Arizona’s “Route 66” Roadside Attraction: Standin’ On the Corner

There are few things in life better than a road trip to a place you’ve never been before – driving on the highway with the windows rolled down, the music turned up, and singing a song at the top of your lungs!

Of course, as I drove through Winslow AZ today, I thought it was only fitting that the song I’d be singing would be “Take it Easy”, by the Eagles!

(And for those of you wondering, yes, I am cheesy enough to actually play “Take it Easy” while driving around Winslow…it was definitely a highlight of my trip!!)

We were on our way to Flagstaff (a place that I also suggest checking out) to enjoy our 5 year anniversary, and Winslow happened to be on our way off I-40.  I had spent a little time checking out things to do along the way to Flagstaff, and while I was very tempted to check out the Petrified Forest National Park near Holbrook, I didn’t feel like I would have enough time to really do it justice! I knew that Route 66 coincided with my particular route, and a roadside attraction seemed like the perfect stop that wouldn’t add too much time to my total trip!

I also happen to be a big fan of the song “Take it Easy” by the Eagles, so ya know, that didn’t hurt anything either.

While I’ve never actually driven Route 66, I’ve lived in the West long enough that I’ve been able to see it in bits and pieces – so it was cool to add on a bit that I’ve seen in a new state this time!

(Click here to check out my other posts on Route 66!)

Directions:

When driving along I-40W, take the first of the 3 exits for Winslow. Head into Winslow and follow the signs for “Standin’ On the Corner” – it was very clearly marked and we had no trouble at all finding it!

Winslow is a super small town, which begs the question, “What in the heck were the Eagles doing in Winslow AZ??? Maybe they had to get their kicks…..On Route….6-6.

Please excuse my nerdiness.

Actually, if you dig into history a little, this roadside attraction actually helped save tourism in the town of Winslow! Winslow used to be one of the largest cities in the state – which is really hard to believe if you’ve been there. However, once I-40 was built, people stopped coming through town instead opting to drive right by it on the interstate.  The town was really feeling the loss of travelers until the Eagles song came along and changed things! Here’s a link to the article I read talking all about it!

We were really fortunate with our timing when we visited because

A) There was a crazy large group of people here before I parked AND as I was leaving but not when I was taking pictures, and B) clouds rolled in as I was leaving and threatened some semi-serious rain.

The statue of the man with the painted reflection of a girl in a flatbed Ford behind him is pretty much the gist of this roadside attraction!  There is also a model of the flatbed truck on the street.  Around this area are several Route 66 shops to further enhance your Route 66 experience!

Between the “Standin’ On the Corner” display and all the Route 66 shops, it was a pretty fun detour! We took our pictures and then walked around a few Route 66 themed souvenir shops before leaving. If you find yourself driving through Winslow on I-40, I super suggest making a detour!  It really won’t add too much time to your total trip!

Hope you guys enjoyed the pictures, and I hope it has inspired you to make a stop in Winslow if you are driving through!

Leave me a comment and lemme know what you think!! What are some other must-see Route 66 stops???

Until next time!