unknown,” said Mike Reinke, a local historian. “It’s part of what makes Rhinelander stand out. People come from all over just to see the statue or hear the stories, and that's something we’re proud of.”

A Spooky Legacy That Lives On

While it’s clear that the Hodag’s origins are rooted in local folklore, its influence has far surpassed its humble beginnings in the 1890s. Today, it stands as a unique and enduring symbol of Rhinelander, Wisconsin—a quirky creature that continues to capture the imagination of those who hear its story.

Whether you're a fan of cryptids, local legends, or just a lover of all things spooky, the Hodag is a legend that’s impossible to ignore. It reminds us that sometimes the strangest stories can leave the most lasting impressions—and that in Rhinelander, the Hodag will always be watching, waiting, and perhaps even smiling at its place in the world.

So, next time you find yourself in the northwoods of Wisconsin, be sure to pay a visit to the town that proudly calls the Hodag its own. After all, who knows what you might see lurking just beyond the trees?

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