Kansas Route 66
Short and Sweet
Although Kansas claims only 13 miles of Route 66, this short stretch packs in plenty of character. Winding through the state’s southeastern corner, it passes through three towns—Galena, Riverton, and Baxter Springs—each with its one-of-a-kind connection to the Mother Road.
The journey begins in Galena, the oldest mining town in the region, where riders on Route 66 can stop at Cars on the Route, the restored Kan-O-Tex service station. Out front sits the tow truck that inspired the character Mater from Pixar’s Cars, making it a must-see for fans. Galena also boasts murals, ghost signs, and the Galena Mining and Historical Museum.
A few miles west lies Riverton, home to the historical Old Riverton Store, a family-run grocery dating back to 1925. It still serves sandwiches, snacks, and Route 66 kitsch in equal measure.
Finally, Baxter Springs offers the most vibrant Main Street along the Kansas section. Once a bustling cow town, it features a restored Phillips 66 Station transformed into a visitor center and plenty of classic American architecture.
Brief as it might be, Kansas Route 66 captures the essence of small-town America.
Cars and Route 66
When Pixar released Cars in 2006, audiences fell in love with Radiator Springs. This dusty little town on Route 66 was filled with colorful characters, classic neon, and plenty of heart. Although Radiator Springs itself was fictional, its inspiration came directly from real Mother Road communities. The film’s story of a town bypassed by the interstate mirrored the real struggles of many Route 66 towns, which saw their economies collapse after traffic was diverted.
To capture that authenticity, Pixar’s creative team spent time traveling the Mother Road, meeting residents, and absorbing local details. As a result, Cars is often credited with introducing a new generation to the nostalgia for and importance of Route 66. For many families, the movie became a gateway to learning about and traveling the iconic road.
One of the most direct connections between Cars and Route 66 can be found in Galena. This town made a big impression thanks to a single rusty tow truck. Outside the aforementioned Kan-O-Tex service station, now known as Cars on the Route, sits an International Harvester L-170 truck. When Pixar’s research team rolled through Galena, they spotted the old truck, complete with big round headlights and a toothy grille. Its personality was undeniable, and it went on to inspire the look and feel of the fan-favorite Tow Mater, who became the soul and comic relief of the movie.
Today, Cars on the Route is one of the most popular stops along Kansas’ short stretch. Visitors can pose for photos with “Tater,” Mater’s stand-in due to copyright laws, along with other Cars-themed vehicles. Inside, the former gas station houses a diner and gift shop, offering souvenirs, memorabilia, and a glimpse into Galena’s mining and automotive past. The site perfectly blends Route 66 and Pixar’s film, making it a hit with families, motorcyclists, and international travelers alike.
Beyond Cars on the Route, Galena offers even more for fans of Route 66 and Americana. But it’s the movie connection that draws in first-time visitors, many of whom grew up watching Cars and are now eager to experience a piece of Radiator Springs in real life.
Discover the Proud Route 66 History of Galena
Galena may be small today, but it carries a big piece of Route 66 and mining history. Founded in 1877 after the discovery of lead ore, the town quickly grew from farmland to a booming mining community. At its peak, Galena’s population soared to 30,000, driven first by mining and later by travelers passing through on Route 66. But like many Route 66 towns, Galena’s fortunes changed in the 1970s when the mines closed and I-44 bypassed the city.
Despite its decline, Galena has reinvented itself as a lively tourism destination. Today, it brims with quirky attractions. In addition to Cars on the Route, visitors can explore the Galena Mining and Historical Museum, admire murals, and check out unique relics like the remains of Freckles the Miner, a massive wannabe-Muffler Man who sadly burned down in 2022. Other highlights include the historical Staffleback Bordello, the old jail, and Gearhead Studios, a retro Texaco station turned gift shop.
Kansas Points of Interest
- Cars on the Route, Galena
- Mining and Historical Museum, Galena
- Galena Murals
- Gearhead Curios, Galena
- Galena Drive-thru Arch
- Luigi's Pit Stop, Galena
- Sheriff, Mercury police cruiser, Galena
- Eisler Brothers Old Riverton store, Riverton
- Rainbow Curve Bridge, Baxter Springs
- Heritage Center and Museum, Baxter Springs
- Phillips 66 Station, Baxter Springs