Galena Mining & Historical Museum
Since 1984
Plan Your
Visit
Celebrating 40 Years!
History
Since 1984
*Another name for lead is Galena, so our town was named after the mineral we mined.
April 4
Celebrating 20 years of Pixar’s Cars
Join us for a fun outdoor event featuring a movie screening, car show, games, food trucks and special guest bring your family & friends for a day of nostalgia & excitement. Luigi’s Pit Stop 205 E Front Street, Galena, KS 10am – 10 pm.
April 10
A Shared Journey Along Route 66 by Rove Life
Come be part of the Journey. Travel with the group your way… car motorcycle, RV, tent or hotel. Share the road, explore together, and connect with fellow travelers.
April 13
Dust to Dreams: A guided Tribute Journey along Route 66
Join us for an unforgettable journey along the legendary Route 66 from Chicago to Santa Monica.
April 14
Women’s Work on Route 66
Celebrated author, Cheryl Eicher Jett, shares and celebrates the women that were the backbone of Route 66. This is a Zoom presentation, registration is free via the Calendar of Events at www.route66centennial.org as part of the monthly National Route 66 Centennial Speaker Series.
April 25, May 30, June 13, July 8, September 5, October 3
Baxter Springs Saddle Club Monthly Showedo
Held at the Baxter Springs Saddle Club Arena. All are Welcome to see the excitement of this highly entertaining monthly rodeo competition. 1305 E. 12th Street, Baxter Springs, KS.
April 30
Kansas Route 66 Lantern Festival
Live streaming the Celebration of Route 66 held in Springfield, MO, enjoying live music and a lantern festival with 100 lanterns set off for the 100 year celebration. Bricks and Brews, 1531 Military Avenue, Baxter Springs, KS 4pm-10pm.
May 1 – 2
Cowtown Days
This annual celebration honors the city’s rich history as the first Cowtown in Kansas, bringing together community members and visitors for a weekend filled with activities, entertainment, and historical appreciation.
May 2
Movie at the Ritz
Join us in the historical Ritz theatre to view the celebrated “Cars” movie. 1143 Military Avenue, Baxter Springs KS 7pm.
May 2
Cattle Drive
Don’t miss out on this chance to celebrate our Western Heritage and create lasting memories with family and friends with a small town cattle drive on Route 66. 10th & Military Ave S. to 8th & East Avenue, Baxter Springs, KS 9am.
May 12
Foodways on Route 66
Historian Baker T. Lindsay Baker explores Diners, Stands, and supper clubs that fed generations traveling Route 66. This is a Zoom presentation, registration is free via the Calendar of Events at www.route66centennial.org as part of the monthly National Route 66 Centennial Speaker Series.
June 3
Movie on Main
Bring the whole family and enjoy a Movie under the stars. 500 S. Main Street, Galena, KS Dusk.
June 4 – 6
Galena Days
Celebrates Galena’s Birthday benefitting our local volunteer Fire Department, with music, food, carnival rides and community fun. 301 W. 7th Street, Galena, KS 5pm-9pm 5pm-10pm 5pm-10pm.
June 5
Dancing thru the Decades
Lets dance through the decades together to celebrate Route 66 centennial, with DJ music, costume contest, photo booth fun, and more… Gravy’s Place, 316 S. Main Street Galena, KS 7pm-12:00am.
June 6
Galena Days Car Show
This event promises a fun filled day for car enthusiast and families alike. Main Street, Galena, KS 8am- 2pm.
June 6 – 13
Bike Across Kansas
Bicycle enthusiast will be biking across Kansas in a week long adventure. https://bak.org Baxter Springs High School 100 N. Military Avenue, Baxter Springs, KS 6/12/2026 Over Night Stay.
June 8 – 12
Hot Rod Power Tour
The Hot Rod Power Tour, celebrating the 100th anniversary of Route 66, starts in Joliet Il Rt 66 Raceway and ends at Tulsa Raceway Park. https://hotrod.com
June 9
Route 66 the First 100 Years
Jim Ross and Shellee Graham share their book and other works. This is a Zoom presentation, registration is free via the Calendar of Events at www.route66centennial.org as part of the monthly National Route 66 Centennial Speaker Series.
June 20 – 28
The Great Race
A 9-day vintage car rally from Illinois to California using route 66 as the backdrop for this once in a lifetime experience. https://www.greatrace.com
June 27
Big Bang Independence Day
Celebrate the 250 Birthday of America with us at Schwartz City Park. Join us for a record breaking rendition of the Pledge of Allegiance, enjoy food vendors, craft vendors, and live music with a spectacular fireworks display afterwards.
