What is the best freeware modelling & rigging program(s)?

So I have a bit of free time and was hoping to learn at least a little about 3D modeling and rigging, so I could make my own rudimentary objects for games I’m working on instead of relying on open source material. So far it’s looking like Blender is my best bet when it comes to Things That Are Not Maya, but are there other programs I should be investigating?

Blenderis your best bet. Its not up to the standards of commercial packages, but its not bad.

Google has a program called SketchUp. The basic version is free, the pro version is about $500.