Winslow, Arizona Fact Sheet
Winslow Chamber of Commerce / Visitor Center
Bob Hall, CEO
101 E Second Street
Winslow, AZ 86047
E-mail: winslowchamber@cableone.net
Phone: 928-289-2434
Fax: 928-289-4660
Web-site: www.winslowarizona.org
LOCATION:
Winslow is located on the west side of what is considered to be northeast Arizona, in Navajo County and 57 miles east of Flagstaff along the Interstate 40 corridor. The city sits in the Little Colorado River Valley with the river running along its eastern edges. To the north are the two reservation lands of the Navajo and the Hopi Native American Tribes. To the west are the high desert plains of Coconino County and to the south are the forests of the Mogollon Rim.
DATE FOUNDED: 1882
DERIVATION OF NAME:
Winslow began as and still is a railroad City. Like many railroad towns in Arizona, Winslow was named for a prominent railroader of the last century, General Edward F. Winslow. He was A Vice President for the Atlantic and Pacific Railroad, which was building a new railroad across New Mexico, Arizona and California in the early 1880’s. Winslow was designated as a major division point because it had the surest supply of water needed for the steam engines of that time. In September 1881 the first timetable for Winslow crews was issued by the Atlantic and Pacific, and thus began the 126-year relationship between a town and a railroad.
ELEVATION:
The city of Winslow sits at an altitude of 4,880 feet above sea level and is considered to be a “high desert” destination.
AREA SIZE:
The city of Winslow is the second smallest incorporated community in northern Arizona. The actual size of the city is a humble 11.2 sq. miles. With wide-open desert surrounding its borders the size of Winslow is a curiosity that is often questioned. The primary reason is due to the fact that Winslow is a “border community”. It is bordered by the Navajo Nation to the north, Coconino County to the southwest and privately owed lands to the southeast.
POPULATION:
Winslow makes up for its small amount of sq. miles with its population, which is 10,000 citizens and currently growing. As well, due to available amenities, people from neighboring communities and the reservation shop and do business in Winslow daily; their numbers are upwards of approx. 40,000.
CLIMATE:
The Climate in Winslow is exceptional. The highly respected Farmers Almanac issued a Decree to the city of Winslow that declared Winslow Arizona to be one of the 10 best weather cities in the United States. Weather averages are as follows:
Avg. Low (F) |
Avg. High (F) | Precip. (Inches) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 19.7 | 46.2 | 0.5 |
| February | 24.8 | 54.0 | 0.5 |
| March | 30.1 | 61.7 | 0.5 |
| April | 37.0 | 70.2 | 0.5 |
| May | 44.7 | 79.8 | 0.4 |
| June | 53.5 | 90.4 | 0.3 |
| July | 62.0 | 93.4 | 1.3 |
| August | 60.6 | 90.4 | 1.5 |
| September | 52.7 | 84.5 | 1.0 |
| October | 39.9 | 72.8 | 0.7 |
| November | 27.7 | 58.3 | 0.5 |
| December | 20.5 | 46.8 | 0.6 |
| Yearly Avg. | 39.4 | 70.7 | 7.8 |
Four seasons that offer light snow in the winter months cool and breezy autumns, warm (not hot) summers that include monsoon rains and light humidity, and fantastic (sometimes a little windy) springs.
RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES:
Recreation is a mainstay to Winslow. The local population enjoys a very active, city sponsored, Parks and Recreation Program that includes baseball, football, swimming, soccer, volleyball and more. These programs are offered to children and adults, young and old.
Winslow has several natural amenities that appeal to a number of outdoor adventurers. (locals and tourists) For the person interested in fresh water activities, there is McHood Park/Clear Creek Reservoir. Five miles southeast of downtown Winslow, this is one of Arizona’s “best kept secrets”; a great place for hiking, jet skiing, swimming, cliff diving, fishing, canoeing, camping and exploration. Fifteen miles south of Winslow is Jack’s Canyon, this is a place that is highly rated by beginner/intermediate individuals who like to go rock climbing.
Seasonal hunting of various kinds of wildlife (large and small game) is enjoyed by many in the forests south of Winslow throughout the year. With miles and miles of wide-open spaces around the city of Winslow, a more recent activity in the area is ATV (all terrain vehicle) riding. It’s a great way to discover all of the wonders of this high desert region.
