Route 66: Kickin’ Kansas

There is only 13.2 miles of Route 66 running through Kansas, but the state certainly makes the most of it!

Galena

The guys from Pixar who made the movie, “Cars”, drove a bit of Route 66 for research and inspiration.  Galena is one of the towns that inspired them!

Beautiful little park in town.

Beautiful little park in town.

When you get out of your car to explore the block or two that comprises “downtown”, you’ll find that a local radio station is being played over loudspeakers on the street.

Wall mural - nod to "Cars".

Wall mural – nod to “Cars”.

This wall mural looks like a giant postcard – and includes characters from the movie “Cars” in it.

Rainbow Bridge

Since I love things that have been saved and restored, I had to drive over Rainbow Bridge.  This is the last of three “Marsh Arch” bridges (named for their designer) that used to be in Kansas.  The other two no longer exist.  This has been preserved.

Rainbow Bridge

Rainbow Bridge

Rainbow Bridge commemorative marker

Rainbow Bridge commemorative marker

In the 13 miles of Route 66 Kansas, there are numerous historical sites.  There have been bloody mine worker strikes, murderous Civil War attacks, and there are museums to learn and remember.  Kansas is a state worth exploring – but, ah, we have not the time or space to do it justice here.  I have moved on.

Ooooooohhhhhhhklahoma is coming up next!  Plenty to occupy us there.  Farewell, Kansas!