Standing on a Corner in Winslow, Arizona

If you’re driving along Route 66 in Arizona, there’s a good chance you’ll pass through the town of Winslow. Made famous by the Eagles’ song “Take it Easy,” Winslow is a small town with a big personality. This was not the first time I had stopped to stand on this particular corner. I stood there with my dad in 2010 when he and I drove parts of Route 66 on a road trip.

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One of the most popular attractions in Winslow is the “Standin’ on the Corner” statue and mural, commemorating the Eagles’ hit song. Visitors can take a photo with the statue and explore the nearby shops and restaurants.

But that’s not all there is to see in Winslow. The Old Trails Museum is a must-visit for anyone interested in the history of Route 66 and the town’s pioneer past. The La Posada Hotel, a restored railroad hotel, is also worth a visit.

For a taste of the town’s Native American heritage, head to the nearby Homolovi State Park, where you can explore ancient pueblo ruins and learn about Hopi culture.

And of course, no trip to Winslow is complete without a stop at one of the town’s many Route 66-themed souvenir shops. From vintage postcards to classic diner memorabilia, you’ll find plenty of mementos to take home with you.

We stopped for lunch at RelicRoad Brewing Company, which is cattycorner from the famous corner. It was the perfect stop for a kid-friendly, belly-filling lunch. The kids were happy to read their books while we waited for food! (The big little was reading Take Back the Block, while the middle little poured through The Phantom Tollbooth.)

After lunch, we drove the kids past the Wigwam Motel. The Wigwam Motel is a historic motel located in Holbrook, Arizona, about 30 minutes east of Winslow. The motel, originally named the Wigwam Village, was built in the 1950s and features unique teepee-shaped rooms that guests can stay in. The motel gained renewed popularity after being featured in the Disney-Pixar movie Cars. The Wigwam Motel is one of only three remaining Wigwam Villages in the US and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

We recognize that the use of wigwams as lodging for tourists is culturally problematic because they are a traditional Native American dwelling that has been appropriated by non-Native Americans for commercial purposes without proper recognition or compensation to the Indigenous cultures. It perpetuates stereotypes and reinforces a history of colonization and oppression. Additionally, many of the design elements in these hotels are not accurate depictions of traditional Native American culture and instead are based on a romanticized and inaccurate view. We choose to use these sites as an opportunity to teach the littles about cultural sensitivity and the importance of respecting the history and traditions of marginalized groups.

If you’re interested in traveling Route 66 I highly recommend the guidebook Route 66 Travel Guide 202 Amazing Places. My dad and I used the EZ 66 Guide for Travelers to stay on the actual Route 66 whenever possible and discover loads of remaining buildings.

So next time you’re cruising along Route 66, be sure to make a pit stop in Winslow and stand on that famous corner.

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