Welcome to Winslow’s Most Iconic Corner
If you’ve ever heard the line, “Well I’m a-standin’ on a corner in Winslow, Arizona,” from the Eagles’ hit song Take It Easy, you’ve already been introduced to one of Route 66’s most beloved roadside attractions. Standing on the Corner Park in Winslow, Arizona, has become a must-see stop for travelers retracing the Mother Road. With its roots in rock ‘n’ roll and heart in small-town Americana, the corner tells a story of revival, resilience, and Route 66 pride.
The History Behind the Famous Corner
The town of Winslow, Arizona, was once a bustling hub during the glory days of Route 66. Located in northern Arizona along the Santa Fe Railway, it boomed in the mid-20th century thanks to travelers, rail workers, and the famed highway that brought coast-to-coast road trippers right through town.
However, like many Route 66 communities, Winslow faced economic hardship after I-40 bypassed the town in the late 1970s. Businesses closed, and foot traffic dwindled—until a song lyric offered an unexpected lifeline.
In 1972, Jackson Browne and Glenn Frey of the Eagles co-wrote Take It Easy, which featured the now-famous line about standing on a corner in Winslow. The lyric may have been inspired by a real-life incident in Flagstaff, but the town of Winslow wisely claimed it as its own. By the late 1990s, with Route 66 tourism on the rise, locals saw an opportunity to revitalize their community around this cultural reference.
The Standin’ on the Corner Foundation was formed, and in 1999, Standing on the Corner Park was officially dedicated. The attraction was built at the northeast corner of Kinsley Avenue and 2nd Street (Historic Route 66).
What You’ll See Today at the Corner
The park is small in size but rich in detail and meaning. The central figure is a life-size bronze statue of a long-haired man with a guitar, standing next to a lamppost under a Route 66 shield. Though not an exact likeness, it’s widely seen as a nod to the late Glenn Frey.
Beside the statue is a mural painted on the side of a building, depicting the “girl in a flatbed Ford,” bringing the lyrics to life. After Glenn Frey passed away in 2016, a second statue was added in his honor, giving fans a place to pay tribute.
Visitors can walk right up to the statues, snap photos beneath the Route 66 shield embedded in the sidewalk, browse nearby souvenir shops, and even catch live music during annual festivals such as the Standin’ on the Corner Festival held every September.
Its Role in Route 66’s Legacy
Standing on the Corner Park is more than a photo op—it’s a symbol of how Route 66 towns have redefined themselves by embracing pop culture and nostalgia. Winslow used a fleeting reference in a 1970s song to reignite its Route 66 identity and spark a cultural renaissance.
Today, it’s one of the most photographed stops along the Arizona stretch of the highway and a celebrated example of how music, history, and community can converge in a powerful way.
Directions to Standing on the Corner Park in Winslow, Arizona from Interstate 40:
- From I-40 Eastbound (coming from Flagstaff):
- Take Exit 252 toward Winslow.
- At the end of the ramp, turn left (north) onto North Hipkoe Drive.
- Continue about 0.6 miles to West 2nd Street (Historic Route 66) and turn right.
- Drive about 1 mile into downtown Winslow.
- Standing on the Corner Park is located at the intersection of Kinsley Avenue and 2nd Street (Route 66).
- Look for public parking along 2nd Street or side streets nearby.
- From I-40 Westbound (coming from Holbrook):
- Take Exit 252 toward Winslow.
- At the end of the ramp, turn right (north) onto North Hipkoe Drive.
- Continue about 0.5 miles to West 2nd Street (Historic Route 66) and turn right.
- Drive about 1 mile into downtown Winslow.
- The park is at the corner of 2nd Street and Kinsley Avenue, across from the old JC Penney building.
GPS Address:
201 N Kinsley Ave, Winslow, AZ 86047
This spot is easy to find—just follow the signs for Historic Route 66 as you approach downtown Winslow. Look for the bronze statues and the mural of the “girl in a flatbed Ford”!
Final Thoughts
The “Standing on the Corner in Winslow, Arizona” attraction is a testament to how Route 66 remains alive through storytelling, creativity, and cultural pride. Whether you’re a classic rock fan, a Route 66 road warrior, or simply someone looking to stand in an iconic spot, this small-town corner in northern Arizona delivers big on charm, history, and Americana spirit.
Pro Tip for Travelers:
Parking is easy to find nearby, and Winslow offers several other attractions worth exploring, including La Posada Hotel and the Old Trails Museum—making this more than just a quick stop, but a meaningful highlight of your Route 66 adventure.
