Restored vintage service station featuring classic vehicles, Route 66 memorabilia, gift shops, and the famous tow truck that inspired a beloved animated movie character.
Summer hours may be expanded; calling ahead is recommended
How to Get There
From Joplin, MO (15 mi): Take historic Route 66 west from Joplin into Kansas, continue through the state line into Galena, and follow Main Street to the restored Kan-O-Tex station at 119 N Main Street.
Overview
Cars on the Route is one of the most famous attractions along the short but memorable Kansas segment of Historic Route 66. Housed in a restored 1934 Kan-O-Tex service station, the attraction celebrates the golden age of American road travel while preserving an important piece of Mother Road history. The site gained international recognition after Pixar filmmakers visited the station and discovered a rusty mining boom truck nearby that later inspired the character Mater in the animated film franchise. Today, visitors can see the truck, known locally as "Tow Tater," along with other themed vehicles, vintage gas pumps, Route 66 memorabilia, and nostalgic displays that capture the spirit of mid-century highway travel.
Beyond its connection to popular culture, the attraction serves as a cornerstone of Galena's Route 66 revival. Gift shops, photo opportunities, antiques, and classic roadside architecture make it a favorite stop for travelers exploring America's most famous highway. The surrounding community offers additional Route 66 landmarks, murals, museums, and historic structures, creating a compact destination packed with roadside Americana. Whether visitors arrive as movie fans, classic car enthusiasts, or Route 66 road trippers, Cars on the Route provides an authentic and memorable glimpse into the history and culture of the Mother Road.
This article uses material from the Wikipedia articles and official tourism pages for the Cars on the Route, which are released under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0.
-1000.jpg)
