The Hodag has been tied to Rhinelander since the late nineteenth century, when logger and prankster Eugene Shepard helped turn stories of a horned Northwoods beast into a lasting local legend. The annual heritage festival leans into that history without treating the creature as a scientifically established animal.
Pioneer Park becomes the center of the celebration with the Hodag Calling Contest, live music, speakers and access to the park’s historical museums. Other programming has included historical bus tours, art and writing contests and a citywide Hodag scavenger hunt. The next announced edition continues the festival at Pioneer Park in May.