Route 66 in Kansas is just 13 miles in length, which means it is the shortest part of the classic route. Despite this, there are a wealth of Route 66 attractions in Kansas. In fact, the route passes through three different towns, each offering a slightly different experience.
If you’re looking for what Mother Road offers in Kansas, then you’re in the right place. We’ll go through the top attractions on Route 66 in the area and give you a few ideas of places to stay if you happen to be on this 13-mile stretch at the end of the day.
Route 66 Kansas Attractions
As with all sections of Route 66, Kansas has managed to develop a good number of attractions along the route. Unique attractions, in fact. So, we’ll start by running you through what you can expect on the attraction front when heading down the rather short stretch of road known as Route 66 in Kansas.
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Table of Contents
1. Cars on the Route, Galena
If you’ve looked up various route guides to Route 66, then you’ll know that there are a lot of restored gas stations along the route (something had to be done with them, right?). Cars on the Route in Galena is a restored gas station, albeit one that tries to do things a bit differently from the others. This tries to celebrate the movie ‘Cars’ (the Disney Pixar one), with many of the cars hanging around outside designed to look like their movie counterparts. It is a very quick visit, but one that is worth it.
2. Galena Mining & Historical Museum, Galena
One of the true joys of traveling Route 66 is getting to experience some of the local history along the route. The Galena Mining & Historical Museum may be small, but it introduces you to some of the most important things in Galena’s history – mining. You’ll learn about the mining history of the region and see tons of artifacts. You’ll also learn some more recent history about how the ‘Cars’ movie made Galena, a normally forgotten town, rather popular.
Also Check: Most Famous Museums on Route 66
3. Howard “Pappy” Litch Park, Galena
Howard ‘Pappy’ Litch was a Galena historian who spent much of his life promoting the history of Galena and trying to attract more people to the town. The park is just a tribute to him, and it is worth swinging by since he quite literally helped to put Galena on the map. Even now, the local community has a great deal of respect for everything he did for both Galena and Kansas Route 66.
4. Kansas Route 66 Visitor Center, Baxter Springs
This is another one of the Kansas Route 66 attractions that started life as a gas station. It is now a visitor center where people can learn more about Route 66, as well as get some guidance on things to do along the route. You’ll find some artifacts here, too. It is well worth stopping by. It is just a short trip, but great for those collecting pamphlets from the route (we love to do that).
Also See: Route 66 Attractions in Missouri
5. Angels on the Route, Baxter Springs
Angels on the Route is an incredibly popular restaurant in Baxter Springs. Most people serious about making the trip along Route 66 in Kansas will swing by. It has good food and some great music, making it a must-see, especially if you are stopping off in Baxter Springs for a while.
6. Marsh Rainbow Arch Bridge, Baxter Springs
Marsh Rainbow Arch Bridge is the last remaining bridge of its type on Route 66 and is on the register for National Historic Places. It is a simple bridge, but when you are traveling over it, you can’t help but think of the thousands and thousands of people who headed across this bridge over the years, exploring the grandeur of Route 66.
7. Somewhere in Time Antiquities, Baxter Springs
Somewhere in Time Antiquities is an antique store (and a very good one at that), but most people that head here aren’t interested in the antiques (since you probably don’t want to lug them the length of Route 66). Instead, people are after the 60 different root beers and the 300 craft sodas. The greatest selection on Route 66, with plenty of other jarred goods available too. Honestly, you’ll want to bring some cash here, as there are things that you can’t get anywhere else in the United States, at least not easily.
Also Check: Must-See Stops on Route 66 in Oklahoma
8. Streetcar Station Coffee Shop
Just a simple coffee shop, but it has some of the best baked goods in this part of Kansas. You can also enjoy a rather chill atmosphere in a converted station house. We know that a lot of Route 66 travelers crossing the route have spent some time here, and we reckon you’ll probably love it too. We certainly do. We always love to pick up a coffee or two, particularly when staying in Galena.
9. Big Brutus, West Mineral
West Mineral boasts a mining museum, but Big Brutus is the main highlight. This whopping electric mining shovel, standing at 79.5 feet tall, shows just how important the mining industry has been to Kansas over the years. It is one of the largest land machines ever built, and nowhere else in the world can you see something quite like this.
