Staunton - "What Small Towns Used to Be"
Staunton, Illinois was platted in 1835 so it has been around for a pretty long time.
Located on Historic Route 66, its downtown district is like driving into a time machine and going back about 100 years.
For the true Route 66 fan, however, a drive through Staunton would not be complete without a stop at Henry's Rabbit Ranch. Henry's Rabbit Ranch is located on the old 1930 - 1940 alignment of Route 66 through the area. You can't miss it, just look for the bright "Hare It Is" sign. That sign is a play on the famous "Here It Is" sign from the Jackrabbit Trading Post on Old Route 66 in Arizona.
The owners, Rich and Linda Henry love Route 66! Both Rich and Linda's fathers are both inductees in the Illinois Route 66 Hall of Fame so they have grown up in the Mother Road's celebrated shadow. They saw Route 66's decline and now they are part of its rebirth! Henry's Rabbit Ranch is their contribution to America's Main Street. Though new in terms of the Mother Road, Henry's Rabbit Ranch maintains the best traditions of Route 66. Their visitor center in Staunton, Illinois is a replica filling station that even got the government thinking it was real! That's another story, though. Be sure to ask about it when you stop by.
It all started when Rich and Linda's daughter got a pair of rabbits and didn't account for the resulting population explosion. She lived in a single room apartment and soon things were getting a little out of hand. Rich stepped in and helped out and the next thing you know there was a new attraction on Route 66 - a rabbit ranch. Be sure to look up Montana when you get here. Montana is quite a Route 66 ambassador. Quite the character, she'll greet you as you enter Rich's store and if she's feeling particularly frisky maybe she'll show you some of her tricks.
An original "Snortin Norton" tractor trailer is one of the cool items to be found at Henry's Rabbit Ranch. The Snortin Norton 66 Camel was a familiar sight on Route 66 until the company closed in the 1980s.
Rich Henry and the ever playful Montana greet visitors from all over the world at Henry's Rabbit Ranch and Old Route 66 Emporium in Staunton, Illinois. Make your plans to be one of them. And while you are here, be sure to spend a little time at Staunton Lake, one of the most beautiful areas in Staunton. The fishing is unparalled and it's a wonder opportunity to catch a little fun in the sun and maybe even a few fish.
Sources:
City of Staunton, IL
The Road Wanderer
Wikipedia Encyclopedia
