Kansas Route 66

Historic Byway

The Kansas Route 66 Historic Byway offers opportunities for visitors to enjoy a variety of experiences to "get their own kicks" while driving the original Kansas portion of Route 66, found in the "Ozark Plateau" or Southeast corner of the state.

Drive over many of the original structures of "The Mother Road," including the only remaining Marsh Arch Bridge on Route 66, or stop at Nelson's Old Riverton Store, known as one of the most authentic, still working 75+-year-old stores of its kind on all of Route 66. Take your picture with the tow truck that was the inspiration for the character "Mater" from the "Cars" movie, or discover Schermerhorn Park and the Southeast Kansas Nature Center.

  • Driving Directions

    Distance: 13 miles

    Gelena to Baxter Springs: At the intersection of Missouri Hwy 66 and State Line Rd, take State Line Rd north to Front St. Continue west on Front St into Galena. Turn south on Main St, then take 7th St/K-66 west to Riverton and beyond to the roundabout at the intersection with U.S. 400. Exit the roundabout onto Beasley Rd/K-66 and continue west to Marsh Arch "Rainbow" Bridge. Upon leaving the bridge, continue south on K-66 (also known as 50th St, Willow Ave, 3rd St, and Military Ave/U.S. 69Alt in Baxter Springs). Continue south on Military Ave/U.S. 69Alt/K-66 to the byway’s end at the Kansas-Oklahoma border.

    Baxter Springs to Gelena: At the Kansas-Oklahoma border, travel north on K-66 (also known as Military Ave/U.S. 69Alt) to Baxter Springs. At 3rd St, turn west to continue on K-66 (also known as Willow Ave and 50th St.). At the Marsh Arch "Rainbow" Bridge, take Beasley Rd/K-66 east to the roundabout at the intersection with U.S. 400. Stay on K-66 into Riverton and beyond where the road becomes 7th St/K-66. In Galena, take Main St north to Front St. Continue east on Front St, then take State Line Rd south to the byway’s end at Missouri Hwy 66.

  • Plan Your Trip

    Somewhere in Time Antiquities

    Somewhere in Time Antiquities is the only Antique store on Route 66 with over 60 Root Beer's & 300 Craft Sodas! Amish Jellies & other jarred…

    Southeast Kansas Nature Center

    Located about one mile south of Galena on the east side of K-26. The entrance is just north of the bridge over Shoal Creek. Open…

    Marsh Arch Bridge

    Visit the one of the few remaining Marsh Arch Bridges. This bridge, commonly know as Rainbow Bridge, is the only driveable bridge of its…

    Fort Blair Historic Site

    Originally known as Fort Baxter, this replicated Civil War fort includes breastworks, log cabins, a blockhouse, a brewery, and extensive…

    Galena Mining & Historical Museum

    Old Katy Railroad Depot moved in 1983, Museum opened in 1984, 42x42 annex added in 1988, 42x42 annex added in 2010. Home of mining, school…

    Schermerhorn Park

    Visit this wonderful park with picnic area, playground equipment, and shelter house. Back your car up to the edge of the creek and pull out…

    Streetcar Station Coffee Shop

    Gourmet Coffee, Latte, Cappuccino, Smoothies, Hot Chocolate, Italian Soda, Daylight Donuts, Biscuits, Gravy, Eggs, Lunch Daily Streetcar…

    Cars on the Route

    Director John Lasseter and animator Joe Ranft of Pixar “Cars” visited this Kan-O-Tex Service Station on old Route 66 in Galena and saw the…

    Nelson's Old Riverton Store

    Operating along Historic Route 66 since before the Route officially opened. You'll find groceries, gifts, Route 66 memorabilia and local…

    Monarch Pharmacy & Soda Fountain

    Home-made Ice Cream, Vintage Soda's and Tropical Sno. Full service Pharmacy. Vintage Coca-Cola Murals on Historic Route 66. Fountain 9am-9pm…

  • Things to do along the way

    Photos

    Kansas Byways

    Gypsum Hills

    Ancient floodplains, buttes, canyons, mesas and sinkholes are rare on the Great Plains. Yet, nestled in the Kansas grasslands is the Gypsum…

    Western Vistas

    Visit a rugged landscape on the culturally and visually fascinating route known as the Western Vistas Historic Byway. 

    Wetlands & Wildlife

    Along the byway, you'll encounter landscapes and communities shaped by the powerful forces of motion and change. You're entering a…

    Glacial Hills

    The Glacial Hills Scenic Byway gets its name from the rolling hills and rock-strewn valleys carved by ancient glaciers. 

    Post Rock

    Over the Smoky Hills of weathered bedrock, the Post Rock Scenic Byway winds through fields, pastures and prairie.

    Native Stone

    Discover the natural beauty of the panoramic Native Stone Scenic Byway.

    Smoky Valley

    Named for their hazy, blue appearance at sunrise and sunset, the Smoky Hills divide the more easterly mixed-grass prairie from the…

    Frontier Military

    Travel through time, visiting multiple forts along the Frontier Military Historic Byway.  Originally built to move soldiers and…

    Land & Sky

    Travelers along the Land and Sky Scenic Byway have the opportunity to experience the Wallace Branch of the Great Western Cattle Trail, scale…

    Flint Hills

    The Flint Hills National Scenic Byway offers incredible views of the native grasses and flowers of the tallgrass prairie - one of the last…

    Prairie Trail

    When you travel the Prairie Trail Scenic Byway, you follow in the steps of Native Americans, explorers and pioneers as they sought food…

    For more information about the Kansas Historic Route 66 Byway, contact:

    Mary Billington (620) 856-2385
    Janet Miller (620) 762-0717

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    Flint Hills

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    Native Stone

    Discover the natural beauty of the panoramic Native Stone Scenic Byway.

    Frontier Military

    Travel through time, visiting multiple forts along the Frontier Military Historic Byway.  Originally built to move soldiers and…

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