ART AND CULTURE:
Art and culture in Winslow are heavily influenced by virtue of the fact that it is located next to the Navajo and Hopi Reservations. The city is “peppered” with Native American shops and trading posts. Of particular note would be the Lorenzo Hubbell Trading Post. Although it no longer functions as a trading post, it now houses the Winslow Visitor Center and features a fantastic, sizable display titled “A Tribute to Tribes and Traders”. Current plans are to produce Native American Cultural dances and Art Shows on this property as a way of “highlighting” the impact and contributions Native American artists have given to the city of Winslow and the region.
The Old Trails Museum is a great source of discovery for Winslow’s unique and interesting history. It houses numerous exhibits and collections such as fossils, ancient Native American pottery and jewelry, Santa Fe railroad artifacts that include tools of the industry and Fred Harvey memorabilia, original western art, trading posts, wild west, Route 66, Meteor Crater and much more! All of which are intricate pieces of the culture Winslow has evolved from.
Recent additions to the renaissance of Winslow are some wonderful art galleries. Snow Drift Art and extraARTdinary are open to the public and have created an interest in Winslow for other galleries to open here. Probably the most important and certainly the most interesting feature to Winslow’s culture can be found in the La Posada Hotel. Known as the crown jewel of Winslow, and is in fact a national treasure, the La Posada Hotel was the finest hotel built for the Santa Fe Railroad Co. This legendary piece of architecture is the masterpiece of Mary Jane Colter – chief architect of the Fred Harvey Co. and one of America’s most renowned female designers. Closed for 40 years and almost torn down, the hotel has undergone a fabulous and detailed restoration under the expert eye of owner Allan Affeldt and his wife, Tina Mion. Truly a work of art in it own right, the hotel today features numerous varieties of southwest design and artwork. Of particular note would be the work of Allan’s wife, Tina Mion. Tina is an artist (painter) of renown herself. She uses the hotel as a gallery and you will find, in the public areas of the hotel, many of her works.
LOCAL DINING:
Winslow offers a wide range of dining experiences for the public. Of course, since Winslow is located on the primary interstate through the south of the country, there are several fast food chain establishments and restaurants of all kinds. However, there are a variety of locally owned eateries established in Winslow. Casa Blanca, The Brown Mug, Triple R’s, E&O Kitchen and Mi Pueblo all offer terrific Mexican foods. Bojo’s, Country Kitchen, El Falcone and DJ’s are good eateries for traditional American cuisine. China Feast and the Entre` Restaurant offer Asian cuisine. Rosas` Italian Kitchen is one of our newest additions.
If gourmet fine dinning is what interests you, then Winslow has that covered as well. The Turquoise Room inside the La Posada Hotel is one of the most amazing dinning experiences in all of northern Arizona and offers truly wonderful southwest cuisine. The Turquoise Room has a well-earned international reputation for its ambiance, quality of food and impeccable service.
HOTELS/LODGING:
Winslow has hotels and motels of all kinds; some are nationally known chain lodgings and some are quaint “mom and pop” Route 66 type of lodgings. Depending on what appeals to your needs Winslow offers approx. 900 beds for guests in a variety of overnight accommodations.
The most unique and memorable experience would be (and is) had at the lovely La Posada Hotel. In no way can this hotel be called typical. Spanish and southwest is the “flavor” of this establishment and you’ll not soon forget the experience. The name La Posada actually translates to mean “The Resting Place”.
AIRPORT
The Airport in Winslow is another entity that is very interesting and historic. The most well known aviator in history, Charles Lindberg, designed it. Mr. Lindberg was chairman of Transcontinental Air Transport (TAT), which was the first passenger airline in the United States. The year was 1929 and it was the beginning of a new era in passenger transport. The terminal recently underwent a beautiful restoration and Winslow is privileged to have it. Presently there are no commercial flights, however it’s a popular airport with private plane owners. It is the now known as the Winslow Lindbergh Regional Airport. Wiseman Aviation manages the airport. To contact call 928-289-0100 or fax 928-289-0101.
GROUND TRANSPORTATION:
KB Cab Company – 122 E. Second St. – 928-289-5555
Brad’s Cab – 1925 W. Third St. – 928-289-2570
Amtrak (passenger train service) 1-800-872-7245
DIRECTIONS FROM PHOENIX:
From the west side of Phoenix, take Interstate 17 north to Flagstaff, take Interstate 40 east 57 miles to Winslow – approx. 3 ½ hour drive
or
From the east side of Phoenix, take Highway 87 north all the way, straight into downtown Winslow – approx. 3 hour drive
AVERAGE TOURIST VISITATION (annually): 60,000
LOCAL ATTRACTIONS:
The Historic La Posada Hotel, amazing piece of architecture, built in a Spanish hacienda style. One of the last Fred Harvey Houses ever built and considered by Mary Colter (the architect) to be her masterpiece. When coming to Winslow, this is a “must see” for anyone!
