Few places in the United States are as iconic as Winslow, Arizona. This small desert town is steeped in history and charm, and it’s a great place to experience some true Americana. Whether you’re looking for a fun road trip destination or just want to get away from it all for a while, Winslow has something for everyone. Here are some of the top attractions in Winslow that make it a must-visit destination.
It’s way more than just standing on a corner!
Get Your Kicks, On Route 66
No visit to Winslow would be complete without taking a drive down historic Route 66. This iconic highway stretches across the heartland of America, and its route passes right through downtown Winslow.
There are plenty of places to pull over along the way so you can take in the sights and snap some photos—you might even spot some classic cars!
Fun Fact: Route 66, referred to as the Mother Road, ran from Chicago to California, and was a popular route from the 1920s to the ’80s.
Standing’ on the Corner & Eagles Tribute
You can’t visit Winslow without checking out one of its most iconic landmarks: Standin’ On The Corner sculpture & Eagles tribute! Located at the corner of 2nd Street and Kinsley Avenue (hence its name), this bronze statue of Glenn Fry (co-writer and vocalist of the infamous song), pays homage to the classic song “Take It Easy” by The Eagles, which mentions Winslow in its chorus.
Visitors can snap selfies with the sculptures or buy souvenirs from nearby stores—it’s definitely worth checking out if you’re in town!
Fun Fact: More than 100,000 visitors come to Winslow every year to see the “Standin’ on the Corner” foundation mural and sculpture at the intersection of North Kinsley Avenue the iconic Route 66.
Old Trails Museum
If you want to learn more about the history of Winslow and its surroundings, then you should definitely check out Old Trails Museum. This museum is located in downtown Winslow and offers visitors an insight into the city’s past with exhibits about local history, Native American culture, and much more.
The museum also features rotating special exhibits that provide even more information about everything from early settlers to modern-day life in this unique corner of Arizona.
I loved talking to the museum docent about the Fred Harvey items (the china collection is supreme!) and memorabilia.
This is one of the most fascinating places in the country to really dig into his amazing story and easily a top attraction in Winslow.
Wander Historic Downtown Winslow
Winslow has been home to many different cultures over its long history, and today its Main Street is lined with charming shops and restaurants that reflect this eclectic mix of people and traditions.
Take a stroll down Main Street and you’ll find plenty of opportunities for shopping and plenty of art galleries around town where you can admire pieces by local artists or pick up something unique for yourself or someone special back home.
Grab a Tasty Bite at Brown Jug Cafe
After visiting Winslow’s top attractions, enjoy an authentic and tasty Mexican lunch from Brown Mug Cafe. This quaint hole-in-the-wall restaurant has fantastic and reasonably priced food. I feasted on a plate of tacos, beans, and rice, which were so scrumptious, but I hear the tamales are the dish to try.
Check Out Winslow’s Cool Murals
One thing that makes Winslow stand out is its collection of vibrant murals. Most of the murals are painted by local artists, depicting various scenes from daily life, as well as images inspired by Native American culture and wildlife native to Arizona.
Seeing these murals is a great way to get an insight into what makes this small town so special! Of course, the two-story trompe-l’œil flatbed truck mural by John Pugh, is a crowd favorite.
Wander Through the La Posada Hotel
You don’t have to be staying at the La Posada Hotel to come by and enjoy its Southwestern beauty.
Built in 1930, La Posada Hotel was once the premier destination in northern Arizona. The hotel was designed by architect Mary Colter, known for her innovative design style that embraced nature and paid homage to Native American culture. It was also Fred Harvey’s Last Great Railroad Hotel.
La Posada was fashioned to be the nicest hotel in the Southwest for its time–and I’m guessing it succeeded.
Today, La Posada remains a popular destination for tourists and locals alike thanks to its historic charm and modern amenities. Guests can relax in the luxurious rooms or explore the many great souvenir shops and art galleries within the hotel, and in walking distance from the hotel.
With its beautiful architecture and quaint atmosphere, it’s no wonder La Posada has been called one of America’s best-kept secrets! I literally spent over an hour admiring the artwork, furnishings, and architecture.
Don’t miss the brilliant gift shop, with china, Navajo rugs, jewelry, and gorgeous artwork by Tina Mion.
Stay for a Meal at the Turquoise Room
Experience dining in one-of-a-kind Winslow restaurant, like The Turquoise Room – an award-winning restaurant inside the La Posada Hotel. This popular eatery serves up Southwest classic dishes, like Navajo beef sirloin tacos, as well as more exotic fare such as churro lamb pozole and Colorado elk medallions.
The Turquoise Room, designed by the remarkable Fred Harvey, also offers a full bar featuring handcrafted cocktails made with local ingredients, or go for the non-alcoholic prickly pear lemonade.
Guests can dine indoors or al fresco on the patio; either way they’re sure to enjoy their meal!
Petrified Forest National Park
Discover the natural wonder of Petrified Forest National Park, where you can marvel at the vividly hued mesas and stunning Painted Desert. But the real star of the show? The abundance of petrified wood that glitters in rainbows of quartz, making it a must-visit for geology enthusiasts.
With easy, beginner-friendly hiking trails, this is a perfect stop on a family road trip or for those wanting a taste of the great outdoors. Allow a couple of hours if you aren’t hiking, or half a day if you wish to hike the Blue Mesa or Blue Forest Trail.
Visit during fall when the crowds thin out, and the weather is cool and dry. And if you’re wondering about travel time, it’s only 52 minutes from Winslow, Arizona. Don’t forget that you can use your National Park Annual Pass for admission; without will run you $25 per car.
Dogs, cats, and horses are welcome in this park.
The Meteor Crater
Outside of Winslow lies Meteor Crater, one of the best preserved meteor impact sites on Earth! You can take guided tours around this massive crater (which is nearly one mile wide) or explore on your own, if you prefer.
There is also a fully-equipped visitor center (Barringer Space Museum) where you can learn about the crater and watch a film explaining it. There are several interactive exhibits.
Experience the awe-inspiring Meteor Crater, a stunning example of the aftermath of an asteroid’s impact on Earth. The crater, which is also known as Canyon Diablo Crater, Barringer Crater, Coon Mountain, and Coon Butte, is over 50,000 years old and nearly a mile in diameter, 2.4 miles in circumference, and more than 550 feet deep.
There are even hiking trails to get up close and personal with this fantastic natural wonder. Be sure to bring your camera with you; it is truly breathtaking!
A Bonus Site: Blue Ridge Reservoir
Nestled 40 miles from Winslow lies a narrow and winding body of water that resembles a river more than a lake. Blue Ridge Reservoir’s steep canyon walls create an environment that is perfect for kayaking, canoeing, fishing, and exploring.
It’s important to note that this canyon lake has very little shore access, so sandy beaches for sunbathing and swimming are non-existent. It also is closed during months when snow runoff could make it difficult to reach or leave.
Despite this, Blue Ridge Reservoir offers visitors the chance to catch rainbow trout stocked by the Arizona Game and Fish Department, plus other exciting recreational activities like sightseeing, wildlife watching, and hiking.
My friend, Sara, and I took our Cruise America RV there for photo ops, and were blown away by the beauty. What an Arizona gem!
The Winslow Visitor’s Center
Stop in the Visitor’s Center while you are here to learn more or ask any questions you may have about Winslow.
Winslow, Arizona — A Fantastic Place to Stop
Whether you’ve got time for just one day trip or plan on making an extended stay, there are plenty of cool things to see and do, as well as these must-visit top attractions in Winslow!
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