2020 going home from the Dakotas - part 1: largest truck stop ever - Travel With Us

As many times as I’ve driven on Interstate 80 in Iowa, I’ve never been this far east to see the largest truck stop in the world. When we started seeing signs on the highway that this place was just ahead of us, we just had to stop to see it for ourselves (and to see it for you). You may not stop at truck stops often as you take road trips, but we do since we need diesel for the truck. Wonder what they have for lunch?

A view from the highway—who wouldn’t stop?

When I think of truck stops, I think of rows of fuel pumps, plenty of rest rooms, and lots of everything to buy. Have a look at what this truck stop offers. Reminds me of the Buc-ee’s fuel stop we visited in Texas—where everything is bigger! (Want to see what a Buc-ee’s is all about? Go to our 2019 southwest swing, Gulf Coast trip, part 9.)

During the 2nd week in July each year, starting in 1979, truckers come here for a Jamboree to celebrate their industry. All those trucks in one location. Can you imagine the noise when they all start their engines?

Let’s learn more about the world’s largest truck stop:

It serves the most customers: 5000 per day.
It can park the most trucks: over 900.
It occupies the most land: 85 developed acres.
It has the largest main building: over 130,000 square feet.

And then there’s the Super Truck Showroom that’s like a candy store for truckers.

This separate showroom has more than 50,000 items important for drivers ranging from lights to cargo control to all things stainless and chrome.

It even has 3 full semis that are decked out and are on display. We almost went out for our sunglasses as we walked by the semis.

trucking facts

100,000 miles a year? And I thought we drove a lot.

Over 3.5 million truck drivers—men and women—deliver whatever we need in the U.S. Thank you!

Interstate 80 is the 2nd longest interstate in the U.S. according to this sign (an internet search disagreed a little). It runs 2900 miles from Teaneck, NJ, to San Francisco.

Iowa 80 has installed automatic faucets and toilets in the restrooms so less water is used everyday. All cardboard used in the offices, store, and distribution center is recycled. This really is a place that wants to operate efficiently!

Huge skylights in the ceiling allow natural light to give us a comfortable feeling as we walked around. These skylights also save energy.

time for lunch

The lunchroom was pretty empty when we walked in, but it was mid-afternoon by the time we stopped for lunch. Covid-19 precautions were being maintained by the staff. This really is a nice looking dining area, and the service was really good.

And of course I had to try the breaded tenderloin sandwich that I remembered from my childhood.

But it wasn’t as good as those I ate at George the Chili King’s in Des Moines. George was a student at North High in the early 1950s when my dad was vice principal/boys advisor. Of course we had to support his restaurant venture in the 1950’s and 60’s.

Back on the road, we soon came to the Mississippi River. We’ve been west of the Mississippi for a long time.

And here is the wide Mississippi. So good to see it again.

It’s always good to be in the Midwest Heartland, especially Iowa, but it’s also good to be going home again. Next stop? Moonshine in Kentucky.

2020 going home from the Dakotas – part 1: largest truck stop ever

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