May 26, 2017 at 3:02 p.m.
Home of the Hodag: Famous mascot is the face of new tourism website
Home of the Hodag: Famous mascot is the face of new tourism website
Well, take note, Hodag hunters - the mythical creature is front and center on a newly redesigned website launched this month by the Rhinelander Tourism Marketing Committee (RTMC).
The Hodag serves as the narrator of the RTMC's site, www.explorerhinelander.com, which welcomes visitors to "the home of the Hodag in Wisconsin's Northwoods," according to a RTMC press release. The once-reclusive Hodag appears throughout the site, offering recommendations on some of the best things to see and do in the Rhinelander area.
"Rhinelander is the heart of Hodag Country, and it only makes sense to use our most famous resident as an ambassador to help welcome visitors and potential visitors," said Maggie Steffen, member of the RTMC and executive director of the Rhinelander Area Chamber of Commerce. "The Hodag represents the fun side of our corner of the Northwoods, and we want users of the site to have a good time while they're also learning about the Rhinelander area."
Hodag's Den among new features on site
One of the new site's most prominent features is the Hodag's Den, which features a collection of Hodag-themed games, including Ask the Hodag, Hodag Pong and a Hodag coloring book. The den also includes links to download the Apple and Android versions of the RTMC's popular Hungry Hodag mobile game.
"Everybody knows the Hodag loves to have fun, and this new site really shows that off," said Dan Brekke, owner of Brekke's Fireside Resort and member of the Rhinelander Resorts tourism consortium. "With the Hodag's Den and the continued promotion of the Hungry Hodag app, we want visitors to associate the Hodag and Rhinelander with having a good time."
As part of the redesign, the RTMC also added more information on attractions, lodging properties, restaurants and retailers in the Rhinelander area.
"We had a great year in terms of visitors and room stays in 2016, and we want to continue to spread the word about the great hotels, resorts and more that people can find here in Hodag Country," said Erin Skinner, general manager of AmericInn Lodge & Suites Rhinelander.
The RTMC, which consists of local officials and business owners, is tasked with promoting the Rhinelander Area as a tourism destination.
The group is funded via a portion of the area's hotel room tax collection and uses that money to pay for projects like the website redesign, seasonal promotions and more.
The group was responsible for the successful (well, popular; he didn't win) "Hodag for President" campaign last year.
The new site was designed and created by Madison-based destination marketing firm Pilch & Barnet.
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