THE NEW KANSAS ROUTE 66 SHIELD

Get ready to step back in time and experience the golden age of Route 66! Galena Kansas, is home to some truly incredible vintage gas stations and classic cars that were the inspiration for the beloved Cars movies. Imagine cruising down the Mother Road, surrounded by these iconic vehicles, and feeling the spirit of adventure. It’s like stepping into a real-life movie set! So, grab your camera and get ready to capture some unforgettable moments along this historic route.

THE NEW GALENA KANSAS ROUTE 66 MURAL

“History buffs, take note! Galena, Kansas, has a special connection to Route 66, dating back to the very beginning of the Mother Road. In 1926, when that 2,448-mile stretch of highway from Chicago to Santa Monica was first established, Galena Kansas found itself right in the middle of it all. This prime location made it a popular stop for those traveling west, a place to rest and refuel before continuing their journey. Get ready to discover how Galena became a Route 66 legend!

CARS ON THE ROUTE IN GALENA KANSAS

Now, if you’re a fan of the Cars movies, you gotta make a pit stop at “Cars on the Route”! This place is a real-life Radiator Springs, folks. It used to be a Kan-O-Tex service station, and guess what? It was one of the inspirations for Tow Mater himself! You can still see the original tow truck that inspired that lovable character, along with a whole bunch of other vintage cars. It’s a must-see for any Route 66 enthusiast, and it’s the perfect place to grab a bite to eat and soak up some movie magic.

Galena, Kansas: Where the Cars Movie Meets REAL Route 66 Magic !!!

Calling all movie fans! Get ready to step into the real-life Radiator Springs in Galena Kansas! We’re talkin’ the Cars movie come to life, folks. You’ll meet the actual vehicles that inspired those beloved characters, like Tow Tater (the real-life Mater) and Lightning McQueen himself. Sheriff’s there too, keepin’ the peace, and even Red the fire truck is parked and ready for his close-up. You won’t believe the incredible detail these folks have put into makin’ these cars look just like they rolled outta the movie. Trust me, this is a must-see for any Cars fan!

GEARHEAD CURIOS IN GALENA KANSAS

Hey gearheads, listen up! If you’re lookin’ to fill your tank with nostalgia, then you gotta cruise over to Gearhead Curios. This place is a restored vintage gas station that’ll transport you straight back to the golden age of Route 66. They’ve got those classic pumps, vintage signs, and even a Doc Hudson look-alike car parked out front. And get this: they’ve got a giant American flag made outta license plates! It’s the perfect backdrop for a Route 66 selfie. So, whether you’re a car enthusiast or just lookin’ for a unique photo op, Gearhead Curios is the place to be.

Now, Galena’s got a whole lot more goin’ on than just history. Take a stroll down Main Street, and you’ll see what I mean. Those vintage storefronts will transport you straight back to the heyday of Route 66. And the folks here? They’re the salt of the earth, always ready with a smile and a story or two about the good ol’ days. It’s that genuine small-town hospitality that makes Galena a true gem on the Mother Road.

Now, here’s the story of Tow Tater, the real-life Mater from the Cars movie! This rusty ol’ tow truck has been hangin’ out in Galena for years, and he’s become a Route 66 legend. he’s got a new home at Cars on the Route, along with a whole bunch of other Cars characters brought to life. But get this: there are actually TWO Tow Taters! Yep, the folks at Cars on the Route built a replica for parades, and now both trucks are parked side-by-side. It’s like a Tow Mater convention! So, if you’re cruisin’ through Galena, be sure to stop by and say hello to these famous fellas. They’re a must-see for any Cars fan!”

I focused on Tow Tater as the main subject, highlighting the two versions of the truck and their connection to the Cars movie. I also added some of Big Mike’s signature phrases and kept the tone enthusiastic and engaging.

And hold on there, partners! Don’t forget about Sheriff, the trusty lawman of Radiator Springs…err, I mean Galena! This fella’s always on patrol, makin’ sure everyone stays safe and sound. He’s got that classic police car look, with the black and white paint job and the shiny badge. You can practically hear him sayin’, “Speed limit 25!” as you cruise by. So, keep your eyes peeled for Sheriff, and be sure to give him a wave when you see him. He’s a true Route 66 icon!

Ka-chow! Now, don’t forget the star of the show, folks: Lightning McQueen! This red-hot race car is lookin’ sleek and ready to hit the track, even if he’s just parked on display. You can practically see the determination in his headlights and the speed in his stripes. It’s like he’s sayin’, “I’m gonna win the Piston Cup!” So, get your cameras ready, ’cause this is your chance to pose with a legend. Just try not to get too starstruck!

Now, as we mosey on down the road to my very own Gearhead Curios, get ready to meet the Doc himself! Yep, Doc Hudson’s parked right there, lookin’ wise and ready to dispense some sage advice. He might not have any tires to kick, but you can still admire that classic Hudson Hornet body and imagine him cruisin’ those dusty Route 66 roads back in the day. It’s like a step back in time, folks. So, don’t be shy, say howdy to Doc, and maybe he’ll share some of that legendary wisdom with ya

And over at Gearhead Curios, my buddy Aaron’s got a real treat for ya! He’s got a giant American flag made outta license plates! Yep, you heard that right. It’s a sight to behold, and you can even pull your car right up in front of it for a photo op that screams ‘Route 66!’ How cool is that? It’s the perfect way to show off your ride and your patriotic spirit all in one shot. So, don’t miss this unique piece of Americana when you visit Gearhead Curios!

And over at Gearhead Curios, my buddy Aaron’s got a real treat for ya! He’s put together a unique bathroom that’s a must-see for any Route 66 traveler. It’s full of surprises and creative touches, with everything made from old auto parts and garage tools. It’s definitely not your average restroom stop. Check out the video above for a tour and see for yourself!

1. Gearhead Curios This historic 1939 Texaco gas station in Galena, Kansas is home to Gearhead Curios. Drop by and see the new Gearhead Bathroom. You will love it
2. Cars on the Route
3. Galena Mining and Historical Museum: The Galena Mining and Historical Museum showcases the town’s mining history, its connection to Route 66, and various artifacts from the past. It’s a place where visitors can learn about the town’s role as a stop on the iconic highway.