Route 66 touched only the extreme southeast corner of Kansas, and logged only about thirteen miles in doing so. And, as if that weren't small enough, the Kansas portion of Route 66 was completely bypassed early on.
Route 66 passed through the Kansas communities of Galena, Riverton, and Baxter Springs. Galena has a museum of local history housed in the old railroad depot building that can help provide some background for your excursion in Kansas. Riverton is home to the Eisler Brothers General Store, which has one of the best selections of Route 66-related "stuff" anywhere.
Eisler Bros. Old Riverton Store
Riverton KS
Riverton KS
The Eisler Brothers Old Riverton Store in Riverton, Kansas has been operating along Historic Route 66 since before the Route officially opened. It was built by Leo Williams in 1925 and he operated the market as Williams Store until 1973 when Joe and Isabell Eisler purchased the business.
Today Eisler Bros. sells groceries, produce, flowers, Deli meats & cheeses, gifts, Route 66 memorabilia and local handicrafts. It is a popular stop for travelers cruising Route 66. Stop and purchase a sandwich and get a cold pop out of an original Coca Cola cooler.
Quote from: Kansas Travel
Four Women on the Route
Galena KS
Galena KS
The old Kan-O-Tex service station at the north end of Main Street in Galena, Kansas has been purchased by 4 women from Galena: Betty Courtney, Melba Rigg, Renee Charles and Judy Courtney. They are helping lead the rebirth of Galena's stretch of Historic Route 66.
The original plan was to turn the old KanOtex station into a farmer's market. But the vision has grown and our Women hope to develop up to 4 buildings near this intersection. One may become a bed and breakfast and another may become the farmer's market.
Quote from: Kansas Travel
Route 66 Howard “Pappy” Litch Park
Galena KS
Howard Litch was a local citizen-historian who was also instrumental in the establishment of the nearby Galena Mining & Historical Museum. The park is located on a plot of land that once was home to a highway weigh station.
The park features one of the original Will Rogers Highway plaques that were placed along Route 66 in 1952. This particular one was relocated here from the nearby Kansas-Missouri border.
Quote from: Route 66 University
Baxter Springs KS
Baxter Springs is rich in it's history, ranging from Civil War battles, lead and zinc mining, gangster robberies in the 1930's and Route 66 commerce. A visit to the Baxter Museum will be a fun experience.
The Route 66 area downtown is making many changes. Merchants are restoring buildings. A working neon sign with Route 66 Soda Fountain on a building being used for area youth and some adult classes at night.
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