The town of Winslow is forever linked to the classic Eagles song “Take It Easy.” The band opens one verse with the line “Well, I’m standing on a corner in Winslow, Arizona and such a fine sight to see,” and today the town features the aptly named Standin’ on the Corner Park.
© Mark Skalny | Dreamstime.com
Although the town gained widespread fame from that song, Winslow’s history stretches well beyond a single lyric. Located in Navajo County, Arizona, Winslow preserves a quiet western atmosphere that calls to mind the bustling Route 66 era when the highway cut straight through town. The result is a small community with a big sense of place.
With a population under 10,000, Winslow doesn’t have the size or notoriety of nearby cities like Albuquerque or Flagstaff, but its charm makes it a memorable stop for travelers exploring Arizona. A day and night in Winslow can be full of simple, rewarding discoveries. Standin’ on the Corner Park features murals inspired by the song, including the iconic “Girl my Lord in a flatbed Ford,” and a statue honoring Glenn Frey of The Eagles. The park also displays a large Arizona US Route 66 marker, a tribute to the historic highway that shaped much of the American West.
Meteor Crater © Aoife O’Riordan
Roughly 18 miles from town is Meteor Crater, a dramatic impact site formed nearly 50,000 years ago. Almost a mile across, the crater offers several lookout points to appreciate its scale and a visitor center with exhibits and interactive displays that explain the impact event and the science behind it.
In town, visitors often choose to stay at the historic La Posada Hotel, which has undergone careful restoration. The property offers a variety of guest rooms, some with patios or balconies, along with amenities such as a martini bar, garden and an on-site bookstore. Dining at The Turquoise Room showcases contemporary Southwestern cuisine in a refined setting.
About 60 miles from Winslow, the Painted Desert and Petrified Forest draw visitors for their striking natural features. The Painted Desert is known for its layered and colorful rock formations, ranging from deep reds to pale lavenders. The Petrified Forest National Park preserves vast deposits of petrified wood—remnants of ancient trees that date back more than 200 million years—alongside scenic badlands and interpretive trails.
Whether you’re stopping for the music history, exploring nearby geological wonders, or simply enjoying the relaxed small-town atmosphere, Winslow offers an accessible and authentic slice of the American Southwest.