Standin’ on a corner in Winslow, Arizona, might make for a classic Route 66 snapshot, but there’s a richer story just beyond that moment. This small town pulses with heritage, art, and community revitalization, making it a destination worth lingering in, not just passing through.
In Winslow, travelers can explore more than nostalgia. Here, Route 66 history meets local craftsmanship, Indigenous legacy, and thoughtful, sustainable travel.
This story was created in partnership with Visit Winslow.
Route 66 Heritage & the Spirit of the Southwest
Winslow’s historic downtown is anchored by La Posada Hotel, a beautifully restored 1930 Fred Harvey–era hotel designed by Mary E.J. Colter. The Turquoise Room restaurant inside La Posada brings Southwestern elegance and locally inspired cuisine to the historic hotel’s gardens and art-filled interiors.
Just steps away, Standin’ on the Corner Park draws visitors with its iconic mural, bronze statue, and Route 66 lore made immortal by the Eagles’ song “Take It Easy.” But Winslow’s revival isn’t just decorative. The town is leaning into its Route 66 legacy with purpose, restoring façades and filling historic buildings with new energy and vibrance.
Local Culture & Hidden Depths
Beyond the postcard corner, Winslow offers deep cultural layers. Nearby Homolovi State Park preserves Hopi ancestral sites, giving travelers a quiet portal into Indigenous history that long predates the road.
Art lovers should make their way to Snowdrift Art Space, housed in a former 1914 Babbitt Brothers department store. The gallery and studio showcase works by artists Dan and Ann-Mary Lutzick and other local artists, and free guided tours are offered by appointment.
A few blocks away, the Old Trails Museum sits in a historic bank building and offers rotating displays on Winslow’s railroad past, Harvey Girls, Route 66, and Native American heritage. For travelers looking to pick up something meaningful, the museum’s gift shop features Navajo and Hopi art, books, and more. The icing on the cake? Admission is free, so be sure to pop in for at least a moment!
Other Must-Stops in Winslow
Winslow’s charm comes alive when you step off the corner and explore the town at your own pace. RelicRoad Brewing Company, right on Route 66, offers a relaxed spot to sip craft beer surrounded by vintage décor and local energy. For a cozy, familiar feel, Brown Mug Café serves up hearty Southwestern favorites and a welcoming atmosphere. Sweet tooths and retro lovers will want to visit Sipp Shoppe, where ice cream, crepes, and Italian sodas make for a nostalgic treat.
Beyond the town itself, Winslow offers access to wide-open landscapes and outdoor adventures. Clear Creek Reservoir is a peaceful spot for paddleboarding, kayaking, or simply soaking up the desert scenery. Just a short drive away, Petrified Forest National Park showcases stunning geology, colorful badlands, and ancient petrified wood. Both locations are perfect for travelers who want to connect with the natural history of the Southwest. These experiences provide a quieter, immersive side of Winslow, letting visitors explore beyond the downtown streets and truly experience the region’s unique landscapes.
Standing on a Corner is Just the Beginning
Winslow’s Route 66 fame may get you through the door, but it’s the people, places, and stories inside that make you stay. Between the restored grandeur and hum of creative energy downtown to the jaw-dropping landscapes and outdoor adventures, Winslow, Arizona, has become a living portrait of how heritage can thrive through thoughtful, sustainable tourism.
Here, Route 66 is more than a highway, it’s a path to connection.
