Kansas Route 66 Historic Byway

Kansas’ little stretch of the ‘Mother Road’ is one that inspires, from instantly recognizable movie characters to those travelers that are taking a once-in-a-lifetime cruise across the country. Kansas Route 66 Historic Byway is one that families and old souls alike won’t want to miss. Meet your favorite characters from Pixar’s “Cars” franchise, dig deep into the mining history of the area, take a photo on the last remaining ‘Rainbow Bridge’ along the route, or grab a snack from Nelson’s Old Riverton Store, this iconic American road trip is waiting.

Kansas Route 66 Byway Map

Request a Byways Guide

Things to do along the way

About the Byway

Interpretive Sites

Locations

3rd Street Park intersection of K-66 & 2nd St (37.03394, -94.74035)
Kiosk in the park next to Route 66 Sculpture (37.07558, -94.71754)
Howard "Pappy" Litch Park (37.07612, -94.63949)

Driving Directions

Distance: 13 miles

Galena to Baxter Springs: At the intersection of Missouri Hwy 66 and State Line Rd, take State Line Rd north to Front St. Continue west on Front St into Galena. Turn south on Main St, then take 7th St/K-66 west to Riverton and beyond to the roundabout at the intersection with U.S. 400. Exit the roundabout onto Beasley Rd/K-66 and continue west to Marsh Arch "Rainbow" Bridge. Upon leaving the bridge, continue south on K-66 (also known as 50th St, Willow Ave, 3rd St, and Military Ave/U.S. 69Alt in Baxter Springs). Continue south on Military Ave/U.S. 69Alt/K-66 to the byway’s end at the Kansas-Oklahoma border.

Baxter Springs to Galena: At the Kansas-Oklahoma border, travel north on K-66 (also known as Military Ave/U.S. 69Alt) to Baxter Springs. At 3rd St, turn west to continue on K-66 (also known as Willow Ave and 50th St.). At the Marsh Arch "Rainbow" Bridge, take Beasley Rd/K-66 east to the roundabout at the intersection with U.S. 400. Stay on K-66 into Riverton and beyond where the road becomes 7th St/K-66. In Galena, take Main St north to Front St. Continue east on Front St, then take State Line Rd south to the byway’s end at Missouri Hwy 66.

Video