This rating is based on customer reviews, inventory size, pricing, and service quality
Reviews for Cars on the Route in Galena, KS are overwhelmingly positive—nostalgic setting, Mater-inspired vehicles, engaging history talks, and exceptional hospitality from professional, friendly staff—earning 97/100. Many praise the simple grill (good burgers/fries), though a few found food greasy. It’s easy to enjoy even when the shop is closed thanks to outdoor displays and free photo ops (donations welcomed). This is an attraction, not a salvage yard—reviews don’t cover parts inventory, yard organization, parts pricing, ease of finding parts, or wait times.
Such a great Route 66 stop. Loved seeing the original inspiration for Tow Mater. The owner was so sweet and told us great stories about Galena’s involvement in the Cars movie. She also gave my son a Lightning McQueen ornament. Worth the stop!
This place is so cute!! It has different cars and pictures you can take photos if your a sight seeker. Cars are antiques and the stores are old. The cars look like from the movie "Cars". Make sure to check out the gift shop Texaco. She has t-shirts and souvenirs for Rt. 66.
Cars on the Route in Galena is one of those Route 66 stops that manages to be memorable whether the doors are open or not. Even if the station itself is closed, the outside displays and vehicles are always accessible, making it easy to wander around, snap photos, and pose beside some true Americana at any hour of the day.
The site is a restored Kan-O-Tex gas station, and it has become a playful landmark thanks to its alleged inspiration for characters in Pixar’s Cars movie. Parked out front are classic fire trucks and other vintage vehicles that immediately transport you back to the heyday of the Mother Road. Old gas pumps stand as reminders of a time when stations like this were lifelines for travelers, and through the windows you can glimpse memorabilia that adds to the nostalgic atmosphere.
It’s a stop that blends history, pop culture, and roadside charm. Whether you’re making a quick detour off I-44 or planning Galena as a destination in its own right, Cars on the Route offers a slice of classic Americana that feels both timeless and inviting.
This is such a a sweet surprise hidden on old route 66! Great photo op and interesting story of how it came to life after the Pixar movie research team came through!
What a neat little stop and town. Keep it up! We just drove through and stopped for a couple photos as we were passing by. We would have loved it if there were a bit more Cars theme items to look at while there. Nicely done and super cool town. Thank you!
Speaking to the owner and learning the history of the building and the attractions and how they are tied to, and influenced, the Disney PIXAR movie Cars was a highlight of our stop in Galena.
So fun and love driving and walking around being able to spot the cars! No tickets needed, they are free to look at and take pictures with. People in town seem to expect tourists and they were all very welcoming and nice.
This is a must-see along Route 66. Not only do they have the original truck that Mater is based on but they also have great food. Super friendly and knowledgeable people.
Was great. The information center was awesome for info on the "Cars" movie and other attractions in the area. My grandsons loved it. Go around the corner to the north where the police car is to see Blaze and a Route 66 sign picture opportunity.
Card on the Road: A Superb Retro Gem on Route 66!**
Traveling along the iconic Route 66 with family and friends, we stumbled upon an absolute marvel: Card on the Road. This old-school gas station and restaurant is far more than just a place to refuel; it's a journey back in time and a true hidden treasure.
From the moment we arrived, we were greeted with exceptional warmth. The staff, composed of incredibly motivated young people, welcomed us with smiles and a kindness that instantly made us feel at home. They passionately shared the history of the place, that of a former owner who has left her mark.
But the surprises didn't end there! We discovered "Tow Mater," a peculiar truck reminiscent of the one from the movie "Cars," which walks backward! It's a genuine curiosity that fascinated everyone, young and old. To top it all off, they gifted us all t-shirts, a detail that deeply touched us. Here's a photo of our full crew, proudly wearing our new shirts!
Furthermore, the restaurant itself is a clean, fresh space with impeccable service. Every dish was a delight, and the ambiance transported us to a golden era.
If you're driving Route 66, you absolutely cannot miss the opportunity to stop at Card on the Road. It's a unique experience that combines history, endearing characters, and excellent food. Without a doubt, one of the most special moments of our trip!
An unforgettable stop!
Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your warm welcome, your infectious kindness, and your incredible generosity.
You are the soul of Route 66, and you made us feel truly at home — something we will never forget.
May God bless you with health for many, many years to come! ??
With love from Catalonia. NURIA, JORDI, MARTI, ORIOL, EUDALD
Super fun attraction!! Brought my family and my son was so excited for everything! They also have a small dinner in the O-Tex station! So cute and the people they're are so kind! Definitely recommend going!
Great stop on 66! Very cool and knowledgeable folks there, and indeed have the original tow-truck that inspire “‘mater”. Also the grill is awesome…good grubbin’
A neat little stop along our road trip for our car-loving family, especially our 5 yo. They do have lunch but we had already eaten so didn't get a chance to try it. If you go along the road further behind the shop, there are a few more things to check out!
The inspiration for Mater, the local tow truck who owns and operates his own towing and salvage yard in Radiator Springs, is from here. Also across the street, the mural inspiration of Radiator Springs (Baxter Springs).
Location has gift shop and hamburger grill cafe.
We couldn’t wait to get here as it’s been on our agenda since planning our cross-country trip. It really is a darling place. You also need to go around the corner to get more experiences. The food; however, we were not satisfied with. Everything was a bit too greasy, especially the fries, and nothing was seasoned. A bit disappointing. But totally cute.
The shop was closed on the day we went, I think on a Monday. The days run together on vacation. The area around the shop was really cute, we took a lot of pictures
Cute stop on route 66. We first parked near the route 66 sign. Then we drove down through town to visit the Cars Gas Station. Inside the gas station, the family were great. The woman told us the story how Mater became apart of the Cars Story. We enjoyed a quick lunch, chicken nuggets, tot, and fries. They were good. Around the corner from there are more picture opportunities. Great stop for anyone that enjoys supporting local business and/or loves the Car Movies
If you're a fan of Disney's Pixar's Cars, the movie, then this place doesn't disappoint. Too freaking cute! Located in Galena, Kansas AKA Radiator Springs from the movie, this picturesque town is charming and has so much to do and see. Unfortunately, we arrived later than expected and ended up touring the town at dusk, but we still enjoyed window shopping, seeing the sights, and having front row parking. We plan on coming back to spend more daylight time exploring, but it was well worth the detour. Definitely ? ? ? ? ? worthy
Adorable!
We went out of our way to see this and we're glad we did. It's a nostalgic part of Route 66 and some Cars movie memories.
Also...the gas station sells food and we got some really good burgers and fries along with some fun conversations.
Say yes to seeing Cars on Route
I cried, visiting here with my 18-year-old daughter, watching the little girl in her come right out, getting all excited as she was seeing her favorite ? characters in real life. Cars was a part of my kids growing up and so seeing her in her little girl moment was such a blessing. A must stop on Route 66.
What a fun place to visit when driving Route 66 through Galena, Kansas. When we entered the gas station, the woman behind the cash register gave us a history lesson about how this area became the inspiration for Tow Mater and the Cars movies. It was a fun time learning about the area, checking out the relic gas station, and the cars from the Cars movies. All of us had a great time. Thank you for your generous hospitality.
This is such a cute town and these cars are adorable! I did find out this was the inspiration for the movie Cars, not the other way around! We took our grandson and he LOVED it!
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