Gearhead Curios in Galena
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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 CuriosGearhead 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, the old station houses Gearhead Curios, a tribute to the older days of Route 66, a souvenir shop, photo-op, and a place to make and share stories with other Mother Road fans. It is also the only official State of Kansas Tourist Information Center along Route 66 and the first Jefferson Highway Information Center. This roadside attraction is packed with details you won't want to miss!
Travelers can announce their arrival by stepping on the air bell hose as it rings inside. At dusk, enjoy the neon lights; the red Texaco sign, the green glow that lines the building, and the Texaco lollipop sign. The attention to detail continues inside, where gas pump nozzles have been repurposed as light fixtures. Warm up next to the fireplace made from a 1933 Chevy. The ceiling displays over 700 license plates from travelers around the world with dedications and stories to be part of Route 66 and the Jefferson Highway. Aaron believes the restroom is the most photographed on the Route/Highway, even offering "Hit the Funnel" merchandise. A midcentury toilet sits beside a urinal created from a funnel, and the sink is an oil basin, with other car parts used throughout. The shop boasts 20 unique t-shirt designs for Gearhead Curios, along with hoodies, coffee mugs, keychains, and much more. And watch for many local fun events, like the 5th Annual Gearhead Curios Pin Ups on 66 Photo Shoot to be held on September 27, 2025. Event details on Facebook When roadtripping through Kansas on Route 66 or the Jefferson Highway, be sure to stop by Gearhead Curios, at 520 South Main Street. Phone 785.554.7694 and visit Gearhead Curios on Facebook
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On the west side of the building is the "Tag Flag," made from 169 Kansas license plates, illuminated by red, white, and blue ol skool motorcycle helmets |
Take a picture with the Big Boy holding tires from Aaron’s 1958 Ford Custom 300; these were on his car when "the Texaco" found him in 2018 |
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Don't miss Rock-a-Betty, the Texaco Girl holding motor oil cans (for car, boat, and airplane) on her tray, and her apron featuring a Kansas map.  |
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Dedication celebration of the newest giant along Route 66, "Big A", the Texaco Giant, was held on September 8, 2024 at Gearheads.
This 22-foot tall custom giant was molded from the Second Amendment Cowboy (another popular muffler man) with a Paul Bunyan head. His arms and hands are posed differently, one waving like the Texaco Big Friend, the other holding a custom-made wrench. Big A sports a goatee and painted sideburns resembling Gearhead Curios' owner, Aaron Perry. |
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More scenes around Gearheads! |
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Authentic, Bennett gas pumps sit beneath a canopy created from the hoods of a 1951 Mercury and a 1957 Oldsmobile |
1951 Hudson, a tribute to “Doc” from the Pixar movie Cars  |
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Lots of souvenirs ... |
... and vintage license plates! |
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Timeless Cars ... and More Cars! |
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Aaron ... and Friends and Supporters! |
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Aaron with Mary Beth Babcock, owner of Buck Atom's Cosmic Curios and other Route 66 ventures in Tulsa, Oklahoma |
Aaron with Samantha Brown, well known for her popular Places to Love series on the Travel Channel |
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Kansas Welcome Center at Gearhead Curios on Route 66 and the Jefferson Highway
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Other Galena Attractions
The well known mural in Miners Park Greetings from Galena, Kansas, on Historic Route 66 |
Cars on the RouteCars 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".
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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".
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Galena Mining & Historical MuseumLocated 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.
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Route 66 East Galena Historic DistrictThe 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.
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Interactive Map of Galena showing the location of Gearhead Curios
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More Information & Resources about Galena |
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MORE KANSAS ROUTE 66
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