Jack Rabbit Trading Post | Garden City

The Jack Rabbit Trading Post, located along Historic U.S. Route 66 near Joseph City in Kansas, is an iconic roadside attraction celebrated for its kitschy charm, roadside memorabilia, and quirky photo opportunities. It has become a symbol of mid-20th-century American road travel and continues to draw visitors exploring the famous “Mother Road.”

History and Background

Established in the 1940s, the Jack Rabbit Trading Post originally served as a general store catering to travelers along Route 66. Over time, it evolved into a larger attraction featuring a combination of retail, novelty signs, and iconic photo landmarks. Its growth mirrored the heyday of cross-country automobile travel, when roadside businesses competed to capture the attention of passing motorists with eye-catching signs, slogans, and unique attractions.

Architecture and Features

The trading post maintains a classic mid-century roadside aesthetic, with bold signage and distinctive exterior features that have made it a Route 66 icon:

Giant “Jack Rabbit” Sign: A large, stylized silhouette of a rabbit atop a pole points travelers toward the store, often accompanied by mileage markers to nearby towns.

Storefront: A compact building selling Route 66 memorabilia, novelty gifts, souvenirs, and regional products.

Photo Opportunities: Visitors often pose with the rabbit sign or vintage displays, continuing a tradition of roadside photography popularized in the 1950s and 1960s.

Interior Displays: Inside, shelves are filled with Route 66 guides, postcards, toys, and other collectible items celebrating Americana and the history of the highway.

The design emphasizes visibility, novelty, and fun, appealing to travelers seeking a memorable stop on their journey.

Visitor Experience

Visiting the Jack Rabbit Trading Post offers a blend of nostalgia, curiosity, and playful exploration. Travelers often stop to take photographs with the giant rabbit sign, browse the collection of souvenirs, and learn about the history of Route 66. The experience evokes the excitement of classic American road trips, complete with quirky charm, roadside humor, and a sense of discovery. The trading post is particularly popular with families, tourists, and Route 66 enthusiasts looking to capture authentic snapshots of mid-century travel culture.

Legacy and Significance

The Jack Rabbit Trading Post is more than just a store; it is a cultural landmark of Route 66 Americana. Its enduring appeal lies in its celebration of roadside creativity, novelty signage, and the spirit of travel. As one of the few remaining original Route 66 trading posts, it preserves the history of American road travel while offering a playful, interactive experience for modern visitors. The trading post continues to serve as a nostalgic waypoint, connecting generations of travelers to the legacy of one of America’s most iconic highways.