July 3
Freedom USA, 250 Years
Celebrate the spirit of our Nation for the 250 Birthday with an inspiring event honoring the diverse tapestry of Americana Music Culture.
July 3
Baxter Springs Kansas 4th of July Celebration
Community Independence Day Celebration, food trucks, vendors and of course an outstanding fireworks display after dark!
July 14
American Indian Perspectives Ka-Voka Jackson
Hualapia Tribe speaks of the history and story of the Native American and Route 66. This is a Zoom presentation, registration is free via the Calendar of Events at www.route66centennial.org as part of the monthly National Route 66 Centennial Speaker Series.
August 7 – 8
Baxter Springs Saddle Club Rodeo
Witness the heart- pounding action as brave cowboys & cowgirls showcase their skills in bull riding, barrel racing, roping, and more!
August 11
Atomic History on Route 66
Katrina Parks PBS Documentarian shares the story of the Atomic history on Route 66 . This is a Zoom presentation, registration is free via the Calendar of Events at www.route66centennial.org as part of the monthly National Route 66 Centennial Speaker Series.
August 22
Duck Race
Get ready for a quacking good time as you watch hundreds of colorful rubber ducks race down the river, Adopt your very own duck for a chance to win fantastic prizes.
September 8
Exhibiting Route 66
Jeffrey Richardson discusses varying Route 66 museums and collections. This is a Zoom presentation, registration is free via the Calendar of Events at www.route66centennial.org as part of the monthly National Route 66 Centennial Speaker Series.
September 15
Sunbeam Tiger Car Show
Marvel at a stunning collection of Sunbeam Tigers, celebrating these classic sports cars that blend style and performance.
September 19
Riverton Car Show
The Riverton Car show showcases classic and vintage cars, attracting enthusiasts and families for a fun filled day of automotive celebration.
September 19
Gearheads Curios Pin-up Contest
A lively celebration of vintage aesthetic and automotive culture. Typically featuring participants dressed in retro inspired outfits, showcasing styles from 1940s to the 1960s, reflecting the charm and glamour of classic pin up culture.
October 9 – 11
Columbus Days Balloon Regatta
A three day celebration packed with family fun, local flavor and sky-high excitement.
October 13
Route 66 and Baseball in the Tri-State Mining Region
Jordan Adams with the Baxter Springs Kansas Historical Society shares the history of baseball in the Tri-State Mining Region (Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma). Mickey Mantle, the Baxter Springs Blues Negro league team and Route 66. This is a Zoom presentation, registration is free via the Calendar of Events at www.route66centennial.org as part of the monthly National Route 66 Centennial Speaker Series.
October 24
Tri-State Halloween Museum Crawl
Join the Joplin, MO, Galena, KS, Baxter Springs, KS and Miami, OK Museums for a Halloween Museum Crawl. History after hours! Costumes encouraged!
Joplin History & Mineral Museum 505 S. Schifferdecker Ave, Joplin, MO
Galena mining & Historical Museum 319 W. 7th Street, Galena, KS
Baxter Springs Heritage Center & Museum 740 East Avenue, Baxter Springs, KS,
Dobson Museum & Home 110 A Street SW, Miami, OK
5pm-10pm
November 10
Research Route 66 Collections
Research Route 66 Panel Members share their research and collections in celebration of the November 11th anniversary of Route 66. This is a Zoom presentation, registration is free via the Calendar of Events at www.route66centennial.org as part of the monthly National Route 66 Centennial Speaker Series.
November 28
Race Across Kansas
This annual event celebrates the iconic Route 66 highway while promoting fitness and community engagement. This half marathon on KS Route 66 runs east to west. Riverton Kansas 7am-5pm
December 8
Route 66 Revitalization and the Next 100 Years
Bill Thomas with The Road Ahead, Kaisa Barthuli with the National Park Service Route 66 Corridor Program, and guests share insights about the revitalization of Route 66 and what the next 100 years could look like. This is a Zoom presentation, registration is free via the Calendar of Events at www.route66centennial.org as part of the monthly National Route 66 Centennial Speaker Series.
Daily museum tours, local school programming, seasonal, holiday, and local history displays.
Discover Galena Mining and Historical Museum on Kansas Route 66
Celebrating 40 Years of Mining and Railroad History
Address
Galena, KS 66739
VISIT
Monday – Friday | 10 AM – 4 PM
Saturday & Sunday
by appointment only,
please call (417) 529-1144
or (417) 317-9416