We’ve all been there – greasy spoon restaurants with big portions of food, 24/7 access to caffeine, sugar, and a bathroom, a place to shower, and a place to rest. Truck stops dot the highways and interstates across the country. But there are some truck stops that take their commitment to keeping drivers on the road and helping get goods across the country seriously – and love pulling in the crowds at the same time.
Take a look at these truck stops that you’ll have to see to believe.
Iowa 80 Truck Stop
Located in Walcott, Iowa, the Iowa 80 is the world’s largest truck stop with 5,000 people a day stopping by and 100,000 square feet to explore. Besides the usual fare, you should also check out the trucking museum or catch a movie in the theater.
Little America
This is one truck stop that doesn’t look anything like the stereotype. Located in Flagstaff, Arizona, Little America is a 500-acre hotel with a pool, golf course, and business center. Enjoy all it offers, but don’t forget to get back on the road, too.
Jubitz Truck Stop and Travel Center
Found in Portland, Oregon, Jubitz has been called the “World’s Classiest Truck Stop.” There’s plenty of room if you arrive and you need to get some sleep, with 100 rooms available. You can also enjoy a movie, a round of pool, and if you arrive on the weekend, some live music.
Tiger Truck Stop
If you’ve never been to Louisiana, you’re missing out. Anything can happen down on the bayou, and in Grosse Tete, at the Tiger Truck Stop, you can visit Tony the Tiger, a real, live tiger. This is one of the few places in the United States to see a tiger outside of a zoo. While you’re there, make sure to try the alligator sausage. Some things happen only in Louisiana.
Alamo Casino and Travel Center
What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas. But if you aren’t able to make the trip, maybe the Alamo Casino and Travel Center in Spark, Nevada will do. Take a rest and enjoy one of 260 slot machines or head to the tables for some Texas Hold ‘Em, craps, or blackjack.
South of the Border
Maybe you were thinking a more southern border, but head to Hamer, South Carolina, and you’ll be met with a truck stop with an amusement park, the largest indoor reptile exhibit in the country, and, of course, plenty of sombreros.
Sapp Bros.
Some things are more important than movie theaters, tigers, or any other tourist attraction. When you’re a truck driver, a clean bathroom can make or break your experience at a truck stop. If you’re over in Sidney, Nebraska, stop at Sapp Bros. The bathrooms are some of the nicest you’ll ever see, and if it’s not as clean as it should be, press the button, and staff will be there almost immediately to clean it up for you.
If you find yourself in any of these areas, make sure that you make some time to check out these unique truck stops! Do you have a favorite that we didn’t mention? Tell us about it on our Facebook page, or by leaving a comment below.