Welcome to the town of Rabbit Hash, Kentucky. This little town is located on the Ohio River, in between Louisville and Cincinnati. It only has about 315 people living there, but it has a unique atmosphere unlike any other town you’ve ever visited. Oh yeah, and their mayor iss a dog, so you should expect plenty of character in Rabbit Hash. Experience its never-ending charm on this small town day trip in Kentucky.

Rabbit Hash is located about an hour and 40 minutes from Louisville, and a little less than an hour from Cincinnati, making it a great small town day trip in Kentucky from either city.
Google Maps
Rabbit Hash used to be named Carlton, but mail kept getting mixed up with the nearby town of Carrollton, so they changed their name to Rabbit Hash. The origin of the name is folklore, but the story says that back in the mid-1800s, the townspeople were discussing what they were going to serve for Christmas dinner, and one man said he would be serving rabbit hash. People started referring to him as Rabbit Hash as a nickname, and eventually the name stuck for the town. The name probably did derive from the fact that rabbits were hunted and used in meals, though. In the 19th century, the town was known for its delicious rabbit hash, and steamboats going by on the Ohio River would stop to eat some.
Get ready to step back in time. The Rabbit Hash Historic District is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Flickr/Jimmy Emerson, DVM
The Rabbit Hash Visitors Center is in a restored log cabin, and is run by the Rabbit Hash Historical Society.
Flickr/Jimmy Emerson, DVM
The Visitors Center is operated entirely by volunteers. It is open most Saturday afternoons, or you can schedule an appointment to visit.
Their downtown may be small, but it is so much better than any other downtown you've ever visited.
Flickr/Jimmy Emerson, DVM
The highlight of Rabbit Hash is its general store, a place that is the true heart of the town.
Flickr/Jimmy Emerson, DVM

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People come from all around to peruse the goods at this old-timey general store in Kentucky.
Facebook/Rabbit Hash General Store Restoration Progress
The General Store has been open since 1831, and before the fire, it was considered the most well known and best preserved country store in the state.
You'll see some quirky old things as you explore, plus loads of unique local shops and businesses.
Flickr/PunkToad
If you feel like staying the night, see if The Old Hashienda has any vacancies!
Flickr/Stephen
Speaking of the river, you'll have gorgeous views of it from Rabbit Hash. The below photo shows the view of Rabbit Hash from across the river in Rising Sun, Indiana.
Flickr/Jimmy Emerson, DVM
Perhaps the best part about Rabbit Hash....their mayor is a dog.
Flickr/adam.
In 1998, the first elected mayor in Rabbit Hash was Goofy Borneman-Calhoun. However, in 2001, he died in office. He was 16 years old. Other mayors have been a black Labrador named Junior Cochran, a border collie named Lucy Lou, and the current mayor is a pit bull named Brynneth Pawltro.
Rabbit Hash may be small, but it's a friendly town with a big personality. You'll definitely want to return to this laid back river town.
Flickr/Stephen
Bring your loved ones to this one-of-a-kind city. This is one of the best family day trips in Kentucky.

Looking at pictures of Rabbit Hash is no where near as amazing as actually visiting it, so definitely put it on your Kentucky bucket list. Has anyone visited Rabbit Hash before? What is your favorite small town day trip in Kentucky?

Looking for more historic places in Kentucky? These are 14 of the oldest places in the state, and they’re absolutely fascinating.

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small town day trip in Kentucky

Elisa Regulski | November 29, 2019

What are the best small towns in Kentucky?

There are so many lovely small towns in Kentucky:

  • Midway is one of the best. Located in Woodford County, this picturesque place is right in the middle of Horse Country. You’ll undoubtedly pass by several gorgeous farms in this part of the state.
  • Bardstown is another fantastic place to visit in Kentucky. In fact, it is often referred to as the "the most beautiful small town in America!" Here, you can visit several incredible bourbon distilleries and stare at the nature and history at My Old Kentucky Home State Park. No matter what you do, you’ll be enchanted by this town’s scenery.
  • Augusta. This Bracken County town is located right on the Ohio River and just so happens to be where famous actor George Clooney spent a portion of his childhood. Augusta is the epitome of a rural Kentucky town.
  • Harrodsburg, located in Mercer County, is Kentucky's oldest town. It was settled in 1774 when Kentucky was still a part of Virginia. Harrodsburg is any history buff's dream. Visit Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill or Old Fort Harrod State Park to take a step back into Kentucky's past.
  • Berea. This Madison County town just might be one of the most unique towns in Kentucky. Known as "the Folk Arts and Craft Capital of Kentucky," Berea boasts many local artists and galleries. They are also home to Berea College, a private, liberal arts college that promises every student a four-year, full-tuition scholarship.

What are the best day trips in Kentucky?

In terms of awesome day trips in Kentucky...

  • Kentucky Horse Park is one of the best family day trips in Kentucky. You’ll have loads of fun exploring this Lexington destination. Ride horses, visit the museum, and take in the beautiful scenery. This place has so much to offer.
  • Mammoth Cave National Park is another great day trip destination. This place is the longest cave system in the entire world, and it’s full of wonders.
  • Louisville is one of the best towns in the US and between its museums, restaurants, bourbon, hotels, beautiful parks, and landmarks, you'll never run out of things to do in Louisville, Kentucky!

 

What are the most historic places in Kentucky?

Kentucky is so full of historic places to visit, such as:

  • Fort Boonesborough State Park is an incredible historic landmark in Kentucky. This is one Kentucky’s original settlements, and it dates all the way back to the 1700s. You’ll really feel like you stepped back in time when you visit this place.
  • Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Park in Hodgenville. Even though this cabin is only a replica, it’s still full of fascinating information. It’s great for visitors young and old!

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Rabbit Hash, KY 41091, USA