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Kansas became the 34th state to join the United States on January 29, 1861. The capital city is Topeka. The highest point is Mount Sunflower at 4,039 feet.

Road Trip 2013 - Day 17 - June 27 - Route 66 - Galena, KS (Previous 2013 Road Trip posts: Indiana Dunes, De Immigrant, Amana Colonies, Des Moines, Madison County Roads, Bridges of Madison County, White Pole Road, Great Platte River Road Archway Monument, Golden Spike Tower & Union Pacific's Bailey Rail Yard, Loveland Pass, The Resting Day at Powderhorn, Black Canyon of the Gunnison, Cimarron, Colorado National Monument, Fruita Rodeo, Grand Mesa, Arches National Park, Grand Junction, Grand Mesa Creek, Arches National Park Add-On, Canyonlands National Park, The Little Big Moments of Road Tripping, Mesa Verde National Park, Santa Fe, Santa Fe Train Depot, Pecos National Historical Park, Route 66 Part I, Santa Rosa, NM, Route 66 Part II, Santa Rosa, NM, Route 66 Part III, Tucumcari, Route 66 Part IV: Cadillac Ranch, Route 66 Part V: Bug Ranch), Route 66 Part VI: Conoco & Magnolia, Moore, OK after the 2013 Tornado, Route 66 Part VII - Catoosa, OK, Route 66 Part VIII - Largest Totem Pole, Route 66 Part IX - Galena, Kansas

Baxter Springs, OklahomaPhillips Gas on Route 66 Would you believe it? After over 5 years this 2013 road trip photo blog is finding its way to the finish line. To help it along, a we are making a double hop today from the previous stop at the largest totem pole at Foyil, OK. First, the northbound track takes us across the state border from Oklahoma to Kansas and the town of Baxter Springs.

And from there, Galena, KS is right around the corner. This was our first time tracking Route 66 through there but at the risk of a spoiler alert I will admit that since that first 2013 visit we made it back two more times and had fun each time. It's nice to see how things are going, witness the changes, and also be able to feel almost at home so far away from home. And with all of this road tripping talk guess where I'd love to be now?

Galena Railroad Depot, KansasRoute 66 The first Galena stop is at the old railroad depot, which now houses the Galena Mining and Historical Museum. The tie to the building's railroad days is hard to miss.

And from there it's right to Cars on the Route 66, a very cool stop on the Mother Road. It's themed after the Disney Cars movie with a nice Route 66 gift shop and some refreshments. The main character of the 2013 stop certainly was the original Mater standing outside with a wonderfully rusty look. No wonder it inspired such a charismatic character!

The vintage looking gas station is also an eye-catcher and provides a super backdrop for memorable road trip photos.

There are also a few more vintage cars across the street that provide for great photo ops, especially if you happen to visit either early in the morning to have them lit up or when the day is ending with the sun setting behind the cars.

The Original Mater at Cars on the Route 66Galena, KS

The Original Mater at Cars on the Route 66, Galena, Kansas

Cars on the Route 66Galena, Kansas

Cars on the Route 66, Galena, Kansas

Then, on the way out of town, this ghost town like view opened up. Probably never the favorite view of the locals but so full of character and mood. These views can be found anywhere, even in busy cities. This one happens to be in Galena, Kansas along Route 66.

The Ghost Town LookRoute 66

The Ghost Town Look along Route 66, Galena, KS

Enjoy The Beauty That Surrounds You! (#etbtsy)

References: Kansas on 50States.com - Cars on the Route 66

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