Staunton and Henry’s Ra66it Ranch

Vintage Staunton, Illlinois

Vintage Staunton, Illinois

Staunton, Illinois, was one of the first areas settled in Macoupin County, platted in 1835. A man named Stanton first owned the property, who donated land for a village square. However, when the new settlers applied for a post office, the name was approved as “Staunton.”

Officially becoming an organized village in 1846, farming was the initial primary industry. However, this all changed in the 1880s when coal mining became the principal industry in the area. Before long, hundreds of European immigrants came to the city to find jobs. Coal mining was thriving at the turn of the century when Staunton reached its peak population. In 1910, four mines were operating in Staunton. Though coal mining remained in the area until only recently, it began to decline many years ago. Along with it, the town’s population also declined.

Today, this city of about 5,000 people provides a historic downtown district that will make you feel as if you have stepped back in time. On the 1930-40 alignment of Route 66, a must-stop is Henry’s Ra66it Ranch, with its sign spoofing the billboard of the Jackrabbit Trading Post in Arizona.

Henry’s Ra66it Ranch

Rabbits, rabbits, and guess what? More rabbits! Yup, these loveable little critters do like to perpetuate themselves. This quirky roadside attraction and official Route 66 Landmark is owned by Rich Henry, who loves rabbits and has a passion for the dear ole’ Mother Road. Rich took a trip along Route 66 several years ago and noticed a lack of Route 66 visitor centers and souvenirs of the Mother Road. Wasting no time in his hometown of Staunton, Illinois, he set about to rectify that situation by adding a new attraction to Main Street USA.

The question of what that attraction might be was quickly solved when Rich’s daughter got a pair of rabbits and didn’t account for the resulting population explosion.  Next thing you know, the Ra66it Ranch was born! However, this attraction provides much more than just rabbits.

Henry's Rabbit Ranch, Staunton, Illinois

Henry’s Rabbit Ranch, Staunton, Illinois

This Route 66 enthusiast has established a Visitor’s Center that looks so much like a “real” old classic filling station that the EPA asked them where the buried gas tanks were. Ha, even fooled them! Rich had to work to convince them that there wasn’t any ground contamination and the structure was never a real gas station. Speaks well for how good of a job they did on building the Visitor’s Center.

Inside you’ll find a wide array of Mother Road memorabilia, souvenirs, and collectibles. And while there, take the opportunity to talk to this Route 66 authority who enjoys sharing memories of the Mother Road with visitors from all over the world. In fact, his dad is in the Illinois Route 66 Hall of Fame at Dixie n McLean, Illinois.

Outside, you’ll see the ranch itself with hundreds of rabbits, each of which has its own name and distinctive personality. Rich has even trained some of the rabbits to do tricks for the many visitors who stop in. During our visit, the Queen of the show was a rabbit named Montana – stop by and say hello.

You’ll also see a collection of old Campbell’s “humpin’ to please” trailers next to the replica of the vintage station.

Rich Henry

Rich Henry

Just south of Staunton is the old DeCamp Junction. Once a small coal-mining settlement, all that’s left today is the old Riddel Store, now used as a residence and a roadhouse that got its start in 1931. The roadhouse opened as Duda’s Restaurant; the business had a dance floor and soon became a frequent stop for travelers of Route 66. In the late 1930s, it was here that a large black sedan pulled to stop in front of the restaurant. Within moments, several gangsters burst into the restaurant with guns drawn and ordered everyone outside. The thieves ransacked the restaurant, stealing cash, slot machines, liquor, and Duda’s private gun collection.

On the next road south of DeCamp Junction is the old Riddel Store, now utilized as a residence by Lynn Puryear. Last year, Lynn purchased the land where the coal mining houses and hotel once stood and is in the process of building a turn-of-the-century rustic village. Currently, the site holds regular flea markets, but keep your eyes open as a new Route 66 attraction is scheduled to open soon.

Continuing your journey of Route 66 will soon take you through the farming communities of Livingston and Hamel before arriving at Illinois’ third oldest city – Edwardsville.

Contact Information:

Henry’s Ra66it Ranch
1107 Historic Old Route 66
Staunton, Illinois 62088-4361
618-635-5655

© Kathy Alexander/Legends of America, updated November 2021.

Also See:

Illinois – The Prairie State

More Illinois Route 66

Pre-1930 Segment of Route 66, Illinois – Chatham to Staunton

Route 66 Photo Galleries