The neon signs still flicker in Mound House. If you’ve spent any time driving down Highway 50—that stretch of road they call the loneliest in America—you know exactly which ones. The Moonlite Bunny Ranch is more than a business; it’s a cultural landmark, or a "house of ill repute" depending on who you ask at the local diner. But with the headlines of the last few years, from the death of its bombastic owner Dennis Hof to the global shutdowns that quieted Nevada's rural counties, people are confused. They want to know one thing: is the bunny ranch in Nevada still open?
Honestly, the answer isn't a simple yes or no because "open" means different things in the world of legal Nevada brothels.
The Short Answer: Yes, the Bunny Ranch is Open
Let’s get the big question out of the way immediately. The Bunny Ranch is currently open for business. After the long, weird hiatus caused by the 2020 pandemic lockdowns—where sex workers actually sued the governor because they were the only industry left in the dark—the Ranch swung its doors back open in May 2021. Since then, it’s been back to its version of "business as usual." You can still pull into that gravel lot in Lyon County and find the familiar parlor, the velvet couches, and the lineup.
But it’s a different vibe than the HBO Cathouse era. Dennis Hof, the man who basically turned the place into a reality TV set, passed away in 2018. He actually won his election for the Nevada State Assembly after he died, which is the most Nevada thing to ever happen. Today, the estate is managed by Suzette Cole, who has kept the brand alive despite some pretty heavy legal and political pressure.
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Why People Think it Closed
Confusion usually stems from two things: the death of Hof and the temporary closure of its sister sites. Hof didn’t just own the Bunny Ranch. He had a whole empire—the Love Ranch, the Alien Cathouse, and others. When he died, some of those locations hit legal snags or licensing issues with the county commissions.
Then came the COVID-19 pandemic. For over a year, legal prostitution in Nevada was effectively dead. While casinos and bars were allowed to reopen with masks and distancing, brothels were kept shuttered. The state argued that "social distancing" is literally impossible in that line of work. It took a lot of lobbying and a few high-profile lawsuits from workers like Alice Little to get the green light again.
The Location Trap
A lot of tourists make the mistake of looking for the Bunny Ranch in Las Vegas.
It’s not there.
It never was.
If you’re in Vegas and someone tells you they’re taking you to the "Bunny Ranch" right off the Strip, you’re being scammed or taken to an illegal "outcall" service. Legal brothels are strictly banned in Clark County (Las Vegas) and Washoe County (Reno). You have to drive about six miles east of Carson City to find the actual Ranch.
What to Expect in 2026
If you’re planning a visit, things aren’t exactly like they were in the 90s. The industry has professionalized significantly. Here is the reality of how the Ranch operates today:
- Mandatory Health Checks: Every worker at the Moonlite Bunny Ranch undergoes weekly testing for STIs and monthly testing for HIV. This is regulated by the Nevada State Health Division.
- The "Lineup": This still happens. When a guest enters, the ladies line up in the parlor to introduce themselves. It's fast, a bit awkward if you aren't prepared, but it's the standard procedure.
- The Pricing: There is no "menu" with prices on the wall. This is a common myth. Prices are negotiated privately between the guest and the worker in their individual rooms. The house takes a cut, and the worker keeps the rest.
- ID is Non-Negotiable: You aren't getting past the front door without a valid government-issued ID showing you are 21 or older. No exceptions.
The Political Reality: Is It Safe?
There is always a looming threat that the Bunny Ranch might close for good. Not because of a lack of customers, but because of the ballot box. Anti-brothel activists in Lyon County have tried multiple times to put the "legal prostitution" question to a vote.
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So far, the brothels have survived. Why? Because they bring in a massive amount of licensing revenue for small, rural counties that otherwise don't have a huge tax base. In 2026, the Bunny Ranch remains one of the largest taxpayers in Lyon County. Money talks, and as long as the Ranch keeps the peace and pays its fees, the local government is generally inclined to let them keep the lights on.
Actionable Tips for First-Timers
If you've decided to see it for yourself, don't just wing it.
- Bring Cash: While many brothels now have ATMs or ways to handle cards, cash is still king and allows for much better privacy and smoother negotiations.
- Respect the Rules: Photography is strictly prohibited inside. If you pull out your phone to take a "selfie" in the parlor, security will have you out the door before you can hit upload.
- Communication is Key: Be upfront about what you want and what your budget is. The workers are independent contractors; they appreciate people who don't waste their time.
- Check the Website: The "Bunny Ranch" brand has a very active website where they list which workers are currently on rotation. If you have someone specific in mind, check the schedule first.
The Moonlite Bunny Ranch is a survivor. It outlived its owner, survived a global pandemic, and has dodged half a dozen attempts to ban it. For now, the gates are open, and the "Bunnies" are waiting.
If you are traveling from Las Vegas, keep in mind it’s a roughly 7-hour drive north. It’s better to fly into the Reno-Tahoe International Airport and take the 30-minute Uber or rental car ride down to Mound House. Just look for the signs—you can't miss them.