How to Visit the Smokey the Bear Museum
Visit the Smokey Bear Museum in Capitan, New Mexico. You can discover the true story about the little Black Bear cub that became the national symbol for conservation and fire prevention. Generations of Americans have learned the slogan, "Only you can prevent forest fires." This originated from Smokey in the longest running public service campaign in United States history. You can visit the real Smokey's grave on the museum grounds where he was buried after living at the National Zoo in Washington, D.C. He lived there for 24 years.
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Instructions
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Find the Smokey Bear Museum in the little town of Capitan, New Mexico. Find it by driving south from Albuquerque on Highway 380 or by following the Billy the Kid National Scenic Byway north on Highway 40 from Ruidoso. The museum is located at 102 Smokey Bear Boulevard. It is in the middle of town, and it's open all year from 9 A.M. to 5 P.M. It's only closed for Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and New Year's Day.
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Explore the museum to learn about the 5 pound bear cub who was named Smokey. He was discovered clinging to a burned tree during a devastating fire in the nearby Lincoln National Forest on May 9, 1950. The little cub's mother was killed by the fire, and firefighters rescued the badly burned cub from certain death. They took him to Santa Fe. He was nursed back to health by New Mexico Game Warden Ray Bell and his family. The national press picked up the story, and the little bear became the living symbol for a public service campaign that had begun in 1944.
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Learn the history of fighting forest fires, fire prevention and the natural history of the Capitan area as you visit the exhibits in the museum. Children can earn a junior ranger patch or badge by answering questions about fire prevention and conservation. A brief movie recounts Smokey's story and the ad campaign which he came to symbolize.
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Pose for pictures next to a life size statue of the cartoon Smokey. It's complete with a ranger's hat and a shovel. Hundreds of items bearing Smokey's image--including a Smokey the Bear board game--fill the museum. Historic fire fighting equipment and uniforms from around the country are also on display.
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Stroll the museum grounds after visiting the museum. The surrounding area is planted with native trees, shrubs and flowers. Clearly labeled signs identify and describe the plants. A wooden footpath makes the walk level and easy to follow. At the end of the path, pause for a few moments at the large granite slab that marks Smokey's grave. When he died at age 26 in 1976, the residents of his hometown insisted that he be returned to his native New Mexico.
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Stop by the well stocked gift shop adjacent to the museum for souvenirs and mementos of your visit. You can buy books and replicas of historic Smokey Bear posters. You'll also find a variety of other Smokey Bear items.
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Tips & Warnings
Plan your visit around the first weekend in May to participate in the annual Smokey Bear Days celebration. The 2-day event features a parade down Smokey Bear Blvd., contests for adults and kids, educational exhibits, and a street dance at Smokey Bear Historical Park.
Make your reservations well in advance if you intend to stay in Capitan during Smokey Bear Days. It's a small town and accommodations are limited. A wider range of lodging is available in Ruidoso. See the Resources section.
