Winslow Visitors Center | Winslow

Winslow Visitor Center & Chamber of Commerce – In Detail

Location:
Situated at 523 West 2nd Street in Winslow, Arizona, the Winslow Visitor Center is centrally located in the historic downtown district along the original Route 66 alignment. It is just a short walk from major attractions such as Standin’ on the Corner Park and La Posada Hotel, making it an ideal first stop for travelers exploring the town.

Building History:

The Winslow Visitor Center is housed in the historic Lorenzo Hubbell Trading Post and Warehouse, built in 1917. The structure was originally commissioned by the Richardson Brothers and later acquired by Lorenzo Hubbell, a major figure in Navajo trade and Southwest commerce. He operated it as a distribution warehouse for Navajo goods and general merchandise well into the mid-20th century.

Architecturally, the building showcases red brick construction with sandstone accents, arched windows, and a tin ceiling, all reflective of early 20th-century Western industrial design. Much of the interior, including original wood floors, vintage scales, a massive walk-in safe, and even remnants of early worker graffiti (charcoal on brick), has been carefully preserved during renovations.

Interior and Visitor Experience:

Upon entering the center, visitors are welcomed by friendly staff who are part of the Winslow Chamber of Commerce, which co-operates the facility. The space is both functional and museum-like, blending tourism support with curated exhibits that pay homage to Winslow’s cultural and commercial history.

Features Include:

Tourist Information Desk:
Staff provide brochures, maps, and personalized recommendations for sightseeing, dining, and accommodations. They’re well-versed in regional highlights, including Route 66, national parks, and Native American landmarks.

Historic Exhibits:
Several preserved artifacts from the building’s trading post era are on display, including:

A vintage freight elevator pulley system

Early 1900s scales

A bank-grade vault

Informational placards on the Hubbell family’s role in regional trade

Original coal graffiti from warehouse laborers, still visible on interior walls

Community Room:
A spacious, multipurpose room often used for rotating art exhibits, local events, historical talks, chamber meetings, and cultural presentations. It reinforces the building’s role as both a public facility and community anchor.

Railroad Display (Outdoors):
Just outside, visitors will find a short section of railroad track and a vintage BNSF railcar, honoring Winslow’s legacy as a major stop along the Santa Fe Railway. Interpretive signage explains how the railroads shaped the town's identity and economy.

Hours and Accessibility:

Open Hours:

Monday to Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Saturday: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM

Closed Sundays and major holidays

Admission:
Free to all visitors

Accessibility:
The center is wheelchair accessible, with wide entry doors, flat flooring, and accessible restrooms.

Nearby Attractions Within Walking Distance:

Standin’ on the Corner Park:
Two blocks east, featuring the famous Eagles statue and mural.

Old Trails Museum:
A small but fascinating local history museum located inside a former bank building, with exhibits on Route 66, Native American culture, and early pioneers.

La Posada Hotel:
Just a few blocks away, offering elegant accommodations, gardens, a museum-quality art collection, and fine dining.

Route 66 Plaza:
A public green space with a small amphitheater and murals dedicated to Winslow’s heritage.

Cultural and Historical Significance:

The Winslow Visitor Center represents a seamless blend of tourism services and preservation of heritage. By choosing to house the center in a restored historic building, Winslow has turned what could have been a basic visitor bureau into a meaningful experience in itself. The building tells a story of trade, adaptation, and resilience, from its early 20th-century mercantile roots to its modern-day role supporting tourism and local business.

Its historical context as part of the Hubbell trading network also connects Winslow to a broader regional story involving the Navajo Nation, the Santa Fe Railway, and the development of Route 66 as a corridor for both commerce and cultural exchange.

Summary:

The Winslow Visitor Center is more than an information desk-it is an authentic gateway to the town’s past and present. With its engaging displays, historic architecture, and central location, it sets the tone for a meaningful and well-informed visit to Winslow. Whether you're starting a Route 66 road trip or just passing through, the center gives you context, resources, and a warm welcome rooted in the very spirit of the Southwest.