Have you heard the news? Only you can prevent forest fires… oh, and South Dakota is now home to the world’s largest Smokey Bear! Whether you have seen it or not, you will want to read on, as we discuss the history of the carving, which may just be the most South Dakota thing we have seen this year:

Located in Hill City, the world's largest Smokey Bear is just that - a larger-than-life carving of the famous bear that stands at 30 feet tall and is 25 feet wide!
Hill City Area Chamber of Commerce Facebook
Created by chainsaw artists in a matter of 10 days, the concept of the world's largest Smokey Bear came about via the Hill City School District, as theirs is the only school in the nation whose official mascot is the talking bear. 
Hill City Area Chamber of Commerce Facebook
In 1939, 25 students from the district bravely fought a nearby wildfire, which resulted in the U.S. Forest Service awarded them the use of the mascot.
Google/Decarlos

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Billed as being the longest-running public service announcement campaign in United States history, Smokey Bear first appeared in 1944, with posters reminding folks that "Smokey Says – Care Will Prevent 9 out of 10 Forest Fires."
Fanra/Wikimedia Commons
Since his first appearance, Smokey Bear has become a pop culture phenomenon and has since appeared in not only commercials, but books, apparel, postage stamps, movies, and - now - a gigantic carving in SoDak!
National Agricultural Library/Wikimedia Commons
You can visit the world's largest Smokey Bear year-round along Main Street in Hill City.
Hill City Area Chamber of Commerce Facebook

Do you have a favorite attraction, restaurant, or event that you would like to see featured here on Only in South Dakota? Remember to nominate it via our form! For even more to see and do around Hill City, you will want to See For Yourself Why Hill City Is The Most Creative Town In South Dakota.

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Featured Addresses
World's Largest Smokey Bear, 100 Main St, Hill City, SD 57745, USA