Henry’s Rabbit Ranch

Staunton, Illinois

CLOSED
IllinoisMuseumOutdoor ActivitiesRoadside Attraction

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As of 2025, Henry's Rabbit Ranch is closed.

Hare it is! Henry’s Rabbit Ranch in Staunton, Illinois is a Route 66 visitor center and souvenir shop with a particular pedigree.

The theme at this Route 66 roadside attraction is rabbits. There are often dozens of real rabbits hopping around, a line up of VW Rabbits buried nose first in the ground a la Cadillac Ranch, and there’s even a big fiberglass jackrabbit beckoning visitors to hop on for that perfect Route 66 Instagram moment.

Besides a proliferation of rabbits, you’ll find trucking memorabilia, Route 66 souvenirs, and a replica of a vintage filling station. Behind the shop and the giant fiberglass rabbit, you’ll also find a touching tribute to and headstones of all the pet rabbits who have crossed the rainbow bridge. A HARE IT IS sign out front is a fun play on the billboard for another fun Route 66 roadside attraction, Jack Rabbit Trading Post in Joseph City, Arizona.

Rich Henry opened this Route 66 attraction after taking his own road trip on the Mother Road. Disappointed by the lack of visitor centers on the route, he decided he’d open his own. But why rabbits? Well, that theme came easily. Too easily. When his daughter’s pair of rabbits started to multiply, there was only one solution: build a rabbit ranch big enough for the bunnies.

Sadly, Rich Henry passed away in August 2024. After his death, Rich’s friend Bob Caldieraro continued to run the Rabbit Ranch for some time. Today, Henry’s Rabbit Ranch has permanently closed.

Henry’s Rabbit Ranch in Staunton, Illinois Route 66 Roadside Attraction

Henry’s Rabbit Ranch

CLOSED
5 based on 1 reviews

Address:

1107 Historic Old Rte 66, Staunton, IL 62088

Cost:

Free

Phone Number:

(618) 635-5655

Official Website Get Directions
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Photos of Henry’s Rabbit Ranch in Staunton, Illinois

Henry’s Rabbit Ranch in Staunton, Illinois Route 66 Roadside Attraction
Henry’s Rabbit Ranch in Staunton, Illinois Route 66 Roadside Attraction
Henry’s Rabbit Ranch in Staunton, Illinois Route 66 Roadside Attraction
Henry’s Rabbit Ranch in Staunton, Illinois Route 66 Roadside Attraction
Henry’s Rabbit Ranch in Staunton, Illinois Route 66 Roadside Attraction
Henry’s Rabbit Ranch in Staunton, Illinois Route 66 Roadside Attraction
Henry’s Rabbit Ranch in Staunton, Illinois Route 66 Roadside Attraction
Henry’s Rabbit Ranch in Staunton, Illinois Route 66 Roadside Attraction
Henry’s Rabbit Ranch in Staunton, Illinois Route 66 Roadside Attraction
Henry’s Rabbit Ranch in Staunton, Illinois Route 66 Roadside Attraction

Know Before You Go

To make the most of your visit to the Henry’s Rabbit Ranch in Staunton, Illinois, here are some things to know before you go.

What was Henry’s Rabbit Ranch and why is it famous?

Henry’s Rabbit Ranch began in the mid-1990s as a fun, offbeat Route 66 roadside stop created by Rich Henry. It familiarized visitors with the spirit of the Mother Road by combining a nostalgic visitor center and gift shop with live rabbits, quirky vintage vehicles (including several Volkswagen Rabbits), themed photo ops (like a giant jackrabbit), and rabbit-related memorabilia, all celebrating classic car culture and roadside whimsy. The site was even inducted into the Illinois Route 66 Hall of Fame in 2012.

Where was Henry’s Rabbit Ranch located?

The ranch was situated at 1107 Historic Old Route 66 in Staunton, Illinois, easily accessible right off historic Route 66’s old alignment as you traveled through the area.

Is Henry’s Rabbit Ranch open to visitors now?

As of 2025, Henry’s Rabbit Ranch has closed to visitors permanently, shortly after the death of its founder Rich Henry and efforts by friends and family to keep it operating.

Was this a popular Route 66 roadside attraction?

Yes! Henry and his rabbit ranch were beloved figures on Route 66 and many were sad to see it close. The Route 66 Rabbit Ranch was one of our picks for the Top 10 Illinois Route 66 Roadside Attractions.

Where to Stay Near Henry’s Rabbit Ranch

Complete your travel itinerary and get a good night’s rest with a stay at one of these nearby Route 66 motels.

Carlin Villa Motel

Carlin Villa Motel offers home style charm in a country setting in Carlinville. Guests can enjoy air conditioning, free wifi, parking, and a complimentary coffee and pasty breakfast.

Country Inn Cafe & Motel

Get a good night’s rest and a hearty breakfast at the Country Inn Café & Motel. The family-friendly accommodation offers free parking and a complimentary breakfast at the on-site cafe.

Attractions Near Henry’s Rabbit Ranch on Route 66

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Planning your Route 66 road trip? Our Route 66 Road Trip Planning Toolkit is your go-to resource for crafting the perfect itinerary! With over 1,300 stops, including quirky roadside attractions, historic sites, and classic diners, our toolkit helps you prioritize what matters most to you. It’s the ultimate guide to making your road trip truly unique and memorable. Ready to hit the road? Start planning your adventure now! #Route66 #Route66RoadTrip #Route66TravelPlanning

Is road trip planning driving you crazy?

Let the Route 66 Road Trip Planning Toolkit be your guide.

Are you ready to hit the Mother Road but feeling overwhelmed with planning? The Route 66 Road Trip Planning Toolkit is your one-stop solution! Spanning 2,448 miles of pure Americana, Route 66 is packed with quirky attractions, historic sites, and unforgettable experiences—so why settle for a generic, outdated itinerary? Our toolkit offers a customizable travel spreadsheet with over 1,300 stops, a detailed eBook, and a step-by-step video guide to help you craft your dream Route 66 road trip. Don’t miss out—start planning your perfect Route 66 adventure today!

Reviews & Ratings

5 based on 1 reviews

1 Review of Henry’s Rabbit Ranch in Staunton, Illinois

  1. One of my favorite stops on Route 66! Henry was so nice and welcoming! I didn’t get to meet any of the rabbits as he was still taking safety precautions at the time, but I loved talking to him and exploring all the fun things around the property!

    Reply

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