mater

Stopped in during out Route 66 trip. Great spot for kids and to get some good photos. Definitely worth the stop.

This is a must for any kids travelling through that like cars. The mater is the original inspiration for mater in cars. The garage is well looked after and Melba the 'mouth' will tell you lots of stories about Route 66. Very informative.

This lady, Melba the Mouth, is loaded with history and information. Great for kids and historical interests.

We learned a lot in our visit here! Tons about the movie and how the movie "Cars" used the town and Route 66. We also learned about the annual Route 66 gathering that happens in a different town along the route each year and how they sometimes forget that Kansas is part of the trek.

Just on the left hand corner as you drive into Galena on Historic 66 and come up to the T junction with Main street (don’t miss it, we did and had to drive back) you will see this beautifully restored Kan-O-Tex gas station with Tow Mater out front...the inspiration for Mater from “Cars”. Oh, by the way, the filling station is known as 4 Women on the Route because it is owned by 4 women...I only found this out when we got home...it was closed when we drove through without a woman in sight!

We stopped at "Tow Tater" for a photo opportunity and were welcomed by an employee of the Kan-O-Tex service station that now serves as a gift shop/grill. She elaborated on Galena's connection to the movie Cars and also offered to take our family's photograph by the truck. The gift shop is small but packed with Route 66 memorabilia and other retro gear. The grill offers burgers and beer and had indoor and patio seating. Cute place and very friendly. Next door is a haunted bordello that is open for tours, but sadly we didn't have time to investigate it.

We were travelling Route 66 so this is a MUST Stop!! A lot of "Cars" references here..."Mater" of course. "The Mouth" is more than happy to tell you all about them. She was a great person to chat with. This is a great pace for pictures and grabbing a snack and drink before you head out on the road again.

What a fun place to sight see, eat, and enjoy hearing stories. This is a must see for people interested in fun things to do and very neat places to see along Route 66 in Kansas. This area of Galena is fascinating. We had so much fun!

My wife and nephew were on a day trip to Joplin to have Mother's Day dinner starting our day going through Picher Oklahoma very interesting then ending up on old Route 66 without even planning it. Well let's it's say it ended with Melba telling her story and it was a real pleasure listening to her and her story I would love to bring my kids back one day.

When I realised Mater was available on Route 66 I had it bookmarked as a place to go. The original Mater is prominently displayed on the corner of the gas station which looked really cool but was unfortunately closed when we were there. For any Cars fan it's a must to have your photo taken with Mater, my little nephew will be jealous.

They have Rt 66 souveneirs and a grill with burgers and "tow-mater" tots. It's kinda fun. Galena is really working at making itself a premier stop along Rt 66.

My son loved it. He didn't want to leave. The little gas station it was parked in was cute as well. Next time I go deff make sure it's not so hot. If your kid likes cars they will love this.

Galena was such a sweet, little town. It was a good place to get out and stretch your legs off the interstate and who can resist Mater! We all had big smiles in our faces....even the teenagers!

So my adult son says, "Dad, did you know the tow truck on which the movie Cars based 'Tow Mater' is in Galena, KS?" It was such a random comment that it needed a response. "No," I said; "and how did you come to know that?" "Ran across it somewhere." So, on the way to Joplin, MO, we passed through Galena, KS, and what can you do but search it out? There it is, on Main St., about three blocks north of the highway, east side of the street. We stopped. We looked. Then out came Melba, who introduced herself as "Melba the Mouth." I'm not sure she stopped talking during our time outside, then inside the old gas station, and then outside, BUT, we didn't mind. She is a character herself, knows about the discovery of the tow truck for the movie and the local area, and is a one-woman chamber of commerce, in a good way. It's not far off the path, but it's full of fun facts to know and tell.

Do NOT skip this spot if you´re experiencing Route 66. Melba is pure excitment and live history, knows every detais of the road, and people by name. She will nicely point you where to stop and what to do from that point on. I am so glad i visited it! Thanks Donna so much for all the pictures you so carefully took of me, as i was travelling by myself. Melba, i will for sure " let you know whe i get home" Manny hugs, I will be back soon.