If you’re looking for classic roadside attractions, informative museums, and a nostalgic nod to the past, a road trip on Route 66 in Kansas offers everything you’re looking for. Pull over at any and all of the stops on this complete list of Kansas Route 66 Attractions and start planning your road trip on the Mother Road today.
Historic U.S. Route 66 (AKA US 66, the Will Rogers Highway, Main Street of America, and the Mother Road) was established on November 11, 1926. It was the primary road that travelers took while moving west during the dust bowl. Covering around 2,448 miles from Chicago, Illinois to Santa Monica, California, Route 66 took travelers through Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and California.
The Road Trip Journal & Activity Book
Enjoy fun games and challenges to pass the time on your next road trip and have a keepsake to look back on for years to come with this entertaining must-have for your next vacation.
Although Route 66 was removed from the United States Highway System in 1985, it is still a popular road trip route for travelers looking for a sense of nostalgia.
Just around 13 miles of the road’s stretch runs through Kansas. And, although this is the state with the smallest stretch of the road, at every turn you’ll find something new and fun to see. Whether it’s a weird roadside attraction, a piece of history, or an informative museum, Kansas Route 66 attractions abound on the Mother Road.
Explore below to find a complete list of Kansas Route 66 attractions to add to your Route 66 in Kansas itinerary. Want just the highlights? Find the Top 8 Kansas Route 66 Attractions. Planning to drive the entire length of Route 66? Check out our list of Route 66 Must See Stops in every state of the route.
Route 66 in Kansas: a complete list of Kansas Route 66 Attractions
Frecs the Miner
205 Front St, Galena, Kansas, 66739
Located just over the border on the original alignment of Kansas Route 66 you’ll find this modern version of a classic muffler man: Frecs the Miner in Galena, Kansas.
This attraction burned down in 2022 but they are looking to rebuild.
Cars on the Route
119 N Main St, Galena, KS 66739
Welcome to Radiator Springs. I mean, Kansas. Galena, Kansas. A town on Route 66 that partially inspired the Pixar movie Cars and where you can meet the inspiration behind the character of Tow Mater himself at Cars on the Route (the former Kan-O-Tex Service Station).
Howard “Pappy” Litch Park
500 S Main St, Galena, Kansas
A small roadside park dedicated to Howard “Pappy” Litch, an avid Galena historian. Also look for the single iron-barred cell marked “Galena City Jail.”
Gearhead Curios
520 S Main St, Galena, KS
The historic 1939 Texaco gas station in Galena, Kansas had seen better days. That is, until an army veteran got involved. The now restored Texaco station has a refreshed appearance and bright neon and is home to Gearhead Curios and a nod to Cars.
Greetings from Galena Mural
Route 66, Galena, KS 66739
The Greetings from Galena mural depicts some of the most popular Kansas Route 66 Attractions in the area. is made from over 400 15-inch ceramic tiles depicts a powder blue 1957 Chevrolet pulling onto Main Street alongside some of the famous stops in town.
Galena Mining and Historical Museum
319 W 7th St, Galena, KS 66739
The Galena Mining and Historical Museum is housed in the old Missouri-Kansas-Texas train depot and showcases tools, equipment, specimens, photographs, and other artifacts and items from the town’s history in lead and zinc mining.
Schermerhorn Park
3501 S Main St, Galena, KS
The draw of this off Route 66 park is a cave that was rumored to have served as a hideout for Jesse James.
Nelson’s Old Riverton Store
7109 KS-66, Riverton, KS 66770
Nelson’s Old Riverton Store in Riverton, Kansas (AKA The Eisler Brothers Old Riverton Store) is a Route 66 institution that predates the Mother Road itself. The property, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, hasn’t changed much since it opened in 1925. You can find the red-brick facade and a pressed-tin ceiling billed tightly with wares.
Rainbow Bridge
SE Beasley Rd, Baxter Springs, KS 66713
The Rainbow Bridge is an old bridge that spans over Brush Creek just outside of Baxter Springs, Kansas on Route 66. Technically called a “single-span concrete Marsh arch bridge” it is more commonly referred to as the “rainbow bridge.”. The bridge is the only one of its style left on Route 66. It was placed on the National Register of Historic Places on March 10, 1983.
Fort Blair Historic Site
740 East Avenue, Baxter Springs, KS
Replica of a Civil War fort that was attacked by William Quantrill’s forces in 1863.
Baxter Springs Heritage Center and Museum
740 East Ave, Baxter Springs, KS 66713
The Baxter Springs Heritage Center & Museum is “dedicated to preserving and interpreting the rich regional history of Baxter Springs, Kansas.” Explore exhibits dedicated to various stages in the town’s history, including the days of the Osage Indians, the Civil War, and the zinc mining era.
Baxter Springs Independent Oil and Gas Service Station
940 Military Ave, Baxter Springs, KS 66713
The Baxter Springs Independent Oil and Gas Service Station in Baxter Springs, Kansas has been a Route 66 attraction since 1930. It not serves as a Kansas Route 66 visitor Center where you can learn about the past, plan your future travels, and maybe even meet a local celebrity.
Crowell Bank Building
1101 Military Ave., Baxter Springs, KS
The historic Baxter Bank/Crowell Bank building was built in 1870. This is the oldest building in town and has sporadically been opened as a cafe and Inn, both now closed.
Monarch Pharmacy & Soda Fountain
1601 Military Ave, Baxter Springs, KS
This vintage full-service pharmacy serves up homemade ice cream, sodas, and tropical sno.
Baxter Springs City Cemetery Soldiers’ Lot
166 West Ave, Baxter Springs, KS
Baxter Springs City Cemetery Soldiers’ Lot provides a place of burial for the victims of the 1863 Battle of Baxter Springs and serves as a memorial to those who fought in the battle.