Smokey Bear Historical Park

Worth the stop. Small memorial Park to Smokey Bear and wildland firefighting. Cost $2 to explore the small museum and walk the short path through the park. The original Smokey is laid to rest here. We were here during Smokey's 80th birthday celebration. Live music, food trucks, lots of vendors, main Street was completely closed off. Lots of parking along the main street normally (but with the street closed for the celebration not as much), including enough length for RVs. They also had a parade.

This was like walking back into my childhood. It was amazing. There is an entire museum dedicated to Smokey Bear. The ad campaign, the bear cub rescue, forest fires in general and an outdoor walking trail with the majority of New Mexican floral regions represented.

This was a nice place. Great information is not just about Smokey the Bear but also about firefighting and prevention.

I hadn't planned on stopping here, but I'm glad I did; it's a lovely memorial. I especially enjoyed the letters from children to Smokey the Bear.
Importantly, while it's quite inexpensive, they only take cash or checks, no cards.

Highly enjoyed the visit here. Lots of informative information about the origins and history of the real Smokey Bear. Great place to bring the kids. There is also an outdoor walking park with a boardwalk.

Sweet little park with final resting place of Smokey Bear. Also, various plants are labeled along easy walking path.

What a wonderful little place. Staff is nice a knowledgeable. Next to a cute fun park. The museum as a whole will take you less than 30 minutes.

Really interesting museum about the history of Smokey Bear, anti-forest fire ad campaigns, and wilderness fire fighting. It had a great small museum exhibit and video and a short boardwalk with native plants and more information.

What a wonderful tribute to the awesome folks who keep us safe from forest fires! Focusing on the little bear who was saved during the big Capitan fire, this "Smokey the Bear" museum is a tribute to those brave folks. Plus, it has a very nice museum, gift shop, and garden walk. The folks in this town are really friendly, even in hot weather. Thr park is situated in the sweet town of Capitan, where there are no strangers, and everyone is ready to help. The restroom was perfectly clean, and the museum was bright and very interesting. Dogs are not allowed in the garden walk.

Went on 2nd of July, they had a wonderful parade. Lots of new and old fire engines.

Oso, the restaurant was fabulous! Wait staff was perfect, they hustled. Catfish and sweet potato fries were delicious. My partner had their famous green chili cheeseburger, exquisite.

Smokey Bear Museum was very educational. Delightful memorabilia and a short film. Smokey's grave was very nicely done. We were also surprised with a beautiful dedication for Firefighters. $2 donation is well worth it.

Definitely visit the shops in town. Great souvieners, homemade ice cream, and fudge!

We stopped in Capitan, NM on our way through to visit the park. We got there about 15 minutes before closing and went into the gift shop and bought a couple of souvenirs. We didn't realize that the park was about to close until the cashiers told us. Props to them for speedily checking us out and pointing us to the park entrance. We were able to make it in before closing, use the restrooms, and briefly peruse the center before we went out into the park. We were able to take our time in the park, as it had a one-way turn style exit, and we did not have to re-enter the park center. The park was well maintained and easily accessible. We were able to take photos and visit Smokey's final resting place.

Very Fun and Awesome Museum! Very educational and lots of cool memorabilia! Made me feel like a kid again! Clean bathrooms and great parking! Lots to do around the museum!

What a cool place!!! Here you get to learn about the cultural icon Smokey the bear! There’s a theater, museum, and nature walk garden to see Smokey’s burial site. $2 entry fee. Cash only

There are places in the United States that are seldomly thought about but once visited contain such magnitude of magnificence it will stay with you forever. The Smokey Bear historical Park is absolutely one of those.

Here, you will enjoy a mini museum on an American legend - Smokey the Bear. He was REAL. And in the beautiful garden you can actually visit his burial spot. Beautiful. Absolutely precious.

Park ranger Mary gave us her time and endless knowledge on all things forestry. Her love and passion is infectious. Thank you, Mary.

Nice little museum. We enjoyed it. There was a sign on the door that said no drinks allowed. That was a surprise. We knew that dogs weren't allowed and it was a cash only transaction per the website. We always have a large thermal cup with us. It's NM.

Love this museum! For $2 you can learn everything you need to know about Smokey bear, where he was found and where he spent his days until his final resting place here at The Smokey Bear museum. You get a glimpse at all of the Smokey Bear memorabilia throughout the years.

Cute place with a great history lesson on Smokey Bear. Lots of historical artifacts and photos. This is the original Smokey Bear's resting place.

Drove 900 Miles just to see this place and it didn't disappoint. As soon as I walked in the door I cried because it's so overwhelming and special. Mary was so helpful telling us about the park and how to make the best use of our time while we were there. So much history. The film on Smokey and the forests was great to see. Very educational. Can't wait to return one day. A must see for any Smokey Bear fan.

It was a wonderful experience learning the history of Smokey the Bear. He is an icon until today. Well, be back again. Love from San Antonio, TX.

This is a cool place to learn about the history of Smokey the Bear (he was real) and the US's efforts to prevent forest fires. It was only $2 per person to enter and you get to watch a short film (10 mins), look around the museum, and visit Smokey's grave around the walkway outside.