Kansas kicks on Route 66

July 9, 7:49 PMOzarks Travel ExaminerPatsy Bell Hobson

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photo by Kieth Stokes http://www.sff.net/people/sfreader/

Kansas Route 66 draws thousands of travelers every year.

Kansas is home to some of the best restored and the most authentic Route 66 sites. The first state to pave its entire portion of Route 66 in 1929, this roadway is just 14 miles long. 

Route 66 is a quick drive across the southeast corner Kansas. As short as this Kansas stretch is, the Kansas portion of Route 66 was bypassed early on, sending the Mother Road from Joplin MO directly into Oklahoma.

 Galena 

Visit the KanOtex service station on old Route 66, 119 North Main Street, Galena, Kansas 66739, (620) 783-1366, Open Monday - Saturday: 10AM - 6PM, (grill open 11AM - 5PM)

Four Galena women, Betty Courtney, Melba Rigg, Renee Charles and Judy Courtney, lovingly renovated the old KanOtex service station at the north end of Galena's Main Street. They are a driving force leading the rebirth of Galena's short stretch of Historic Route 66. Check their progress at 4 Women On The Route

Now restored, the service station sells snacks, antiques, and Route 66 souvenirs, including some made by local artists. Shop Hours are Monday-Saturday, 10:00am-6:00pm. The grill is open Monday-Saturday, 11:00am-5:00pm. The menu includes hot dogs and hamburgers.

Outside, you can see a local celebrity, the 1951 International Boom truck that inspired the character of "Tow Mater" in the movie “Cars”. For trademark reasons, Four Women are calling their boom truck "Tow Tater." (Yes, Tow Tater still runs and will even make special appearances.)

Another noteworthy Galena Stop: Galena Mining and Historical Museum. Check out the mineral and fossil specimens at this museum, located in the old train depot, 319 W. 7th, Galena, KS 66739 (620) 783-2192.

In 1845, at Galena’s peak, this lead mining region produced almost 85% of the nation's lead. The Kansas “Lead Rush” preceded the California “Gold Rush” by 20 years. Call (620) 783-2192 to check hours of the museum located at 319 W 7th St, Galena, KS. Some of the older Galena buildings found along Kansas Route 66 helped to inspire the "Radiator Springs" community in the Pixar film, “Cars”.

 Riverton 

The Eisler Brothers Old Riverton Store is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and internationally known as one of the most authentic and continuously operating stores along the route, Eisler Brothers Old Riverton Store on old Route 66 is the original 1920's architecture.

 “Cars,” the Disney - Pixar film plays continuously in the gift shop at Eisler Brothers. In the animated feature, Scott Nelson and the store are listed in the movie credits. To see them, buy the DVD where they appear in the bonus section. 

The big draw is the Eisler Brothers Old Riverton Store is the building. Not many changes have been made since they enclosed the breezeway in 1933. It’s a great place to get a deli sandwich or Route 66 gifts. Eisler Brothers is an official Historic Site.

 Baxter Springs

Baxter Springs is the oldest cowtown in Kansas. The Baxter Springs Heritage Center and Museum is on historic U.S. Highway 66 (now called U.S. 69 Alternate), The Heritage Center and Museum at Eighth and East Avenues contain a variety of historical exhibits including a full-scale replica of a lead and zinc mine. The museum is open on weekends year round and at various times during the week: 740 East Avenue, P.O. Box 514, Baxter Springs KS 66713. Call (620) 856-2385. 

Cafe on the Route is located in the 1870 Crowell bank. Old Route 66, passes by the cafe's front door, 1101 Military Ave, Baxter springs, KS 66713, call 620-856-5646. Cafe on the Route boasts it is “ The only bed and breakfast in Kansas on the mother road.” Visit the Little Brick Inn online.

For more info: Contact Travel Examiner Patsy Bell Hobson. To get notice of new Ozarks Travel Examiner columns, please subscribe via email. Patsy also has a gardening blog: Oh, Grow Up! 

"Our Town" from Jim DeGraff on Vimeo.