About Us
Welcome to Galena, a small town with a big place in Route 66 history. We sit right along the short but unforgettable Kansas stretch of the Mother Road, where travelers from around the world stop to experience the spirit of classic American road travel. Our community began as a thriving lead and zinc mining town in the late 1800s, and that hardworking heritage still shapes who we are today.
When Route 66 came through in 1926, Galena became a natural stop for road trippers heading west or returning home. Today we proudly celebrate that legacy with restored storefronts, vintage service stations, colorful murals and attractions like Cars on the Route, inspired by the characters that helped bring Route 66 back into the spotlight for a new generation.
Whether you're passing through or staying awhile, Galena invites you to slow down, explore our historic streets and experience a small-town welcome that has greeted travelers on Route 66 for nearly a century.
Places to Visit in Galena, KS
Events
The Blues Doctors Live @ Mi Torito
Offers
2 for $12.00 cheeseburger fries
Fantastic Friday Deal
$10 Lunch Specials at Van’s Steakhouse
WEDNESDAY SPECIAL at Red Ball Bar & Grill
WING WEDNESDAY – $1 WINGS ALL DAY
Photos
Route 66 Insights
Did You Know?
Did you know Galena helped inspire the Pixar film Cars? The rusty 1951 International tow truck known as “Tow Tater” sits along Route 66 in Galena and is believed to have inspired the character Mater. Travelers from aroun...
Discover Galena’s Mining Heritage
In the late 1800s, Galena was one of the busiest mining towns in the region thanks to rich deposits of lead and zinc. Today visitors can learn about that history at the Galena Mining & Historical Museum located right on ...
Fun Fact
Galena sits at the eastern end of the Kansas segment of Route 66, making it one of the first towns travelers encounter as they enter the state along the historic highway.