Old Trails Museum | St Louis

Old Trails Museum, located in Winslow, Arizona, is a dedicated regional history museum that preserves and presents the rich cultural and historical heritage of Winslow and its surrounding areas. Housed in the historic former First National Bank building built in 1921, the museum itself is a notable landmark, retaining original architectural elements such as marble-faced counters, a mosaic tile floor, and an original bank vault, which together provide an authentic early 20th-century atmosphere.

Location and Setting

The museum’s address is 212 North Kinsley Avenue, right in the heart of downtown Winslow. The building’s historic charm complements the exhibits within, creating a seamless connection between the past and present for visitors exploring Arizona’s history.

Historical Context and Themes

The Old Trails Museum focuses on a broad range of topics connected to Winslow’s development and the wider region’s cultural landscape, emphasizing the interplay of indigenous history, pioneering settlement, transportation, and commerce.

Indigenous Cultures:
The museum showcases artifacts and interpretive displays related to the Native American tribes traditionally connected to the region, including the Hopi, Laguna, and Navajo peoples. These exhibits highlight their culture, artistry, and historical presence in northern Arizona, providing visitors with important context on the area’s original inhabitants.

Historic Trails and Early Settlements:
Winslow’s location on significant historical routes is a central theme. The museum explores early travel and trade paths, including the Old Trails Highway, which was a predecessor to the famed U.S. Route 66. It also documents the history of the Mormon settlement of Brigham City, reflecting the region’s diverse pioneer communities.

Santa Fe Railway Influence:
The museum details how the arrival and expansion of the Santa Fe Railway transformed Winslow from a small settlement into a thriving railroad town. Displays include railway artifacts, photographs, and stories that emphasize the vital role the railroad played in the town’s economic growth and cultural exchange.

Ranching and Trading Posts:
Exhibits provide insight into the agricultural and commercial activities that supported the community, including the operation of ranches and trading posts that served both settlers and Native American populations.

Fred Harvey and the La Posada Hotel:
The museum highlights the contributions of the Fred Harvey Company, which revolutionized hospitality along the railroads with its chain of Harvey Houses. The La Posada Hotel, one of the most iconic Harvey Houses, is featured for its architectural beauty and historic significance as a regional cultural landmark.

U.S. Route 66 Legacy:
Given Winslow’s prominence on the historic Route 66 corridor, the museum dedicates space to exploring the impact of “The Mother Road” on the town’s identity, tourism, and economy throughout the 20th century.

Winslow-Lindbergh Regional Airport:
The museum includes exhibits on this early regional airport, emphasizing Winslow’s role in aviation history and its connection to the broader development of transportation networks in the American Southwest.

Special Exhibits and Programs

The Old Trails Museum regularly features rotating exhibits that delve into specific aspects of local history and cultural heritage. One notable example is the exhibit titled “African Americans in Winslow: Scenes from Our History,” which documents the contributions, experiences, and stories of Black families who have been part of the Winslow community.

Such exhibits deepen visitors’ understanding of the region’s diverse population and the social fabric that has shaped Winslow over generations.

Visitor Experience and Amenities

Hours: The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday, from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM. It is closed on Sundays and Mondays, as well as major holidays including Independence Day, Thanksgiving weekend, and the Christmas/New Year holiday period.

Admission: Entry is free, with donations welcomed to support ongoing preservation and programming efforts.

Contact: The museum can be reached at (928) 289-5861 for visitor inquiries and group tours.

Museum Store: Visitors have access to a small shop featuring authentic Native American arts and crafts, particularly Navajo and Hopi items, as well as books and publications related to regional history. An annual historical calendar featuring archival photographs of Winslow is also offered, providing a unique keepsake.

Educational Resources: The museum provides interpretive materials and a short film titled “A Brief History of Winslow, Arizona,” which is accessible online and offers an engaging overview of the town’s past.

Importance and Appeal

The Old Trails Museum serves as a vital cultural repository preserving the layered history of Winslow, Arizona. By integrating artifacts, historical narratives, and the evocative setting of a historic bank building, it offers visitors a multi-dimensional perspective on the indigenous heritage, pioneer settlements, transportation revolutions, and community developments that define the region.

This museum not only educates about the past but also fosters appreciation for the ongoing legacy of the people and events that shaped Winslow, making it a meaningful destination for historians, travelers along Route 66, and anyone interested in the American Southwest’s diverse stories.