Winona, Arizona: Forever on Route 66, Thanks to a Song

Now, folks, I know the song says, “Don’t forget Winona,” and lemme tell ya, that’s some sound advice. Winona, Arizona, might be a small town, but it’s got a big heart and a whole lotta history, especially when it comes to Route 66. And you know what really put Winona on the map? A song! That’s right, Bobby Troup’s classic “Get Your Kicks on Route 66” immortalized this little town, and those lyrics have been echoin’ through the years ever since.

You see, back in 1946, Bobby Troup took a road trip down Route 66, and he was so inspired by what he saw that he wrote this iconic song. He listed all the towns along the way, and Winona got its very own shout-out. Now, how cool is that? To be forever linked to one of the greatest road trip anthems of all time!

Thanks to that song, folks from all over the world know about Winona, Arizona. They come here to experience a piece of Route 66 history, to stand where Bobby Troup stood, and to imagine those classic cars cruisin’ down the road, just like in the song.

Journey through Route 66 history with our video! We’re exploring 7 Iconic bridges, including Winona’s Walnut Creek Bridge, each with a story to tell about the Mother Road

You see, Winona’s been around since the early 1900s, back when the National Old Trails Highway was the main route across this part of the country. That highway eventually became part of Route 66, and Winona found itself right in the middle of the action.

One of the coolest things about Winona is this old bridge, built back in 1924. It carried Route 66 traffic for over 20 years, and even though it’s closed to cars now, you can still walk across it and imagine those old-timers cruisin’ along, headin’ west with their dreams and aspirations.

This bridge is a real piece of history, folks. It’s a steel Parker Throughtruss bridge, over 100 feet long, with those big ol’ riveted panels that just scream “vintage engineering.” And even though the Walnut Creek it crosses is mostly dry these days, you can still picture those waters flowin’, carryin’ the hopes and dreams of those Route 66 travelers.

Now, Winona ain’t just about the bridge. It’s also got some beautiful scenery, with those pine and juniper forests offerin’ a welcome change from the desert landscapes you’ve been passin’ through. And there’s even a historic place nearby, connected to the Wild West days of Arizona.

But most importantly, Winona is a reminder that Route 66 IS NOT just about the big cities and famous landmarks. It’s about those small towns, the ones that hold onto their history and keep the spirit of the Mother Road alive. So, don’t forget Winona, folks. It’s a little town with a big story to tell.

Route 66 Attractions in Winona, Arizona

1. Walnut Canyon Bridge was built in 1924, in 1926 the road and the bridge became part of Route 66.