WSS Hodag Hunt

62nd Annual WSS Hodag Hunt

July 30 - August 2, in Richland County

Join the Wisconsin Speleological Society for our 62nd Annual Hodag Hunt! The hodag is a mythical creature which originated in Wisconsin caves. When the hodag was discovered in 1893, it was said to have "the head of a frog, the grinning face of a giant elephant, thick short legs set off by huge claws, the back of a dinosaur, and a long tail with spears at the end." Each year, the WSS hides a hodag replica in one of our caves for a lucky caver to discover and win a prize.

This year's theme is Cavers and Cryptids. Come prepared to fend off beasts from folklore around the world, throw down at the Hodag Hoedown, and cave hard while keeping an eye out for the hodag. There will be daily led cave trips, a beast banquet, bonfire, and the annual auction.

Registration Fees:

Pre-registration form: CLICK HERE PRE-REG FORM (until July 24): $40

On-site registration: $50

Registration fees include camping at the Eagle Cave group tent camping area in Blue River, WI which has fire pits, bathrooms, and showers.

Thursday: Check-in begins at 4pm. Bonfire at 9pm.

Friday: Cave trips all day, first trips depart at 10AM (staggered departure times). Majority of trips are in Southwest WI within 45 minutes driving. Group activities begin at 9pm.

Saturday: Breakfast provided starts at 8AM. First cave trips depart at 10AM. Banquet begins at 6PM followed by the auction. Hodag Hoedown begins at 9pm.

Sunday: WSS Monthly Meeting at 10AM. Campsite departure at 11AM.

July 30- August 2 is the 2026 HODAG HUNT! Check-in/Registration begins at 4PM at Eagle Cave, Blue River WI . Campsites will be in the group tent camping area only.

Thursday: Registration fee is (coming soon) if camping, (coming soon) if not camping. Registration will be followed by a bonfire with hot dogs and s'mores.

Friday: Cave trips departure all day, first trips leave out at 10AM. Caves will be primarily near Southwestern WI.

Saturday: Breakfast (Provided) 8AM, cave trips departure at 10AM. Caves will be primarily near Southern Door High School. Banquet, Auction and group activities begin at 6PM at the group space in the campground.

Sunday: WSS Monthly Meeting at 10AM, departure at 11AM. self guided activities will be available as well.

Hodag Hunt

Each year in the fall, the Wisconsin Speleological Society sponsors a three day festival called a Hodag Hunt for all cavers and outdoor adventurists in Wisconsin and the surrounding states. A Hodag is a mythical creature found in caves, and possesses five legs and three eyes. A replica of a Hodag is placed in one of the caves in the area and whoever finds it receives a valuable prize. The four-day festival features camping, cave trips, science related trips, nature hikes, informal slide shows, yard games, Saturday night grill out, featured speaker, and numerous opportunities to socialize with friends, both new and old. The Hodag Hunt Festival is fun for all ages!