Restored 1930s service station offering Route 66 memorabilia, snacks, and photo ops with vehicles that inspired characters from a beloved animated film.
General Information
Closed Monday
How to Get There
From Joplin, MO (13 mi): Take US-66 W/7th St into Kansas, continue on Main Street in Galena to reach the restored Kan-O-Tex station on the left.
Overview
The Cars on the Route attraction in Galena, Kansas, is a lovingly restored 1930s Kan-O-Tex service station that celebrates the town’s connection to the iconic Route 66 and the Pixar movie “Cars.” This quirky roadside stop features “Tow Tater,” the mining boom truck that inspired the character Tow Mater, along with other vintage vehicles and memorabilia. Visitors can browse Route 66 souvenirs, handmade crafts, and enjoy light snacks while soaking in the nostalgic atmosphere of America’s most famous highway.
Originally opened as “Four Women on the Route,” the site was revitalized by a group of local women passionate about preserving Galena’s Route 66 heritage. Today, it continues to draw travelers from around the world who are eager to experience a slice of Americana. With its colorful characters, photo-worthy vehicles, and rich storytelling, Cars on the Route is a must-see stop for anyone cruising the Kansas stretch of the Mother Road.
< class="third-party-img">This article uses material from the Wikipedia articles and official tourism pages for Cars on the Route, which are released under the https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/.
