If you’re traveling along I-71 through Kentucky, take a bit of a detour to experience the Rabbit Hash General Store. Rabbit Hash may sound more like a kind of stew than a travel destination, but I know you’ll be surprised by this eclectic stop.
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Rabbit Hash is a historic river town in Northern Kentucky with a population of just over 300. And the true draw of this small town is the gem that is the Rabbit Hash General Store.
Rabbit Hash General Store History
The Rabbit Hash General Store has been serving locals and travelers of Northern Kentucky since 1831. The store has not been without challenges. It survived frequent floods and in 2016 there was a devastating Rabbit Hash General Store fire. The townspeople watched helplessly as the store was burnt nearly to the ground.
After nearly a year of grueling restoration, the Rabbit Hash General Store once again opened its doors to serve the townspeople and strangers passing through.
The merchandise displayed in the store is as much for decoration as it is for sale. You’ll find antiques decorating the walls along with local pottery, linens, household utensils, soaps and more.
There are also souvenirs, candy and soda served in glass bottles.
Rabbit Hash Dog Elected Mayor
It’s common to pull up to the general store and be greeted by one of the resident canines. In fact, Rabbit Hash has elected a dog as mayor since 1988 as a fundraiser for the town that is maintained by the Rabbit Hash Historical Society.
What’s more, you don’t have to live in Rabbit Hash to cast your vote. You simply need to be willing to cough up the voting fee.
If you’re really lucky, you’ll visit on a day when the menfolk from town are gathered around the iron stove playing their banjos and other instruments. On a warm day, you may happen to pass through town to find a band playing along the banks of the Ohio River.
Be sure to check out the Rabbit Hash website for special events, such as Old Timers Day.
If you want to stay overnight, The Old Hashienda is a historic Rabbit Hash building that has been converted into a rustic inn.
Things to Do Near Rabbit Hash
You may also opt to take the Rabbit Hash Ferry 2,000 feet across the Ohio River to Rising Sun, Indiana. The M.S. Lucky Lady has room for ten vehicles, runs every 15 minutes, and costs $6 for a one-way trip across the river. Ferries aren’t new to the Ohio River or Rabbit Hash. Many ferries operated from the early 1800s until 1948 when most were replaced by bridges.
This top-of-the-line ferry boat allows those in Northern Kentucky to reach the Rising Star Casino and historic Rising Sun, Indiana in minutes vs a 26-mile or more car ride between the airport and Rising Sun.
If you want my vote, I say exit the ferry and drive a short distance north along the river to Aurora and tour the gorgeous Hillforest Mansion.
If you are looking for more things to do near Rabbit Hash, you can continue on your way to Big Bone Lick State Park. It’s just a short 15 minutes away, and another must-stop when traveling along I-71.
Visiting the Rabbit Hash General Store:
Address: 10021 Lower River Road Rabbit Hash, KY 41005
Phone: 859-586-7744
Website: https://www.rabbithash.com/
Hours of operation: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily
Stretch your legs at these other stops in Kentucky:
