Kansas

Rainbow Bridge north of Baxter Springs, Kansas

 Only a few miles of Route 66 are in Kansas, but they’re full of interesting things to see.

We left Joplin on MO 66, but about a half mile before the Kansas state line, we turned right on Old West 66 Boulevard, which was Route 66 until 1961. At the state line, it’s renamed Front Street. 

Soon Front Street crosses a railroad on a viaduct or bridge built in 1922 or 1923.

1920s Route 66 viaduct crossing a railroad near Galena, Kansas (from nps.gov)

A few hundred feet after the viaduct, Route 66 turns left onto the Main Street of Galena, Kansas. There are three interesting buildings at this intersection. On the northeast corner is the former Staffleback Bordello, reputed to be haunted.

Staffleback Bordello in Galena, Kansas

On the southwest corner is Bradshaw’s Front Street Garage, built in 1934. We could make out “ghost signs” painted on the side wall.

Bradshaw's Front Street Garage in Galena, Kansas

On the southeast corner is a 1934 Kan-O-Tex gas station. 

Kan-O-Tex gas station in Galena, Kansas

It’s been beautifully restored and is now a gift shop called “Cars on the Route.” (Unfortunately it was closed when we visited.) Some of the vehicles parked in front have been fixed up to look like those in the movie Cars.

Main Street in Galena is now a National Historic District. About four blocks south of the Kan-o-Tex station, we parked and walked around. Howard “Pappy” Litch Park has a sign that tells the story of Pappy:

“For many years, a large garage/service station stood at this location. The owner, Howard "Pappy” Litch, was an avid Galena historian. "Pappy” spent much of his life promoting his hometown and saving its history. To honor him for his lifetime of dedication to his hometown, the city built this park on the exact location his garage once stood. It is not only a place to remember “Pappy," but also a gathering place for the community and the many travelers of the Mother Road.”

In the park is the Galena City Jail, a fun photo op.

Galena City Jail

Half a block south, on the northwest corner of Main and 6th Streets, is a beautifully restored Texaco gas station.

Texaco gas station in Galena, Kansas

On its left side is a United States flag made of old license plates

Side of Galena, Kansas, Texaco station

At the intersection of Main and 7th Streets are two fun murals. One is about Galena.

Galena, Kansas, mural (from Trip Advisor)

The other mural is a Coca Cola sign.

Coca Cola mural in Galena, Kansas (from TravelKS.com)

We turned right on 7th Street to stay on Route 66 (KS 66). In about 3 miles, we reached Riverton, Kansas, home of an old store that’s a Route 66 icon.

Nelson's Old Riverton Store in Riverton, Kansas

It’s now known as Nelson’s Old Riverton Store, but the National Park Service calls it William's Store, and other sources call it Eisler Brothers Grocery & Deli. It opened in 1925, and it’s the oldest continuously operating store on Route 66.

This was a fun stop. The store is divided into two rooms, one a general store and the other full of souvenirs. Be sure to sign the guest book and look at where other visitors come from—all over the world!

We continued on KS 66, crossing US 400 at a traffic circle with a Route 66 sculpture created by local FFA (Future Farmers of America) students from old wheels. About a mile after the traffic circle, Route 66 bends left (south). At the bend, we turned right on Southeast Beasley Road. We then immediately turned left on an old road that runs parallel to Route 66. In just a few hundred feet we reached one of the most beautiful bridges on Route 66.

Rainbow Bridge north of Baxter Springs, Kansas

The National Park Service calls this Brush Creek Bridge and other sources call it Marsh Arch Bridge. It was built in 1923 or 1929 (sources give varying dates). The old road it’s on was Route 66. The newer road and bridge that run next to it were built in 1992 to better accommodate traffic. The views of Rainbow Bridge from the newer road are lovely.

Side view of Rainbow Bridge north of Baxter Springs, Kansas

Route 66 continues south into Baxter Springs, Kansas, where we turned right (south) onto Military Avenue (Alt US 69). In about half a mile, on the left, is the restored 1930 Baxter Springs Independent Oil & Gas.

Baxter Springs Independent Oil & Gas

The gas station later became a Phillips 66 station, and it’s now Baxter Springs’ Route 66 Visitors Center.

Downtown Baxter Springs has a number of nice buildings from the late 1800s. Some of them have been developed into a car museum called “Decades of Wheels.”

At the southern end of Baxter Springs is a chance to drive a short segment of the original Route 66.  Just before the McDonalds, turn left onto Roberts Road, which is the original Route 66. It runs behind the McDonald’s and a small strip mall.  In a few hundred feet, fork right. You’ll soon merge onto West 30th Street and rejoin the newer Route 66. 

In about half a mile, you’ll cross the state line into Oklahoma.