Route 66 in Kansas

Kansas claims just 13 miles of Route 66 — the shortest stretch of any state on the highway — but it punches well above its weight in history and character. The route enters Kansas near Galena, home to the famous Cars on the Route shop and museum, whose iconic tow truck inspired the Mater character in Pixar’s Cars. From there, the highway passes through Riverton before ending at Baxter Springs, one of the oldest cow towns in Kansas and site of a Civil War-era massacre. The Kansas section also features the Brush Creek Rainbow Bridge, one of the best-preserved original Route 66 bridges anywhere on the highway. Short as it is, the Kansas stretch of Route 66 is a required stop for any serious Mother Road traveler.