Galena
Where Tow Mater was born & lead mines built a town
Galena was once a booming lead and zinc mining town in the late 1800s, with a population that swelled to over 30,000 during the mining heyday. Today it draws Route 66 travelers to Cars on the Route, a restored Kan-O-Tex gas station featuring the rusted International Harvester tow truck that reportedly inspired Tow Mater from Pixar's Cars (2006).
The town's mining heritage is visible in its architecture and the surrounding landscape. Walking the quiet streets, you can still see grand Victorian-era buildings built with mining wealth. Galena is the eastern gateway to Kansas's 13.2-mile Route 66 corridor, and the first stop after crossing from Joplin, Missouri.
exploreThings to See & Do
Cars on the Route (Kan-O-Tex Station)
CAN'T MISSThis restored 1920s Kan-O-Tex gas station features the rusted International Harvester tow truck that reportedly inspired Tow Mater from Pixar's Cars (2006). The station includes a gift shop, vintage memorabilia, and photo ops with the famous truck.
Galena Mining & Historical Museum
Covers the lead and zinc mining era that built Galena, with artifacts, photographs, and exhibits on the Tri-State Mining District.
restaurantWhere to Eat
Angels on the Route
American$A cozy diner in Galena serving home-style meals, burgers, and pies. Located right on the Route 66 corridor, popular with both locals and travelers passing through.
Tips for Visiting Galena
Cars on the Route is the most-visited spot on Kansas Route 66 — arrive early to avoid crowds on summer weekends.
The Kan-O-Tex station is right next to Angels on the Route diner — combine both for a 1-2 hour stop.
Galena is just 10 minutes west of Joplin, Missouri — easily combined as a cross-state day trip.