Smokey Bear has been around a long time. All of my life, all of my parents’ lives, and part of my grandparents’ and great grandparents’ lives. He’s been the ubiquitous symbol for forest fire prevention since 1945 when he made his first ad appearance. Smokey’s popularity spread like wildfire and he became a cultural icon.

But besides reminding us of the dangers of fire, Smokey reminds us of our glory days (if you’re at least as old as me, anyway). Those days when every good weekend began with Saturday morning cartoons. I always looked forward to the commercial breaks when Smokey Bear made his weekly appearance.

I’ll never forget how he pointed his big furry finger right at me. “Only you can prevent forest fires.” Smokey Bear’s message was clear. Though I can’t say I never played with matches, I can say I never started a forest fire.

Smokey Bear Historical Park

Well, there’s a little place in south central New Mexico between the Capitan Mountains and Sacramento Mountains that celebrates that world-famous bear; Smokey Bear Historical Park in the little town of Capitan. And ONLY YOU can keep yourself away from this heart-warming tribute to a legend.

Smokey Bear Historical Park was enchanting and for me invoked the same childlike reverie I had (and still have) watching Disney classics like Bambi. Speaking of Bambi…

Did you know the Disney character Bambi was used as the National Forest Service symbol prior to Smokey? You’ll discover all kinds of trivia like that at Smokey Bear Historical Park.

Plan to spend at least an hour at Smokey Bear Historical Park; longer if you’re really into Smokey; less if you’re really in a hurry. The park is open Tuesday-Sunday from 9:00 AM-4:30 PM and has a modest admission fee. The park is a great stop for families on a road trip.

Although it was a destination for me, I like to call Smokey Bear Historical Park a, “Well, hell; might as well” kind of site. If you’re near it, you might as well see it. You may never travel this way again.

What to See at Smokey Bear Historical Park

The Museum

Take the self-guided tour through the small-ish museum filled with a humongous amount of Smokey memorabilia. I was amazed at all of the Smokey merchandise marketed over the years from coffee mugs to coin banks, stuffed Smokeys and more.

Did you know there are social media groups dedicated to Smokey Bear? Who knew Smokey was a Facebook and Instagram sensation?

My favorite exhibits in the museum were the vintage advertisements and the collection of children’s letters written to Smokey over the years.

Children from all over the country wrote thousands of letters to Smokey Bear just like they’d write to Santa Claus. One year, Smokey received more letters than the President of the United States and he received so many letters that the government assigned Smokey his own zip code!

Most endearing was a letter from a little girl named Julie Oden in 1977. She tattled on her friend who was playing with matches. Julie wanted Smokey to know that she tore up the matches when her friend wasn’t looking. (Don’t you know some girl drama ensued after that!) I laughed out loud when I read this.

While you’re in the museum, look for the printed lyrics to the Smokey Bear theme song. This is how the “THE” of Smokey the Bear came into existence. The songwriters thought Smokey the Bear fit the song better. Ah…songwriters and their liberties.

The Smokey Bear Movie

Inside the museum, a theater shows a movie at regular intervals about the history of Smokey Bear. You should definitely stick around to watch it. I’m an emotional person anyway, but the story about the rescue in 1950 of the real Smokey found burned and clinging to a tree after a massive wildfire brought tears to my eyes.

After being rescued by firefighters, Smokey was placed in the temporary care of game warden, Ray Bell. Later, Smokey was transferred to Washington, D.C’s National Zoo where he attracted thousands of visitors for the rest of his life.

Smokey Bear Grave

Outside the museum you’ll find a peaceful little park enclosed by a stone wall. The park became the final resting place of Smokey Bear in 1976. It was only fitting that he be buried in the area he was rescued.

Gift Shop

When you’re finished exploring the trail, head back to the gift shop to purchase a Smokey Bear memento or two. Your purchase supports the preservation of the park, and it takes a lot of money to do that- much more than you think.

Our visit was enough to convince me that Smokey Bear Historical Park should be elevated to National Historic Site status.

Now, Don’t You Want to Go to Smokey Bear Historical Park?

Even if it is a bit out of your way, Smokey Bear Historical Park is worth the detour; I promise. Before or after your visit, go explore some nearby attractions. You’re probably headed to/from White Sands National Park anyway, right?

Nearby Attractions

Valley of Fires Recreation Area

Cloud Climbing Trail in Cloudcroft, NM

White Sands National Park

Want to know my all-time favorite place to visit Smokey Bear? Head over to my article Red Canyon-Hiking Pink Ledges to Photo Trail in Panguitch, Utah.

From the Library