Route 66 Kansas Map: A Guide to Exploring the Mother Road in the Sunflower State If you’re a fan of road trips and American history, then you’ve probably heard of Route 66. Also known as the “Mother Road,” this iconic highway stretches over 2,400 miles from Chicago to Santa Monica. While Route 66 is no longer an official highway, it still holds a special place in the hearts of many travelers. One of the best states to explore the Mother Road is Kansas, which boasts a diverse landscape and numerous Route 66 landmarks. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the Route 66 Kansas map and highlight some of the must-see attractions along the way. 1. The Beginning of the Route: Chicago to Galena As the easternmost state on Route 66, Illinois is where the journey begins. From Chicago, the road travels through small towns and rolling farmland. Once you cross the Mississippi River into Missouri, you’ll notice a change in landscape. As you enter Kansas, you’ll be greeted by the small town of Galena, which has preserved several Route 66 landmarks, including the Eisler Brothers Store and the Galena Mining and Historical Museum. 2. The Heart of the Mother Road: Baxter Springs to Riverton As you travel south from Galena, you’ll come across the town of Baxter Springs, which is home to the Baxter Springs Heritage Center and Museum. This museum tells the story of the town’s role in the Civil War and Route 66. From Baxter Springs, the road passes through several small towns before reaching the town of Riverton, which is famous for the restored Cars on the Route gas station. 3. The Land of Oz: Riverton to Chelsea As you continue west on Route 66, you’ll enter the “Land of Oz,” which is named after the classic children’s book. This stretch of the road boasts beautiful landscapes and several Route 66 landmarks, including the Rainbow Bridge in Baxter Springs and the restored Coleman Theatre in Miami. The town of Chelsea is also worth a visit, as it has preserved several historic buildings and hosts a Route 66 car show every year. 4. The Wild West: Tulsa to Oklahoma City After crossing into Oklahoma, the road passes through the cities of Tulsa and Oklahoma City. These cities played a significant role in the oil industry and have several Route 66 landmarks, including the Blue Whale of Catoosa and the Round Barn in Arcadia. If you’re a fan of Western movies, be sure to stop by the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City. 5. The End of the Road: Oklahoma City to Santa Monica As you continue west on Route 66, you’ll pass through several small towns and breathtaking landscapes. The road winds through the Texas Panhandle, New Mexico, Arizona, and finally ends in Santa Monica, California. Along the way, you’ll encounter numerous Route 66 landmarks, including the Cadillac Ranch in Amarillo, Texas, and the Wigwam Motel in Holbrook, Arizona. FAQs: 1. What is Route 66? Route 66 is a historic highway in the United States that stretches from Chicago to Santa Monica. 2. What are some must-see attractions on the Route 66 Kansas map? Some must-see attractions on the Route 66 Kansas map include the Galena Mining and Historical Museum, the Cars on the Route gas station, and the Rainbow Bridge in Baxter Springs. 3. What is the Land of Oz? The Land of Oz is a stretch of Route 66 in Kansas that boasts beautiful landscapes and several Route 66 landmarks. 4. What is the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum? The National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum is a museum in Oklahoma City that showcases the history and culture of the American West. 5. Where does Route 66 end? Route 66 ends in Santa Monica, California.