Gearhead Curios in Galena, Kansas near Historic US Route 66



Gearhead Curios in Galena

Historic Route 66 banners in Galena, Kansas

As Route 66 left Joplin, Missouri, it was only a short distance westbound to the Kansas border. The route through Kansas was the shortest of all the states, only about 13 miles.

It traveled through Galena, Riverton and Baxter Springs. From there it entered Commerce, Oklahoma, and headed southwest through Miami, Afton, Chelsea and Claremore and Tulsa.

Galena, Kansas was settled in 1877 and is the oldest mining town in Southeast Kansas. It was the first major city on Route 66 that travelers passed through westbound from Joplin to Tulsa.

The “Mother Road” continues to bring visitors to the community today. Travelers have a variety of shops and restaurants to choose from and a number of attractions to enjoy.

Today, Galena is a popular destination for Route 66 road trippers!

More about Galena at the Travel Kansas Website

Gearhead Curios

Gearhead Curios is located at 520 South Main Street (Route 66 and Jefferson Highway) in Galena in a restored Texaco filling station. The building was constructed out of native stone in 1939, and served Route 66 travelers for decades under the ownership of Logan Thompson.

The station closed shortly after 2000, but renovations were begun by Aaron Perry in 2018. In April of 2021 a neon lighting celebration was held. The official ribbon cutting was held on June 17, 2023, culminating five-year's worth of renovation and restoration.

Today, it offers Route 66 curios, artwork for the Gearhead and a place to gather to share stories. Plus clean, unique restrooms! The 1951 blue Hudson Hornet "Doc" parked there is a popular photo-op for Route 66 travelers!

The 4th Annual Gearhead Curios Pin Ups on 66 Photo Shoot will happen there on September 28, 2024.

Located at 520 South Main Street in Galena. Phone 785.554.7694 and visit Gearhead Curios on Facebook

Gearhead Curios in Galena, Kansas


While at Gearheads, check out this other popular photo-op on the side of the building ... the license plate USA flag!
And don't miss "Big Boy"!

Popular photo-op in Galena! ... the license plate USA flag at Gearhead Curios Big Boy at Gearhead Curios on Route 66 in Galena, Kansas
Dedication celebration of the newest giant along Route 66, "Big A", the Texaco Giant, was held on September 8, 2024 at Gearheads.
"Big A", the Texaco Giant,  at Gearheads Curios in Galena, Kansas, on Route 66
More scenes around Gearheads!
Texaco gas pumps at Gearhead Curios in Galena, Kansas The Hudson and the Flag, at Gearhead Curios on Route 66 in Galena, Kansas
Route 66 Roadside Attraction: Gearhead Curios in Galena, Kansas


 

Other Galena Attractions

The well known mural in Miners Park

Greetings from Galena, Kansas, on Historic Route 66
Located at the corner of Main Street and West 7th Street (Route 66)
"Route 66. Just the name is magic. Route 66. It will always mean going somewhere" ... Michael WallisThe "Greetings from Galena, Kansas" mural, on Historic Route 66 with a quote from Michael Wallis


Route 66 Christmas gift ideas for your family and friends!

 

Cars on the Route

Cars on the Route is located in a restored circa 1934 Kan-O-Tex service station at 119 North Main Street in Galena.

It features the rusted 1951 International Harvester tow truck "Tow Tater" and other restored vehicles on display.

The tow truck was the inspiration for the character "Tow Mater" in the Pixar classic movie "Cars".

Kan-O-Tex gas pumps at Cars on the Route in Galena Kansas on Historic US Route 66

The Sheriff in Galena!

Here's the Buick of the Radiator Springs Sheriff !

On the driver-side front door is the signature of Michael Wallis, the Route 66 author, historian, and the "voice of the sheriff" in the animated Disney-Pixar "Cars" movie. The car is located at 205 E. Front Street near Luigi's. A plaque at the base reads "this sheriff's car is dedicated to Michael Wallis for his hard work and dedication to all the small towns on Route 66".

Radiator Springs Sheriff's Buick in Galena, Kansas


Galena Mining & Historical Museum

Located at 319 W 7th in Galena is the old M-K-T Katy Railroad Depot housing the Galena Mining & Historical Museum.

Phone 620.783.2192 for current opening days and hours.

Galena Mining & Historical Museum in the old MKT Railroad Station in Galena, Kansas

Route 66 East Galena Historic District

The Kansas Route 66 Historic District, East of Galena, includes a 1.2-mile stretch of US Highway 66 (Route 66). More at the website of the Kansas Route 66 East Galena Historic District.

Route 66 East Galena Historic District in Kansas


Interactive Map of Galena showing the location of Gearhead Curios


Route 66 hotel listings and traveler reviews

More Information & Resources about Galena

City of Galena

Kansas Route 66 East Galena Historic District: NPS

Travel Kansas: Galena

Weather Conditions at Galena: Weather Underground

Kansas Historic Route 66 Association


MORE KANSAS ROUTE 66

Route 66 road trips in Kansas

Route 66 road trip to Galena, Kansas Route 66 road trip to Baxter Springs, Kansas