Visions of CARS, CARS, CARS on Route 66 – Kansas
CARS IN KANSAS
Route 66 is a whopping 13 miles long (not a typo) in Kansas! But don’t let the short length of the Mother Road lull you into complacency on this stretch. If you love the movie CARS (and really, who doesn’t?) then you will be in for a delight around every corner. It was the end of a long day when we drove through so it was dark and I didn’t get as many pictures as I’d have liked. But, I hope you enjoy the ones I did take!
GALENA, KS
The first town in Kansas you come to after leaving Joplin, Missouri is Galena. What most know Galena for is the home of the inspiration for the adorable “Tow Mater” character in the CARS movie. What many do not know is the sinister side of the town that is about as opposite of our goofy Tow Mater friend as you could get. If you are in town during business hours (which I really wish we were) stop at the Murder Bordello which is now a museum of where legend and history collide. During the mining days of the 1800’s, it was said that the “Bloody Madam” and her sons were behind 30 murders, bludgeoning patrons to death for their money and dumping them in mine shafts. Now, many think its haunted. You should find out and let me know! There are also some murals as well as a jail cell cage in the city park (too dark for me to explore). I enjoyed the numerous CARS displays and references and with some creative headlight aiming was able to get a few pics.
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- Galena, KS Route 66 mural
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- Luigi's Pit Stop was a fun CARS tribute
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- Luigi's Pit Stop with tractor tipping mural and Lightning McQueen
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- Luigi welcoming Piston Cup Race Fans
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- Lightning McQueen and tipped tractors
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- Tractor Tippin' photo op
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- Tractor Tippin' in the field
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- Fillmore mural at Luigi's Pit Stop
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- Murals under the awning of Luigi's
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- CARS Sheriff on a pole
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- Gearhead Curios is a 1939 Texaco filling station
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- Doc Hudson at Gearhead Curios
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- "Tag Flag" at Gearhead curios
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- Refurbished Kanex station with the rusty tow truck inspiring "Tow Mater"
BAXTER SPRINGS, KS
Baxter Springs had rolled up the red carpet and put it away long before we moseyed through town. It’s a cute town and has a few places worth checking out during daylight hours. The Fort Blair Historic Site was constructed as a garrison for Civil War soldiers who were guarding a military access road. On October 6, 1863, Fort Blair was attacked by rebel forces. The battle was named the Battle of Baxter Springs and the fort was successfully defended. Admission is free and you can see some history for yourself. We did catch the Route 66 Sunflower Garden sign that was created by Galena High School’s welding class in 2022 for the Baxter Springs Sunflower Garden. Around August the big field of sunflowers are at their peak and putting on a fantastic show.
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- Baxter Springs Sunflower Garden Sign
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- Kansas Route 66 shield
NEXT STOP...OKLAHOMA
The small but mighty stretch of Kansas Route 66 sure brought a smile to our faces with all the memories from a classic animated movie. It really is a joy to see Route 66 locations embracing the movie that showcased the forgotten Route 66 and teaches about important life lessons like friendship, loyalty, and evaluating your life priorities. While I wish we could have seen more, my heart was truly happy with what we did experience. We’ll be leaving the shortest state on the route and heading into the 2nd longest state, Oklahoma, next. Stay tuned, there is plenty more to see!