The molecular mechanisms regulating olfactory receptor (OR) expression in the mammalian nose are not yet understood. Here, we identify the transient expression of histone demethylase LSD1 and the OR-dependent expression of adenylyl cyclase 3 (Adcy3) as requirements for initiation and stabilization of OR expression. As a transcriptional coactivator, LSD1 is necessary for desilencing and initiating OR transcription, but as a transcriptional corepressor, it is incompatible with maintenance of OR expression, and its downregulation is imperative for stable OR choice. Adcy3, a sensor of OR expression and a transmitter of an OR-elicited feedback, mediates the downregulation of LSD1 and promotes the differentiation of olfactory sensory neurons (OSNs). This novel, three-node signaling cascade locks the epigenetic state of the chosen OR, stabilizes its singular expression, and prevents the transcriptional activation of additional OR alleles for the life of the neuron. Display omitted •Histone demethylase LSD1 desilences and initiates OR expression•OR expression induces adenylyl cyclase 3 (AdCy3) expression•AdCy3 induces LSD1 downregulation, stabilizing OR choice•Retaining LSD1 expression in olfactory neurons induces frequent OR switching Singular olfactory receptor (OR) gene expression is stabilized by an “epigenetic trap” in which the LSD1 demethylase desilences an OR gene but is then downregulated as a consequence of OR protein expression, preventing the activation of additional OR alleles.