Five miles west of Joseph City, Arizona, sits one of Route 66’s most legendary stops—the Jack Rabbit Trading Post. Hard to miss thanks to its iconic yellow-and-black billboards stretching across the Southwest, this old-school curio shop is as much about nostalgia and personality as it is about souvenirs.
Location and Vibe
Address: 3386 Historic U.S. 66, Joseph City, AZ
Right off I-40 Exit 269, this little stop used to be smack in the middle of Route 66’s original flow. These days, it’s a short detour, and totally worth it.
The setup is simple: a vintage-style gift shop packed with Route 66 memorabilia, and out front, a giant fiberglass jackrabbit just waiting for you to climb aboard and snap a photo.
How It Got Famous
The Trading Post was founded in 1949 by Jim Taylor, who either took over an old rail building or a former snake farm—depending on which version of the story you hear. One thing’s certain: Taylor drove into town with a jackrabbit statue in his convertible, and people couldn’t stop asking where to find it.
That statue became the centerpiece of his shop. To promote it, Taylor and his partner Wayne Troutner launched a marketing blitz—simple signs with a jackrabbit silhouette and the miles remaining to the store appeared all along Route 66, from Missouri to California. At the entrance, the famous “HERE IT IS” sign sealed the deal.
Ownership eventually passed to Glenn Blansett, then to his son, and since 1995, it’s been lovingly run by Cindy and Tony Jaquez, descendants of the original trading post family. They’ve kept the spirit of the place alive, one visitor at a time.
What You’ll Find There
Photo Opportunities
Hop on the giant jackrabbit statue or pose under the “HERE IT IS” sign. It’s one of the most iconic Route 66 photo ops still around.
Memorabilia Galore
T-shirts, mugs, mileage signs, postcards, license plates, and Route 66 souvenirs of every kind line the walls. You can even get a hand-painted distance sign customized to your hometown.
Local Vibes
The Jaquez family are part of what makes this place special. Visitors constantly mention how friendly, welcoming, and passionate they are about keeping Route 66’s spirit alive.
Why It Still Matters
After World War II, Arizona was packed with trading posts trying to get your attention—offering petrified wood, teepees, or roadside novelties. Most didn’t survive the rise of the interstate system. But the Jack Rabbit Trading Post did.
Why? Because it wasn’t just selling souvenirs. It was selling identity. The branding worked. The signs worked. And the jackrabbit became a symbol of the Route 66 experience. It’s even said to have inspired a scene in Pixar’s Cars.
Today, it remains one of the last original trading posts on the route, and for many travelers, it’s a must-stop.
Travel Tips
- Watch for signs: You’ll see mileage markers counting down for dozens of miles. When it finally says “Here It Is,” it really is.
- Bring your camera: The jackrabbit and signage are vintage Americana gold.
- Shop small: This is a family-run business. Every purchase helps keep a piece of history alive.
- Check hours before you go: They’re open daily, but hours vary slightly. A quick call ahead can’t hurt. Phone: 928-288-3230
The Jack Rabbit Trading Post isn’t just a spot to stretch your legs—it’s a living relic of advertising genius, roadside charm, and Route 66 legend. If you’re headed west, east, or anywhere in between, this is one of those stops that turns your drive into a memory.
