Welcome to
Galena
Galena is the iconic Kansas Route 66 town — and Cars on the Route, a restored 1934 Kan-O-Tex station with the rusty boom truck that inspired Pixar's Tow Mater (2006), is the marquee photo stop. The four women who restored the station have made it a Route 66 pilgrimage destination.
Galena was once a booming lead-mining town (the museum tells that story), and the Murphysburg Historic Residential District preserves Victorian-era mining-boom homes.
exploreThings to See & Do
Cars on the Route (Kan-O-Tex Station)
The restored 1934 Kan-O-Tex gas station and the rusty boom truck that inspired Pixar's Tow Mater
Galena Mining & Historical Museum
Free community museum telling the lead and zinc mining story that built Galena and the Tri-State Mining District
Cars on the Route
Restored 1934 Kan-O-Tex station and the rusty boom truck that inspired Tow Mater — the most photographed stop in Kansas Route 66
Murphysburg Historic Residential District
Victorian-era homes from Galena's lead-and-zinc mining boom — late 19th and early 20th century residential architecture
Eisler Bros Old Riverton Store
1925 general store in continuous operation since opening — historic Route 66 establishment with original interior and deli inside
Tips for Visiting Galena
Cars on the Route is free, donations welcome — open daily, season permitting.
The Murphysburg Historic District walking tour is self-guided; map at the visitor center.
Kansas only has 13 miles of Route 66 total — allow a full day to see Galena, Riverton, and Baxter Springs without rushing.