Standin’ on the Corner Park | Winslow

Standin’ on the Corner Park – Detailed Description

Location:
Located at the intersection of Kinsley Avenue and 2nd Street in downtown Winslow, Arizona, Standin’ on the Corner Park is a whimsical yet iconic roadside attraction built around a legendary line from the 1972 Eagles hit “Take It Easy”. The lyric - “Well, I’m a-standin’ on a corner in Winslow, Arizona…” - has immortalized the town in pop culture and turned this small corner into a must-see destination on historic Route 66.

Creation and Concept:

The park was conceived in the late 1990s as a community revitalization effort after the town experienced economic decline due to I-40 bypassing downtown Winslow. The idea was to capitalize on the enduring popularity of the Eagles’ song and Route 66 nostalgia. The park opened in 1999 and quickly became a beloved landmark.

Main Features:

1. The Bronze “Man and Guitar” Statue:
At the heart of the park stands a life-sized bronze statue of a man holding a guitar, representing the song’s narrator. He’s dressed in 1970s-style denim and boots, casually posed as though waiting or relaxing on the street corner.

2. The Flatbed Ford:
Just behind the statue is a mural on the side of a building, showing a red flatbed Ford - a direct reference to the song lyric:
“...Such a fine sight to see, it's a girl, my Lord, in a flatbed Ford, slowin' down to take a look at me…”
The Ford truck itself is also parked nearby in 3D form, completing the scene and creating a perfect photo opportunity.

3. The Mural Wall:
The multi-story mural is beautifully painted with desert skies, window reflections, and Route 66 motifs. It gives the illusion of a bustling street scene frozen in time. One of the painted windows even shows the image of the woman in the truck.

4. Route 66 Emblem:
Embedded in the sidewalk at the center of the corner is the classic U.S. Route 66 highway shield, marking the town’s historic alignment on the “Mother Road.” It’s a popular photo spot and often the first thing visitors stand on as they take in the park.

5. Benches, Trees, and Brickwork:
The park includes shaded seating, red-brick walkways, and small garden beds that provide a pleasant place to linger. It's small in scale but thoughtfully designed to feel like an open-air plaza.

Vibe and Visitor Experience:

Ambiance: Lighthearted, nostalgic, and distinctly Southwestern. Visitors often sing, hum, or quote the Eagles’ lyrics while taking photos.

Photo Spot: One of the most photographed places along Route 66. The alignment of the statue, mural, truck, and Route 66 marker makes for perfect selfies and group shots.

Events: The park is the center of Winslow’s annual Standin’ on the Corner Festival held every September. It features live music, food vendors, and local crafts, drawing fans of classic rock, the Eagles, and American road culture.

Nearby Attractions:

La Posada Hotel: Just a few blocks away, this historic Harvey House hotel is a destination in itself.

Old Trails Museum: Located across the street, it provides historical context about Winslow and its railroad heritage.

Route 66-themed shops: Surrounding the park are souvenir stores, cafés, and local businesses offering memorabilia and gifts related to the Eagles, Winslow, and vintage Americana.

Cultural Importance:

Standin’ on the Corner Park is a perfect example of how music, pop culture, and place can blend into something larger than any of them alone. What began as a lyric turned into a symbol of American road trip culture. Winslow has embraced its fame wholeheartedly, and the park continues to serve as a joyful landmark celebrating both nostalgia and creativity.

Despite its modest size, the park’s charm lies in its simplicity and its ability to connect generations - everyone knows the song, and standing on that corner makes you part of it.