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.

Flying tour of the Grand Canyon National Park

The Best Places to stay near Winona Arizona

Many Accommodations are in the towns are Flagstaff, Williams, and Winslow Arizona

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.

EXPLORE THE GRAND CANYON NATIONAL PARK

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

East of Winona, Arizona on Route 66

Twin Arrows, Arizona – A Desert Landmark

Just east of Winona, Twin Arrows is a standout roadside attraction—even in its abandoned state. The twin wooden arrows stuck into the ground still draw travelers off the highway for a quick photo and a taste of that lost Route 66 magic. The old trading post and gas station are long closed, but the site still feels like a postcard from another era.

Meteor City, Arizona – Reopening Soon

Farther east is Meteor City, famous for its bright murals, geodesic dome, and the once-largest dreamcatcher in the world. After sitting empty for years, it’s now being restored and reopening soon, bringing back one of Arizona’s quirkiest Route 66 stops. Even before reopening, it’s worth the stop to snap a photo and see the progress.

Two Guns, Arizona – History on the Edge

A little past Meteor City, Two Guns delivers drama with its ghost town ruins and the historic Canyon Diablo Bridge. The remains of an old zoo, a trading post, and stone buildings line the edge of the canyon, making this one of the most atmospheric stops on the Mother Road.

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Winona, Arizona on Route 66

Winona – Don’t Forget It

Winona is often just a name folks remember from the Route 66 song lyric, but there’s still history on the ground here. The standout feature is the Walnut Creek Bridge, built in 1924, which once carried Route 66 travelers over the creek just east of town. Though no longer in use for traffic, the bridge still stands and makes a great quick stop for anyone chasing old alignments and forgotten roadbeds.

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West of Winona, Arizona on Route 66

Flagstaff, Arizona – Route 66 in the Pines

Head west and you’ll roll into Flagstaff, one of the biggest and most visited towns along Arizona’s Route 66. The town blends vintage highway charm with a mountain-town vibe. Don’t miss a bite at Miz Zip’s Café, or a photo out front of the Visitor Center, where a giant Route 66 shield is painted right onto the pavement. From neon-lit motor courts to downtown diners, Flagstaff is a cornerstone stop on the Mother Road.

Bellemont, Arizona – Easy Rider History

A little farther west is Bellemont, home to the Pine Breeze Inn—famous for its cameo in Easy Rider. Though it’s no longer open for business, the old motel and gas station are still standing and make for a solid stop if you’re chasing Route 66 film history. There’s also a Harley-Davidson dealership nearby that pulls in bikers from all over.

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.