Hodag Hunt Picnic
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 three-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!
2023 WSS Hodag Hunt Picnic is September 8-10,
at Cherney Maribel Caves Park
-People can start showing up Friday afternoon and stay through to Sunday 5pm
-Tenting is allowed and up to medium sized travel trailers
-There will be a WSS sponsored grill out Saturday 12pm
-Cave trips to some caves off the park property and on park property
-Park has potable water and a shower for cavers
-There will be some WSS cave related souvenirs for sale
-There will be some silent auction items available
-Hodag will be hidden in a cave at Maribel Caves Park for a prize
There is no fee for camping or attending the event, we just ask that anyone that is planning on attending to just send send a RSVP to wsscaving@gmail.com to help up get a head count for food related supplies.
Thanks
Below are some photos & information on past Wisconsin Speleological Society (WSS) Hodag festivals
The 56 Annual WSS Cavers Picnic September 9-11-2022
The 55th Annual WSS Hodag Hunt Festival August 9-11, 2019
The 54th Annual WSS Hodag Hunt Festival September 7-9 2018
The 53rd Annual WSS Hodag Hunt Festival August 25-27, 2017
The 52nd Annual WSS Hodag Hunt Festival September 9-11, 2016
The 51st Annual WSS Hodag Hunt Festival September 11-13, 2015
The 50th Annual WSS Hodag Hunt Festival September 5-7, 2014
The 49th Annual WSS Hodag Hunt Festival September 6-8, 2013
The 48th Annual WSS Hodag Hunt Festival September 7-9, 2012
The 47th Annual WSS Hodag Hunt Festival September 9-11, 2011
The 46th Annual WSS Hodag Hunt Festival September 9-12, 2010
The 45th Annual WSS Hodag Hunt Festival September 11-13, 2009
The 44nd Annual WSS Hodag Hunt Festival September 12-14, 2008
The 43rd Annual WSS Hodag Hunt Festival September 14-16, 2007
The 41st Annual WSS Hodag Hunt Festival September 9-11, 2005
The 23rd Annual WSS Hodag Hunt Festival September 9-11, 1988