Frecs the Miner – Galena, Kansas - Atlas Obscura
Frecs the Miner is permanently closed.

Frecs the Miner

Galena, Kansas

This statue is an ode to an iconic roadside advertisement popularized during the 1970s.  

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The original alignment of Route 66 in Kansas is relatively small, but holds tons of history and unique places to visit, one example is Frecs the Miner.

Located along the original alignment of Route 66, coming in from Missouri, stands a 19-foot homemade version of a modern muffler man. These large fiberglass statues were once used to advertise businesses and tourist attractions. This 21st-century muffler man was named after the creator’s grandfather, whose nickname was Frecs, short for freckles. He was also a miner who worked across the Tri-State area. 

Know Before You Go


Sadly, the statue is no more after an accidental fire in March 2022 destroyed all but its boots. You can see the remains next to the "Cars" movie exhibit. 


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