Kansas might only claim 13 miles of America’s most legendary highway, but don’t let its brevity fool you — this short stretch of Route 66 packs a punch when it comes to quirky roadside Americana, small-town charm, and big slices of history. Whether you’re road-tripping the Mother Road end-to-end or just dipping in for a day, these five stops deliver a classic Kansas welcome with a side of nostalgia and plenty of photo ops.
1. Cars on the Route — Galena
A Tow-tally Fun Stop for Pixar Fans
At first glance, this restored 1934 Kan-O-Tex gas station in Galena looks like a time capsule from Route 66’s heyday. But look closer — that rusty old tow truck out front? Yep, it’s Tow Tater, the inspiration behind Pixar’s beloved Mater from Cars. Thanks to a fresh facelift in 2025, Tow Tater’s googly green eyes are shining brighter than ever, and there’s a newly stocked cooler inside to keep you fueled with locally made fudge and the shop’s famous chocolate chip cookies.
Beyond the souvenirs and pressed-penny machines, you’ll meet one of the “Four Women on the Route,” part of the grassroots effort that helped revive this stretch of road-trip Americana. Don’t miss the ’57 Seagrave fire engine parked alongside Tater for double the photo ops.
2. Galena Mining & Historical Museum — Galena
Where Glowing Rocks Meet Gritty History
Galena’s mining roots run deep — lead and zinc built this town, and this museum tells the story, warts and all.
Explore exhibits on the miners’ strikes of the 1930s (think martial law right here on Route 66) and climb aboard a restored 1940s locomotive cab while you’re at it. Seasonal displays keep things fresh — Easter bonnets in spring, school days in summer — but the heart of the place is its gritty, hands-on dive into small-town Kansas history.
3. Rainbow Marsh Arch Bridge (Brush Creek Bridge) — Riverton
Snap That Classic Mother Road Selfie
There’s something inherently charming about this little white bridge in Riverton. Built in 1923 and pedestrian-only since 2013, it’s the last single-span concrete Marsh arch bridge on Route 66 — a perfect slice of road-trip nostalgia. Volunteers gave it a fresh coat of paint this spring, along with subtle LED lighting for those golden-hour Instagram shots.
Bring your camera: Sunrise hits the east side, sunset bathes the west. Either way, it’s a must for your Kansas 66 photo album.
4. Old Riverton Store (Eisler Bros.) — Riverton
Sandwiches, Souvenirs & Serious Route 66 Vibes
Since 1925, this general store has been slinging Route 66 souvenirs, heirloom seeds, and deli sandwiches to hungry travelers. Recent updates include a revamped cold-cut selection (don’t sleep on the pepper-loaf & cheddar on marble rye) and a new online shop if you need to ship home that EZ66 Guide or house-made spice rub.
History buffs will love knowing that Cars movie scouts bought postcards here while researching Radiator Springs. The staff can even point out the store’s cameo in the documentary about the film’s creation.
5. Baxter Springs Heritage Center & Museum — Baxter Springs
Two Floors of Kansas Curiosities
Kansas history is nothing if not eclectic, and this 20,000-square-foot museum proves it. New for 2025: A mezzanine exhibit on 1920s baseball along Route 66, featuring Babe Ruth’s exhibition-game bat (on loan through September). Come fall, history buffs can catch the Civil War Encampment marking the anniversary of Quantrill’s attack.
Inside, you’ll find everything from Osage pottery and mining models to Route 66 artifacts and a basement full of recreated Main Street storefronts. It’s a little bit Ozarks, a little bit Americana, and a lot of Kansas.
