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- Columbus, Ohio - Animatronic Smokey Bear
The appearance of Smokey has changed. He is still about the same height and still "talks" to everyone (mainly kids), but his face has ben altered quite a bit. Not a huge deal, but it was a little alarming since I've been going to the fair almost every year since I was a toddler. I am just glad he is still around!
[Vicky M, 03/05/2019]Animatronic Smokey Bear:- Address:
- 670 E. 11th Ave., Columbus, OH
- Directions:
- Only visible during the annual State Fair. Smokey stands in "Natural Resources Park," which is on the southeast corner of the Ohio State Fairgrounds. I-71 exit 110B, then west one block on E.11th Ave. Just west of Clara Ave., on the north side.
- Hours:
- Smokey only comes out of storage for State Fair, Jul-Aug. Local health policies may affect hours and access.
Smokey Bear's voice was not very "bear like."
[Derek, 07/31/2016]Smokey Bear is in the Ohio Department of Natural Resources area of the Ohio State Fairgrounds/Exposition Center.
[Jax2A, 10/06/2014]- Columbus, Ohio - Animatronic Smokey Bear
Inside the Ohio State fairgrounds there stands the friendly talking bear who taught all us kids not to drop burning matches on dry forest litter.
He stands about ten feet tall, but he must have been 100 feet when I used to see him every summer as a kid. I'm not sure if he was still moving and talking when I last saw him a few years ago, but he is an impressive sight nonetheless, with his broad rimmed park ranger's hat, luxurious pelt and smartly starched denim overalls.
[Ross Wootton, 10/08/2000]October 2008: Smokey is still here and he still talks (at least when someone's around to turn him on). He stands an impressive 14 feet tall.
There is underground public parking. The Unknown Boy Scout plaque is directly across the street from the Newsboy statue.
[Stephen Francia, 01/22/2023]Unknown Boy Scout Plaque:- Address:
- S. HIgh St., Columbus, OH
- Directions:
- On the east side of S. High St. just south of W. Broad St. A little plaque on a little rock in the planting area next to the entrance to the underground parking garage. Behind an iron fence, under a small tree, just up the path a few feet on your left, from the entrance to the garage.
- Admission:
- Free
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Smokey only comes out of hibernation in July and August during the annual Ohio State Fair.