Rabbit Hash, Kentucky, is the kind of place where if the whole world was left behind, this is all that would be left. It’s a funny little town along the Ohio River in rural Kentucky. It’s not very big, it is only 3.5 acres, there are less than 500 residents, and a dog is the Mayor in this town.
It’s a great kind of place to get lost, or go on a road trip with friends. You can visit the general store and get a soda, beer, snacks and some surplus goods — and then enjoy the views of the Ohio River.
But if you came here for a ghost story, I have that here for you too (It was a personal encounter).
Rabbit Hash, Kentucky: Where It Is and How to Get There
Rabbit Hash sits on the Ohio River in Boone County. It’s about eight miles southwest of Burlington, KY. From Cincinnati, Oh, it’s roughly a 40-minute drive from downtown,.
The last stretch is half the fun. Take Rabbit Hash Hill Road down toward the river until it meets Lower River Road, then bear left at the fork and cross a little bridge to reach the General Store. The store’s address is 10021 Lower River Road
The Mayor is a Dog
Rabbit Hash has elected four-legged mayors since 1998. The current mayor is Boone, a bluetick coonhound. He was elected in November 2024 with 14,162 votes, the highest total ever polled by a candidate. He was sworn in on January 12, 2025, and he’ll serve a four-year term. His campaign slogan was “Have a drink at noon and vote for Boone.”
Boone is only the sixth in the line:
Goofy, the first elected mayor
Junior, a black Labrador
Lucy Lou, a border collie, elected in 2008 and the town’s first female mayor
Brynneth Pawltro, a rescued pit bull, elected in 2016
Wilbur Beast, a French bulldog, elected in 2020
Boone, elected in 2024
How does an election work? Anyone in the world can “vote,” and each ballot costs $1, which goes toward maintaining Rabbit Hash. The election is really a fundraiser, and the most recent race brought in over $26,000 for the Rabbit Hash Historical Society.
RABBIT HASH GENERAL STORE
The General Store dates to 1831. It served as a stopping point for steamboat travelers and shippers in its earliest decades. The settlement itself had a different name at first: it was officially called Carlton until December 1847, when it became Rabbit Hash.
The name has a good legend behind it. The story goes that during the flood of 1847, the area’s many rabbits were driven to higher ground and became the main ingredient in a stew called “hash.”
The store was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1989, and in 2003 the entire town was designated a National Register District.
A Ghostly Encounter
It was in the General Store, where I had my ghostly encounter. I was there with my cousin and she had gone in first — she went straight past the counter in the front of the store, towards the back and turned a corner.
There was an older couple looking at something towards the front door. As I walked back towards where my cousin headed I heard my name called in my ear. “Lauren” it said in a woman’s voice, and I looked over and I noticed that the porch swing near me with no one in it. I thought it was my cousin that called me, and when I mentioned it to her she looked at me white as a ghost and said no, that was not me.
I know what I heard and I know what I saw. This was also within the same week that my Great Aunt had passed away. I don’t know much about ghosts, but I do know from my own personal experiences that for me it usually starts with either a thought or someone passing, and then I see the signs. I would not be surprised if that was my Great Aunt. Or… something else because this is a very old town with a deep history, and I know I am just sensitive to these things.
The Ohio River and Rising Sun
The town of Rising Sun, Indiana is directly across the Ohio River from Rabbit Hash. In the summer they have ferry rides that go across the river so that tourists can enjoy both towns along the river.
Rabbit Hash ArtWorks and Folksiders
Rabbit Hash Artworks and Folksiders were great places to visit in town. Featuring art and eclectic wear and goods made by local artists.
Explore Nearby - Big Bone Lick State Historic Site
Big Bone Lick State Historic Site is just 15 minutes away from Rabbit Hash its worth the visit to get out and enjoy the outdoors, see the Bison, do a little hiking and check out the visitor’s center. I have more information about Big Bone Lick State Park on my blog here.