Where to Stay Along Route 66 in Kansas
We’ve taken you through some of the must-see stops on Kansas Route 66, but where should you stay along the route? Well, truth be told, a lot of people don’t end up staying on Kansas Route 66 since it is such a small part of the route. This is a huge shame, though, because there are plenty of awesome places to stay. Here are our favorites.
1. Old Riverton Post B&B
The Old Riverton Post B&B is a very small B&B that gives off some old-west vibes (look at the design on the outside of the Bed & Breakfast). Located in Riverton (so close to all the Riverton attractions), the B&B has a terrace to enjoy, comfortable rooms, and free wi-fi throughout. It is one of the top-rated B&Bs in Kansas.
2. Baxter Inn-4-Less, Baxter Springs
The Baxter Inn-4-Less is often stayed at by those traveling to Bicentennial State Park since it is so close. However, it is an affordable place to stay if you are traveling Route 66, and the rooms are comfortable. There is a free breakfast in each room, and each room is kitted out with free Wi-Fi and TV channels. You are three miles away from the center of Baxter Springs here.
3. Rose Cottage, Baxter Springs
Rose Cottage is a very small B&B with a very ‘homely’ feel. In fact, it is a small house with a limited number of rooms. The rooms are elegant, and the staff here is incredibly friendly. There is free Wi-Fi, snack bars, and even children’s activities. It may not be a place to stay if you’re on a budget, but it is a great place to head if you want to stay in Baxter Springs in comfort.
Read Next: Best Places to Stay on Route 66
4. The Mollie Retreat on Route 66, Galena
The Mollie Retreat is a one-bedroom apartment (so only one person/family staying here at a time). It comes with all the amenities one could expect from an apartment, and you’ll be right in the heart of Galena. Obviously, it isn’t going to be great if you want somewhere cheap to stay, but great if you love your privacy.
Where to Eat Along Route 66 in Kansas
Want to sample some of the culinary delights along the route? Well, here are the best places to eat on Route 66 in Kansas.
1. Monarch Pharmacy & Soda Fountain, Baxter Springs
This is a great place for adults and children alike. It is a full-service pharmacy but also offers homemade ice cream, vintage sodas, and more. You won’t find many more places like this in the USA, and we love it. We always swing by when we’re in Baxter Springs.
2. Bricks & Brews Woodfire Grill & Pub, Baxter Springs
Just looking at the menu for Bricks & Brews Woodfire Grill & Pub is making us drool! This has tons of wood-fried dishes, including pizzas, sandwiches, pasta, and more. You can also experience great ice cream and a classic pub feel. The bar is family-owned, which helps to give it a nice vibe too.
3. Punkin’s Place, Baxter Springs
Punkin’s Place is a small coffee shop worth visiting if you want to get your daily brew or stock up on freshly baked cakes.
4. Nelson’s Old Riverton Store, Riverton
If you don’t feel like heading out, then it may be worth taking a trip to Nelson’s Old Riverton Store, which is a convenience store loaded with the essentials (and some of the non-essentials, if you want your sugar fix). It is affordable, and the staff are very friendly.
5. Sweet Creek Diner & Bakery, Galena
Sweet Creek Diner & Bakery is perfect for those wanting to grab an affordable (but delicious) meal or some homemade sweet treats. It gets quite busy, but it is one of our favorite places to eat while staying in Galena.
Frequently Asked Questions
What towns in Kansas does Route 66 go through?
Route 66 in Kansas passes through Galena, Riverton, and Baxter Springs.
How long is Route 66 in Kansas?
Route 66 in Kansas is just 13 miles long, one of the shortest sections of Route 66 in the USA.
What are the most famous Kansas Route 66 stops?
Cars on the Route in Galena may be one of the most famous stops since it offers a ‘Cars’ movie experience, or at least you get to see some of the cars from the famous Disney movie.
What is the most unusual Route 66 attraction in Kansas?
The most unusual attraction would be ‘Big Brutus’ in West Mineral, because there’s nowhere else on the planet you can see a big land mining rig like this one.
Closing Thoughts
Route 66 across Kansas may be small, but it is a great part of the route. There are a few attractions and some great places to stay. You won’t be spending a huge amount of time here, but the few hours that you spend in Kansas will create memories that you’ll hold for the rest of your life.