Photos of Frecs the Miner in Galena, Kansas
Know Before You Go
To make the most of your visit to the remains of Frecs the Miner in Galena, Kansas, here are some things to know before you go.
What was Frecs the Miner?
Frecs the Miner was a 19-foot-tall miner statue dressed in blue overalls, a miner’s helmet, boots, and carrying a pickaxe and pail. He was created by Renee Charles, president of the Kansas Historic Route 66 Association, and named after her grandfather, Milbern John Busick, a real lead and zinc miner whose nickname was “Frecs,” short for “Freckles.”
In March 2022, an accidental fire broke out during maintenance work on the statue. Sparks reportedly ignited materials inside the structure, destroying nearly the entire figure. Only the boots and a portion of the display survived.
Was Frecs a real Muffler Man?
No. While inspired by the famous roadside Muffler Men found across America, Frecs was a handcrafted tribute rather than an original fiberglass figure. Instead of fiberglass, he was constructed from pipe, canvas, chicken wire, and glue.
Where are the remains located?
The remains can be found at 205 Front Street in Galena, Kansas 66739, near the historic Galena Viaduct and adjacent to Luigi’s Pit Stop on the original alignment of Route 66. Pull over to park on the gravel beside this Kansas Route 66 attraction and, while in the area, check out more of the best attractions on Route 66 in Galena, Kansas.
Where to Stay Near Frecs the Miner
Complete your travel itinerary and get a good night’s rest with a stay at one of these hotels near this Kansas Route 66 roadside attraction.
Boots Court Motel
The Boots Court Motel in Carthage, Missouri opened in 1939. This historic Route 66 motor hotel hosted actor Clark Gable numerous times.
Stay on 66
With only 13 miles of road, there aren’t too many motels on Kansas Route 66. Stay on 66 fills a need with boutique B&B experiences. With properties like the The Old Riverton Post B&B in Riverton and The Mollie Retreat on Route 66 in Galena, you have warm options if you want to spend the night in Kansas.
Attractions Near Frecs the Miner on Route 66
Luigi’s Pit Stop in Galena, Kansas
Cars on the Route in Galena, Kansas
Front Street Garage in Galena, Kansas
So sad that this one is now gone! He was a fun stop when he was still up so I had to visit what remained of him last time I was in town. Can’t wait to see his eventual replacement!