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.