Smoky Bear Historical Park

Our visit to Smoky Bear Historical Park was especially fun because we had two little boys with us. The Park is in Capitan, New Mexico, near the place where the original Smoky Bear cub was found after a forest fire. 

There are exhibits, movies, games, and memorabilia in the Visitor Center. The original Smoky Bear lived most of his life in the National Zoo in Washington, DC.  

Over the years, many celebrities have been the voice of Smoky in efforts to reduce the incidences of forest fires caused by humans. 

There was a special effort to reduce forest fires during World War II because wood was considered a precious natural resource critical to the war effort.

The park area outside the Center includes the burial site of the original Smoky Bear as well as a park-like trail showing trees native to the area.

Note to readers: There was just a bit of snow along the trail.