Galena is a quiet Joplin-area city with a historic atmosphere
Located near Kansas’ southeast corner, the city of Galena takes pride in its location along the historic U.S. Route 66. This community calls itself the oldest mining town in southeast Kansas, and it maintains an old-timey appearance through its prominent “Drink Coca Cola” mural, its early-20th-century buildings, and its public displays of vintage cars. Just under 2,800 people call Galena home, many of them working in the retail industry. While Galena’s population has steadily declined alongside the mining industry since the 1940s, Galena offers quick access to Joplin’s amenities at a lower cost of living.
Century-old cottages mix with brand-new ranch-style homes
Galena has a diverse housing stock that includes cottages built from the 1900s to the 1910s, single-story properties built from the 1960s to the 1970s and suburban ranch-style homes built from the 2000s to 2020s. Homes between 400 and 2,500 square feet in size have sold for between $60,000 and $190,000, while those exceeding 2,500 square feet go for between $300,000 and $550,000. Galena’s median home price of $134,500 is well below Joplin’s median of $191,000. Galena's CAP Index Crime Score of 2 out of 10 is below the national average of 4.
Diverse eateries and bars occupy Old West-era downtown buildings
Galena’s Main Street has not changed much since the days of the Old West; its false-front buildings were mostly built from the 1880s to the 1910s. The Mi Torito Mexican Restaurant immerses diners in Mexican culture through its colorful chairs and tables and an interior designed to resemble a Spanish mission. Gravy’s Place is decked out in Route 66 and Bud Light décor, making it a mainstay for locals and travelers who want to shoot pool, have a drink and watch sports games in an Americana-heavy setting. Local grocery options are limited to Family Dollar and Dollar General, but Joplin’s Aldi, Walmarts, Target and other shopping amenities are accessible within an 8-mile drive along Route 66.
Downtown and Galena's outskirts are rich in outdoor activities
As southeast Kansas can get quite hot during the summer months, Galena makes a city pool available to the public for less than $3. Down Route 26, Schermerhorn Park lets visitors explore a cave, Shoal Creek and a nature center housing live snakes and reptiles. Families can take their kids to this park’s playground, lunch under a picnic shelter or swim with them in the creek. Downtown Galena has its own share of outdoor attractions. Residents may find themselves walking past several murals at the intersection of Route 66 and Main Street or driving past a small museum where vintage cars have been painted to resemble the characters from the Route 66-themed movie “Cars.” It’s locally rumored that the popular Pixar character “Mater” was modeled after a rusty tow truck found in this old highway town.
Galena High offers leadership-oriented extracurriculars
Students can start their education at Spring Grove Primary Center for grades K-2; this school receives a B-minus rating from Niche. Liberty Elementary School serves grades 3-5 and receives a C-plus, and students go on to attend the B-rated Galena Middle School and the C-plus-rated Galena High School. Galena High includes chapters of Family, Career and Community Leaders of America and Future Business Leaders of America in addition to performing arts and language clubs.
Route 66 connects Galena to Joplin
While Route 66 has long been replaced by nearby interstate highways as the main mode for regional travel, it’s this highway that connects Galena to Joplin 8 miles across the Kansas-Missouri border. Galena’s own Mercy Specialty Hospital is also located along this historic highway.
Written By
Jacob Adelhoch
