Discover KANSAS WITH THEE UK Route 66 Association
Things to do in Galena, Kansas
Galena was formed in 1877 shortly after the discovery of lead in the area. Lead mining brought prosperity to the regio,n and the community’s population reached 30,000 in the early 1900s. Also, fueling the City’s growth was the establishment of Route 66 in 1926. The “mother road” continues to bring visitors to the community today. Travelers have a variety of shops and restaurants to choose from and a number of attractions to enjoy from the International Harvester boom truck that was the inspiration for the character “Mater” in Disney’s Cars to Schermerhorn Park and the Southeast Kansas Nature Center. Mining has been replaced by manufacturing and state-of-the-art medical facilities, and the community now has a population of approximately 3,000.
Miners Park, 700 Main St. Galena, KS 66739
Miners Park is a great place to relax while visiting downtown Galena. And, the mural makes for a great Route 66 photo opportunity!
Miners Park is found along Kansas’ Historic Route 66 Byway. This fun byway offers opportunities for visitors to enjoy a variety of experiences to "get their own kicks" while driving the original Kansas portion of Route 66, found in the "Ozark Plateau" or Southeast corner of the state. Drive over many of the original structures of "The Mother Road," including the only remaining Marsh Arch Bridge on Route 66, or stop at the Nelson's Old Riverton Store, known as one of the most authentic, still working 75+ year old stores of its kind on all of Route 66. Take your picture with the tow truck that was the inspiration for the character "Mater" from the "Cars" movie or discover Schermerhorn Park and the Southeast Kansas Nature Center
Gearhead Curios, 520 S. Main Galena, KS 66739
Gearhead Curios is a Route 66 and Jefferson Highway souvenir shop, photo-op, and the only State of Kansas Tourist Information Center on our section of Route 66 and the first Jefferson Highway Information Center. Located in a restored 1939 Texaco station in Galena, Kansas, it is filled with unique details. Outside, visitors will find vintage gas pumps, a license plate "Tag Flag" (169 Kansas License plates that create an American flag), "Big A, the Texaco Giant" (a 22-foot muffler man with the owner's likeness), and a "Cars" tribute Hudson. There's also Big Boy holding tires from the owner's 1958 Ford and Rock-a-Betty the Texaco Girl. Inside, repurposed gas pump nozzles, a 33 Chevy fireplace, license plate decor, and an unusual "Hit the Funnel" restroom (believed to be the most photographed on the Route). The shop offers a wide selection of souvenirs, including 20 unique t-shirt designs” and much more.
ATTRACTIONS TO SEE IN KANSAS
Cars on the Route 119 N Main St, Galena, KS 66739
Greetings from Galena Mural Route 66, Galena, KS 66739
Cars on the Route 119 N Main St, Galena, KS 66739
Cars on the Route in Galena, Kansas is home to the tow truck that inspired Tow Mater from Pixar’s Cars. Stop by this restored gas station-turned-café to grab a bite, snap a photo with the real-life Mater, and explore a quirky Route 66 attraction tied to movie history.
The Tag Flag at Gearhead Curious
Greetings from Galena Mural Route 66, Galena, KS 66739
Cars on the Route 119 N Main St, Galena, KS 66739
The Tag Flag is 169 Kansas license plates that create the American flag illuminated by LED lights inside of a red, what and blue motorcycle helmet.
Greetings from Galena Mural Route 66, Galena, KS 66739
Greetings from Galena Mural Route 66, Galena, KS 66739
Greetings from Galena Mural Route 66, Galena, KS 66739
Kansas might hold the smallest section of Route 66, but it packs in the sites. Be sure to pull over and visit the Greetings from Galena mural in Galena, Kansas and also check out some of the popular sites depicted within.
The mural was designed by Chris Auckerman and Jon White in 2013. Find it surrounded by a small mural park on the southwest corner of Seventh and Main streets in the southwest Kansas town.
