Kansas Route 66

Historic Byway

Kansas’ little stretch of the ‘Mother Road’ is one that inspires, from instantly recognizable movie characters to those travelers that are taking a once-in-a-lifetime cruise across the country. Kansas Route 66 Historic Byway is one that families and old souls alike won’t want to miss. Meet your favorite characters from Pixar’s “Cars” franchise, dig deep into the mining history of the area, take a photo on the last remaining ‘Rainbow Bridge’ along the route, or grab a snack from Nelson’s Old Riverton Store, this iconic American road trip is waiting.

Tucked away into the "Ozark Plateau," or the far Southeast corner of the state, this 13-mile stretch of road spans three communities in Kansas that are jam-packed with things to do, including the opportunity to enjoy museums and outdoor activities. Visitors can always find great local restaurants and even overnight lodging in case you need to rest on the 'Mother Road'

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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.

Suggested Itinerary

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

Streetcar Station Coffee Shop

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

Video

Things to do along the way

Photos

Western Vistas

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

Gypsum Hills

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

Glacial Hills

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

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…

Post Rock

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

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…

Smoky Valley

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

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…

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…

Wetlands & Wildlife

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

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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