Step back in time at this restored 1934 Kan-O-Tex gas station in Galena, home to Tow Tater, the real-life inspiration for Mater from Cars. After a 2025 refresh, Tater’s googly green eyes are shining bright, and the shop is stocked with local fudge and famous cookies. Snap pics with a vintage fire truck, browse nostalgic souvenirs, and meet one of the original Four Women on the Route who helped bring this stretch of Route 66 back to life.

Galena’s mining roots run deep, and this local museum digs into the full story, grit and all. Explore exhibits on 1930s miners’ strikes, complete with tales of martial law right on Route 66, and hop inside a restored 1940s locomotive cab. Seasonal displays like Easter bonnets in spring or vintage school gear in summer keep things fresh. But the real draw is the hands-on dive into small-town Kansas history told with heart, hard hats, and plenty of character.

There’s something undeniably charming about this little white bridge in Riverton. Built in 1923 and pedestrian-only since 2013, it’s the last single-span concrete Marsh arch bridge on Route 66. A fresh coat of paint and new LED lighting make it shine, especially at golden hour. Bring your camera—sunrise lights up the east side, while sunset glows on the west. It’s a picture-perfect stop and a must for your Kansas Route 66 photo album.

Since 1925, this old-school general store has served up Route 66 souvenirs, heirloom seeds, and stacked deli sandwiches to hungry travelers. Recent updates include a revamped cold-cut lineup (try the pepper-loaf and cheddar on marble rye) and a new online shop for easy shipping. Pixar scouts even stopped here while researching Cars, and the staff can point out the store’s cameo in the film’s behind-the-scenes documentary. It’s a tasty stop with a side of movie magic.

Kansas history is nothing if not eclectic, and this 20,000-square-foot museum brings it all together. New in 2025 is a mezzanine exhibit on 1920s baseball along Route 66, featuring Babe Ruth’s exhibition-game bat on loan through September. In the fall, don’t miss the Civil War Encampment marking the anniversary of Quantrill’s attack. Inside, explore Osage pottery, mining models, Route 66 artifacts, and a basement full of recreated Main Street storefronts. It’s pure Kansas charm.