Washington, DC: Animatronic Smokey Bear
USDA Forest Service information Center features a small museum and includes "Smokey Bears Office," with a talking, moving version of the fire-preventing icon.
USDA Forest Service Information Center
- Address:
- 1400 Independence Ave. SW, Washington, DC
- Directions:
- USDA Forest Service Information Center. Sidney R. Yates Federal Building. Entrance is on the south side of Independence Ave. SW just east of its intersection with 14th St. SW. Enter through the door at the far right.
- Hours:
- M-F 8:30-4:15 (Call to verify) Local health policies may affect hours and access.
- Phone:
- 800-832-1355
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The Forest Service information Center is closed. The employees there could not tell me when or if it was going to reopen.
[Mike Adams, 09/02/2020]There is a small museum at the U.S. Forest Service with free postcards, magnets, and other free stuff. Everyone is very nice. Enter the door at the far right; security needs to screen visitors. I didn't go in the correct door....
[John P Chismar, 11/24/2016]
Smokey's back! You have to go though high tech security to see him! Remember, only you can prevent forest fires.
[Jennifer Gilmore, 05/02/2014]The USDA Forest Service information Center is essentially a very small, but well-done one-room museum, made to look like a western lodge. Video screens in the walls tell the story of the Forest Service. he main attraction, though, is the animatronic Smokey Bear. He greets you upon entering with the sage words: "Only you can prevent forest fires," and then goes back to "sleep" at his desk (an odd way to depict federal employees for a federal agency to project). They also give away free fridge magnets and picture postcards of Smokey's office.
The animatronic goofiness is welcome after a visit next door to the National Holocaust Museum.
[William Zaza, 01/17/2012]Nearby Offbeat Places
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It's a temporary Covid-19 closure. "Access to our facility is limited at this time. We appreciate your patience and understanding."