Ana, Eric, and Josh hit the road once again and the “mobile” version of The Cabin lands in the midst of Rhinelander, where we discuss their legendary hodag and everything Rhinelander from its history of manufacturing prowess to its continuously emerging and diversifying options as both residents and visitors. With Josh being a Rhinelander native too, you’ll get plenty on the inside scoop!
Ana, Eric, and Josh head to Rhinelander in this Bonus episode where we welcome Lauren Sackett into
our mobile Cabin – which set up in her offices at the Rhinelander Chamber of Commerce – to talk about
what Eric calls the “James Brown of the Northwoods – the hardest-working town up here.” Rhinelander
does have quite a history of manufacturing prowess that has gone with the city’s lumber processing
history, a nod to its location along the Wisconsin River. Murals salute this history, and you can
increasingly find such references in the downtown area. One of the main topics is Rhinelander’s
legendary Hodag, which celebrates 130 years in existence in 2023. The legend has received national
attention since its inception, getting mentions on Scooby Doo episodes and a shout-out in one of J.K.
Rowling’s books. The Hodag still looms large, having just been named the best high school mascot in the
country. We discuss how the Hodag has changed over years, the small statues of hodags around town
(and by the way, you can pose with the World’s Largest Hodag statue at the Rhinelander Chamber), and
how you can go around and visit the hodag statues and win prizes. There’s a large and relatively unique
country fest every July in Rhinelander called the Hodag Country Festival; we discuss that and the first
Hodag Heritage Festival that just took place in May. We also cover other places to visit in Rhinelander,
from historic locales to emerging restaurants and shops that showcase the increasing diversity in cuisine
and recreation options in town. It’s all capped off under the beautiful green dome atop the Oneida
County Courthouse. Check out all the details in this fun Bonus episode!
Find out more about Rhinelander’s Hodag Country and its many sights to see and enjoy here:
Instagram: @explorerhinelander
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RhinelanderWisconsin/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjW5uZ1y6Vge9eNsimpyBAQ
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/rhinelanderwi/
https://www.explorerhinelander.com/