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March 2024 by Heidi F.
I had no idea Smokey was an actual bear. I thought he was just a cartoon. Great museum with tons of info and pics. Definitely worth going to.
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October 2023 by Lex B.
A MUST VISIT! I didn't realize how much I could learn about Smokey the Bear and wildfires. They have tons of information on both within the museum, plus a video you can watch. The park portion of it is beautiful and it was really neat being able to see where he is buried. I learned that 9/10 wildfires are started by humans, ONLY YOU CAN PREVENT WILD FIRES!
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October 2023 by Gregory Behm
This was an interesting side trip for us when we were in Ruidoso. So much info stuffed into such a small package! Museum for Smokey and how fighting wildfire has evolved over the years and a gift shop full of a private memorabilia collection that shows the history and evolution of Smokey through the years. I highly recommend if you are in the area!
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July 2023 by Monique M.
Love this museum! Love smokey the bear! This is definitely worth the drive to go see. Anyone who loves smokey the bear should definitely go!
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June 2023 by Marie S.
We spent about an hour at the museum ($2 entry/person- cash only). We watched a quick 10 minute movie on Smokey, filled out a trivia sheet (and got a Smokey pin as a prize). There were exhibits on Smokey, how fires start, and the different kinds of fires. The rangers were friendly and provided all the information we needed. We wandered out to the gardens and saw goldfish in the pond, Smokey's gravesite, the Smokey balloon gravesite, and the fallen firefighter's memorial. 2023 #28
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June 2023 by Dennis Thomason
This is a nice little shop and the young lady operating it was very nice. However, there was very little selection in the form of merchandise. I was hoping to buy a cap, but none were available.
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May 2023 by Laura M.
This is a great museum, so worth the $2 entrance fee. We learned much about Smokey, New Mexico ecosystems, and forest fires. The ranger was friendly and fun to talk with. We spent almost 2 hours there! Enjoy!
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April 2023 by tmccarter76
Came all the way from Indiana for this! So disappointing to find it closed. Area businesses said it’s been this way for a long time. The town doesn’t want to pay for upkeep of electricity. Thank goodness we could visit the Smokey Bear Restaurant.
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April 2023 by Princess Smartypants
Great gift shop with some memorabilia. The young man working was very helpful. Pointed out some items we would have overlooked. It's overwhelming all of the cool old Smokey Bear items.
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March 2023 by June Galaz
Did not go in museum because staff person was so rude, gift shop should have Smokey items everywhere, Smokey very poorly represented , and that staff person??? People drive in a hundred miles to shop and eat. Smokey deserves more.
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March 2023 by Carrie M.
This tiny museum is worth a visit if you're passing through Capitan. It's geared towards kids, but I still enjoyed getting to learn about the history of Smokey Bear and fire prevention campaigns. I loved seeing the vintage campaign signs. The park area with Smokey's grave was pretty dead (haha). They could add some more educational information or something out there.Admission is $2/person, and they only take cash or check. The gift shop takes card, so I don't understand why the museum doesn't. The gift shop was out of stock of most T-shirt sizes and posters :(
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March 2023 by Jenna
The store keep was so sweet! Very knowledgeable about Hot Foot Teddy. Cute little gift shop. Not tons of stuff, but has tshirts and little trinkets and teddy bears for kids. Convenient location.
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November 2022 by James and Sandr... B
This is the final resting place of Smokey Bear the symbol of forest fire prevention. This is a great place to visit and reconnect with a simpler time. I remember growing up with Smokey Bear and how important the message of preventing fires was. Smokey died in 1976 and was returned to Capitan, New Mexico, where he is buried in the State Historical Park. This is just a lovely site, and the people are friendly. There is a great gift shop next door.
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November 2022 by Beverly Simkins
I had stopped there while on a road trip for a friend, who is now President of The Smokey Bear Association. The place is fascinating! The young man working that day was very helpful, and let me take photos. This was an experience I never will forget.
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September 2022 by KG_TXtraveler
A small historic site with museum, video, and garden showing local plant life. It is easily reached after you visit Lincoln. The museum is a quick walkthrough, but showcases firefighting techniques and prevention. Our son completed his Junior Ranger badge and in the process we all learned more about fighting forest fires. Outside is Smokey’s grave and a shaded walking path where you can learn about plants and trees in the Lincoln National Forest. A great Ranger manned the desk and answered questions and showed us some neat pine cones (and other cones not from pines).
