Capitan, New Mexico: Smokey Bear Museum And Grave

Smokey Bear was a cartoon character and a real bear. A cartoon lives forever, but the real bear died during the Bicentennial. He's buried under a tree.

The Smokey Bear historical park is now $6 per adult entry. Ask if they have magnets and make a donation! They recommend Oso Grill to eat at and get souvenirs.

Very interesting museum and Smokey's grave site. There were a couple movies to watch and old Smokey Bear pictures to see... There were trivia question boxes along the way to test if you knew the answers about Smokey and forest fires.

Lots of facts about Smokey are presenting on the walls of the museum. It's a short walkway to Smokey's actual gravesite. Neat little town around it, too!

I visited the Smokey Bear Grave and Museum on December 28th, 2006. It was a real treat. This museum is definitely directed towards kids, but I think adults will enjoy it as well. The kids can fill out these packets (given out with paid admission) and receive a junior ranger patch or badge. They have to go through the museum and answer the questions.

Every 15 minutes or so a movie is shown in the back of the museum. It gives a general overview of Smokey and forest fires. The museum provides the rest of the details. I would recommend seeing the movie first and then walk through the museum.

Afterwards you can go outside and see all the different plants native to the area. On this walk you will see Smokey's grave.