Route 66 is one of the best ways to see the most beautiful attractions and sights in America. Along the classic route, you will find a multitude of unique stops, including the legendary Jack Rabbit Trading Post. Whether you have heard of this major Route 66 attraction and pitstop, you are sure to find it an interesting place to take a break from your journey. Let’s learn more about why the Jack Rabbit Trading Post is such an iconic American location.
Jack Rabbit Trading Post
The history of the trading post that has led it to where it is today began in 1949. This is when Jim Taylor bought a building in Joseph City, Arizona along the famous Route 66 and turned it into the now well-known trading post. Fun fact: before Jim bought the post, it was a snake farm! Contrary to what you may think, the location is not known as “Jack Rabbit” because people were trading rabbits, but for another more comical reason.
Before he bought the building, Jim was making his way along Route 66 in his classic convertible car with his statue of a black rabbit. Other travelers were enamored by the statue and snapped pictures of it, encouraging Jim to leave it outside the new trading post to attract more visitors. The black rabbit is now an iconic symbol for not only the trading post but also for some of the famous mileage signs on the road. It’s so big that you can take a classic picture of yourself and your friends sitting on it! The rabbit is also featured on the renowned “HERE IT IS” sign that can be seen near the trading post in the Arizona desert.
Keep an eye out for a billboard and other signage to point you in the right direction. The souvenir shop is over 70 years old and still remains after the interstate took over from many highways and America’s main street. You are sure to find something to bring home as a way to remember your amazing journey down Route 66 or a little souvenir for those waiting for you back home. The trading post is certainly a famous landmark. You may even recognise its cameo in the popular animated movie, “Cars.”
What makes this convenience store different
Sure, there are many different convenience stores and little souvenir shops that you might find along the route, but there is just something special about Jack Rabbit Trading Post that you can’t find anywhere else. It’s a place that every visitor must stop at in order to fully experience Route 66 and the numerous billboards will point you there. But don’t just take our word for it. Ask anyone who has been there, and they will certainly tell you that Jack Rabbit Trading Post should be on your “must see” list for your next American adventure.
The stop is so much more than just an old gift shop and convenience store — it’s a legendary piece of history and Americana. It evokes feelings of nostalgia and harkens back to a time of sepia tones and classic cars. It is one of the last remaining businesses from the time of roadside pop ups, when Route 66 was the only way to snake your way across the United States. If you try hard enough, you can feel the hustle and bustle of a ‘40s American roadway, where everyone was stopping at the Jack Rabbit Trading Post on their way to their destination.
These days, things are a little different but visitors from all over the world come to the trading post to take a peek into a simpler time. They may even take home a piece of memorabilia themselves. There is a reason that Jack Rabbit Trading Post is one of the last remaining trading posts from the heyday of Route 66 along with Geronimo Trading Post. The unique gifts and souvenirs, as well as the family-run aspect, continues to draw people to this day.
The store is still owned and operated by the same people who bought the store in 1995, Cindy & Tony Jaquez. They are the granddaughter and grandson-in-law of the people who leased the store in 1961, keeping Jack Rabbit Trading Post in the family.
What to look forward to
If you aren’t excited enough for your road trip stop at Jack Rabbit Trading Post, there is even more to look forward to. The Arizona desert is the perfect backdrop to the shop, and you are sure to want to pick up a gift to remind yourself of the sweet nostalgia you’ll experience there. It’s the ideal place to grab some Route 66 memorabilia and items, like the Jack Rabbit Trading Post Magazine Collector’s Edition. With your adventure crew in tow, you’ll feel excited and refreshed after your stop at Jack Rabbit Trading Post and the iconic signage.
Are you ready to find the perfect Route 66 Tour that will take you by the classic Jack Rabbit Trading Post? Route 66 Tours is the ideal place to take on your next adventure abroad. We have something for everyone. Our Fall Route 66 Tour is 26 nights from Las Vegas to Chicago, returning to Las Vegas. Or if you’re looking for something a little shorter – check out our new 17 night tour.
More of a motorcycle lover? We even have something for you! Take a look at our Sturgis Bike Week Tour or The Harley-Davidson 120th Anniversary Tour of 2023. If you are itching to check out the Jack Rabbit Trading Post on your own terms, Route 66 Tours also has a tailored option.
If you are feeling the wanderlust urge creeping in, it’s time to talk to the adventure professionals. Reach out to our team today to get started, and don’t forget to take your picture next to the massive rabbit statue when you get to the Jack Rabbit Trading Post!
