Pioneer Park Historical Complex to host Smokey Bear exhibit

The public is invited to celebrate Smokey Bear’s 80th birthday during National Forest Week, July 2-7, at the Pioneer Park Historical Complex in Rhinelander.

According to the U.S. Forest Service, 19 replica portraits of Smokey Bear are due to arrive from the National Agricultural Library in Washington, D.C. and will be on display for the public to view at the complex during National Forest Week. 

“The special exhibition will call attention to fire safety during one of the busiest recreation weekends of the season,” according to Forest Service. “The portraits are also being brought to Wisconsin in celebration of Smokey Bear’s milestone 80th birthday.”

“We are pleased and honored to be able to work with the USDA Forest Service in hosting this very special Smokey Bear exhibition during National Forest Week,” said Pioneer Park Historical Complex Director and Curator Kerry Bloedorn. 

An opening reception will be held at the park on Tuesday, July 2, 5 to 7 p.m. The reception is free and open to the general public. There will be activities for all ages.

To tie in with the Wisconsin Department of Tourism’s Top Chef Wisconsin-inspired “Culinary” theme for 2024, the opening night reception in Rhinelander will feature a special Smokey Bear birthday dessert competition. 

Information about how to enter the contest is available online at https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/cnnf/home/?cid=FSEPRD1178123.

Legendary USDA Forest Service artist Rudolph (Rudy) Wendelin created the 19 portraits of Smokey Bear, and more, from 1977 through 1995. Wendelin worked for the USDA Forest Service as an illustrator beginning in 1933 and was the mastermind behind Smokey Bear’s signature ranger hat and blue jeans. Thanks to Wendelin’s art, Smokey Bear’s message “Only YOU can prevent wildfires” has prevailed through generations. 

“These 19 portraits are some of the most beloved depictions of Smokey Bear,” said USDA FS Public Services Staff Officer Kaleigh Maze. “We are looking forward to working with our partners with the Pioneer Park Historical Complex to share this very special artwork in Wisconsin during this milestone year for Smokey Bear and this important week for fire safety reminders.” 

The Wendelin Smokey Bear collection will be in Rhinelander midway through a year-long road show that is traveling throughout the U.S. So far, the portraits have been displayed at Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument; Smokey Bear Historical Park, Grey Towers National Historic Site, and more.

In addition to the special hours for the opening reception, the portraits can be viewed during hours of operation of the Pioneer Park Historical Complex, which are:

• Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

• Sunday 12 to 4 p.m.

The complex is closed on July 4  in observance of Independence Day. The address is: Martin Lynch Dr, Rhinelander, WI 54501

Registration is not required for the exhibition or reception.

General questions about the exhibition or the dessert championship, can be addressed by calling 815-386-0711.