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Galena, Kansas: Cars on the Route

See the truck that inspired the truck that made a fortune for Pixar/Disney. Stands outside an old gas station that's been converted into a Route 66 Cafe.

Address:
119 N. Main, Galena, KS
Directions:
North end of town, southeast corner of S. Main and E. Front Sts.
Hours:
Shop M-S 10 am - 6 pm; Grill M-Sa 11 am - 5 pm. (Call to verify) Local health policies may affect hours and access.
Phone:
620-783-1366
Admission:
Free.
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Visitor Tips and News About Cars on the Route

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Replica Tow Mater.

Tow Mater from the Movie Cars

This place is very fun and nostalgic, but it makes me wonder, what did the makers of "Cars" see? Because what I see right now is a Disney creation. Not that it isn't super fun, but......

[Janelle, 06/05/2019]

The blessing and the curse of Hollywood success. The original boom tow truck became a star stop along Route 66. Cartoon eyes were added by the owners in 2008 so that the unimaginative public wouldn't strain too hard to make the connection. The tow truck next to the original was added as a more complete, buck-toothed "Tow Mater - Radiator Springs" replica.

Restored gas station.

Kan-O-Tex Gas Station

The old Kan-O-Tex gas station has been fully restored. It's a trip back into the era.

[Red 1957 Coupe deVille Caddy, 10/31/2015]

Tow Mater Tow Trucks.

Tow Mater from the Movie "Cars"

They've added more Tow Mater Tow trucks.

[Will, 02/08/2015]
Tow Mater's New Neighbors

The old tow truck that inspired Tow Mater in the movie Cars has for many years stood at a former Kan-O-Tex gas station, restored as a Route 66 attraction named 4 Women on the Route. Two of those women have retired, and the attraction will reopen later this month as Cars on the Route, with more vintage cars modified to resemble the characters in the animated film. The gas station stands on one of the four corners purchased by the four women, who had always planned to develop all four as attractions. The second -- a restoration of the town's former bordello -- should open this year.

[RoadsideAmerica.com Team, 05/11/2013]

Tow Mater.

Tow Mater from the Movie "Cars"

What a fun spot. This is in my husband's hometown of Galena, Kansas, and it's on the Old Route 66. This truck is based on a character in the Cars movie.

[Cathy Hayes, 06/19/2011]

Nearby Offbeat Places

License Plates American FlagLicense Plates American Flag, Galena, KS - < 1 mi.
Bonnie And Clyde's ShotgunBonnie And Clyde's Shotgun, Galena, KS - < 1 mi.
Kansas Route 66 SignKansas Route 66 Sign, Riverton, KS - 4 mi.
In the region:
Burger Baths for Health Sign, Sulphur Springs, AR - 42 mi.

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