Saddled Jackalope.

Ride the Jackalope

Dubois, Wyoming

We first encountered a giant ride-me Jackalope (a big, stuffed jackrabbit with antlers) in mid-1980s Dubois. Even then it was at a gas station in Dubois. It's still there, although its fur is frayed in spots from the countless tourists who've sat on it. Perhaps it's not the same specimen, if you start examining too closely, but we award points for decades of public happiness continuity.

Jackalope droppings.

The Jackalope is about 7-8 feet tall. It's built to be a photo-op, with a step stool for mounting, and a saddle, saddle blanket, lariat, and cowboy hat hung on one of its antlers that visitors can use as a prop. An American flag serves as a backdrop, and a comedy pile of melon-sized "droppings" sits beneath its tail.

Since our initial encounter, the indoor Jackalope has been joined by a fiberglass companion, also saddled and rideable, that stands out by the gas pumps, and a "World's Largest Jackalope Exhibit" that includes a rare disco ball Jackalope.

Customers mounting the Jackalope have reported friendly employees that have helped take snapshots, and some lucky customers have even received tickets proclaiming, "I rode the Giant Jackalope in Dubois WY."