Frec's The Miner - 205 Front St, Galena
Frec's The Miner - 205 Front St, Galena
Greetings from Galena Mural Route 66, Galena, KS 66739
Frecs the Miner in Galena, Kansas was Kansas’s own take on a classic muffler man—standing tall at 19 feet, dressed in blue jean overalls, a miner’s helmet, and boots, and holding a pickaxe and pail. But unlike the traditional fiberglass muffler men, Frecs was crafted from pipe, canvas, chicken wire, and glue, giving him a true homemade charm.
Frecs came to life in 2019, thanks to Renee Charles, president of the Kansas Historic Route 66 Association. Inspired by her grandfather Milbern John Busick—a real lead and zinc miner known as “Frecs” for his red hair and freckles—she named this Route 66 icon in his honor. Sadly, in March 2022, an accidental fire claimed Frecs, leaving only his boots and a sign behind. There’s hope he’ll be rebuilt someday, so keep an eye out when you pass through Galena.
This attraction burned down in 2022 but they are looking to rebuild.
Galena Mining & Historical Museum
Frec's The Miner - 205 Front St, Galena
Galena Mining & Historical Museum
Old Katy Railroad Depot moved in 1983, Museum opened in 1984, 42x42 annex added in 1988, 42x42 annex added in 2010. Home of mining, school and history of Galena Memorabilia. 1919 Model T Touring Car; 1924 Model T Roadster; 1931 Model A 2 1/2 Ton Truck
The old Katy Railroad Depot is found along Kansas’ Historic Route 66 Byway. This fun byway offers opportunities for visitors to enjoy a variety of experiences to "get their own kicks" while driving the original Kansas portion of Route 66, found in the "Ozark Plateau" or Southeast corner of the state. Drive over many of the original structures of "The Mother Road," including the only remaining Marsh Arch Bridge on Route 66, or stop at the Nelson's Old Riverton Store, known as one of the most authentic, still working 75+ year old stores of its kind on all of Route 66. Take your picture with the tow truck that was the inspiration for the character "Mater" from the "Cars" movie or discover Schermerhorn Park and the Southeast Kansas Nature Center.
Foxall Farms Flea Market,Galena
Frec's The Miner - 205 Front St, Galena
Galena Mining & Historical Museum
At Foxall Farms Flea Market you can find treasures from big to small and from the past to the present. Come in, say “Hello” and enjoy shopping our many vendor booths with inventory changing regularly.
Foxall Farms Flea Market is found along Kansas’ Historic Route 66 Byway. This fun byway offers opportunities for visitors to enjoy a variety of experiences to "get their own kicks" while driving the original Kansas portion of Route 66, found in the "Ozark Plateau" or Southeast corner of the state. Drive over many of the original structures of "The Mother Road," including the only remaining Marsh Arch Bridge on Route 66, or stop at the Nelson's Old Riverton Store, known as one of the most authentic, still working 75+ year old stores of its kind on all of Route 66. Take your picture with the tow truck that was the inspiration for the character "Mater" from the "Cars" movie or discover Schermerhorn Park and the Southeast Kansas Nature Center.
SOFT DRINK SIGNS IN GALENA KANSAS
Coca Cola Mural, Galena
The Route 66 Coca-Cola Mural in Galena, Kansas, is a fresh slice of nostalgia with a nod to vintage flair. Completed in 2019 by Mythiq Art & Mural from Joplin, Missouri, this vibrant 16-by-60-foot mural stands proudly on the Schwartz Building, right at the corner of Route 66 and Main Street. Sponsored by Coca-Cola, the mural’s bold green and red colors pop with phrases like “Refresh Yourself” and “Drink Coca-Cola – Delicious and Refreshing,” along with a classic black-and-white Route 66 shield. In a quirky twist, the mural was painted right over an old Pepsi billboard.
Pepsi Mural, Galena
Right across the street from the big Coca Cola Mural, you’ll spot its rival—a bold Route 66 Pepsi Mural in Galena, Kansas that popped up a little later. This one sports Pepsi’s classic red and blue logo, a vintage delivery truck bringing you back in time, and a Kansas Route 66 shield. It’s a soda showdown right on the Mother Road!