Route 66 in Winslow, also known as “The Mother Road”, Route 66 came through the heart of downtown Winslow. Though much of the historic highway is now gone, you can experience a piece of it when you drive 2nd or 3rd streets, as it is still very much a part of life in Winslow.
9-11 Memorial Garden, the centerpiece of the garden features two beams (15 and 14 foot) that were entrusted to the city of Winslow by the city of New York. The beams are actual wreckage from the Twin Towers World Trade Center. They are the largest pieces given to any community in the nation.
McHood Park / Clear Creek Reservoir, this hidden treasure is a great place for hiking, fishing, jet skiing, canoeing, swimming, cliff diving, camping, picnicking etc. Fresh cool water all year long, the reservoir is fed by an aquifer that Winslow sits on.
Homolovi Ruins State Park, full of history and beautiful scenery, Homolovi (pronounced; ha-ma-low-vee) State Park provides guests to visit the ancient sites of where the Hopi people first settled. There is a great Visitor Center and Museum on site as well.
Rock Art Ranch, home to one of the finest stands of Anazazi petroglyphs in all the southwest, the ranch has a pioneer, cowboy and Anazazi museum.
Meteor Crater, experience the best-preserved meteorite impact site on the planet earth! You will find; an interactive learning center, guided rim tours, a museum and a gift and rock shop.
The Standin` on the Corner Park, is probably one of the most famous corner in the world, this park draws visitors from far and wide. The corner, made famous by tshe song Take It Easy (performed by the Eagles) features a mural painted by renowned artist John Pugh. The mural depicts the lyrics in the song that say, “it’s a girl my lord in a flat bed Ford, slowin` down to take a look at me”. This works well because there is also a bronze statue of a musician who depicts the lyrics (from the same song) “standin` on a corner in Winslow Arizona, such a fine sight to see!” It’s kitch and everyone LOVES IT!
PRIMARY INDUSTRIES
Railroad is the number 1 industry of Winslow. First the Atlantic and Pacific Railroad, then the Santa Fe Railroad and now the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad Co. are all located in Winslow. Appox. 1/3 of Winslow’s population is railroad employees and their families. Arizona State Correctional Facility / Winslow Division and Tourism also contribute to Winslow’s industries.
UP AND COMING/WHAT’S NEW:
Route 66 Performance Plaza – an outdoor amphitheater – in process
Historic Downtown Renaissance Project – new infrastructure and restoration of streets and sidewalks of what was Route 66 in Winslow – in process
The First Street Pathway – a six block long pathway/park along the railroad tracks that run along side downtown Winslow - done
New gateway entrances into Winslow from east, west and south – coming
New Chamber of Commerce/Visitor Center located in the very historic Hubbell Trading Post. This facility will feature a display area titled “A Tribute to Tribes and Traders” (primarily a Native American museum) – in process
LOCAL TRADITIONS AND EVENTS:
The Annual Christmas Parade – 2008 will be the 63rd annual, a tradition that Winslow is very proud of; it is the largest Christmas Parade event in northern Arizona with thousands of spectators in attendance. An all day event with food, arts and crafts, gifts, toys etc.
The Annual Just Cruisin` Car Show – A large classic car show held the first weekend in October
The Annual Piecemakers Quilt Guild Show – A huge display of handmade quilts are featured for the publics viewing pleasure. quilts are judged – held in early October
Winslow Fire Truck Tug – an annual fundraiser for Special Olympics, this event includes a carnival, live entertainment and different groups and individuals displaying their “brute strength” by pulling fire trucks and emergency service vehicles – held in late September
Standin’ on the Corner Festival – A two-day rock party that celebrates the anniversary of when Winslow opened the Standin’ on the Corner Park. Thousands of people from near and far come to Winslow to enjoy this event. Food, arts and crafts, music, carnival, etc. - loads of fun – held the last weekend in Sept.
Winslow Railroad Days – model train clubs from all over the region set up and display in different locations throughout downtown Winslow – held late in April
Art Shows, Dances, Block Parties and more take place throughout the year as well,
Contact the Chamber/Visitor Center for dates and information 928-289-2434
For more information on this community contact: winslowchamber@cableone.net
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