For all the truck drivers out there, here's one place you need stop at if you're looking for a memorable experience. The Iowa 80 truck stop is located off of Exit 284 on Interstate 80 in Walcott, Iowa. It gets to claim the title of the world's largest truck stop, and the size of this place will absolutely blow you away.
The truck stop sits on 220 acres of land and regularly sees around 5,000 visitors each day. You won't have to worry about finding truck parking, though, since this place has 900 total spots in the parking lot. On top of that, there's 15 diesel pumps at the gas station to keep the truckers rolling.
It's pretty hard to get bored here, so let's go through some of what is available at the truck stop. The place features a gift shop, convenience store, movie theater, truck wash, service center, CAT scales, and even more. Although you wouldn't think so, you can also find a barber shop, dentist, and a chiropractor clinic on site. How much more can you ask for? Iowa 80 pretty much checks every box of what you need to feel comfortable while out on the road.
After a long day of trucking, you can get cleaned up in one of its 24 private showers and washrooms, and find some relaxation in the game room or the driver's den lounge. The lounge has leather chairs and a fireplace to make you feel right at home as you kick your feet up. If you need some grub, Iowa 80 Kitchen has you covered with tons of home-cooked meals and a full salad bar.
With around 400 seats, you're able to find a spot to sit pretty quick. On average, Iowa 80 Kitchen serves 90 tons of meat and one million cups of coffee to its customers each year. There's also tons of other options for food throughout the facility like Dairy Queen, Wendy's, Taco Bell, Pizza Hut, and other typical food court restaurants.
While you're there, don't forget to check out the massive Iowa 80 trucking museum. It's also the largest trucking store in the United States. In this super truck showroom, you can check out the custom and antique trucks, or even purchase some new chrome accessories for your own personal truck.
This place is stacked wall-to-wall with all kinds of cool stuff. One wall even features 500 functional truck lights that definitely brighten up the room. Whether you're looking for bumpers, stacks, visors, cleaners, or just some apparel, the store has you covered with everything you might need.
Lastly, you'll want to mark this down on the calendar, because it's coming up pretty soon. Iowa 80 puts on the annual Walcott Truckers Jamboree on July 9-11. The goal is just to celebrate American truckers for everything they do to keep this country rolling.
It's always a massive turnout, and they have activities like a pork chop cookout, carnival games, live music, fireworks, and so much more. It's a great way to surround yourself with some genuine people who appreciate and understand the ins and outs of being a trucker.
Out of all the truck stops around the world, Iowa 80 has got to be the best one. Make sure that if you do go, you stop by the gift store and grab a T-shirt, so you can always remember this crazy truck stop even after you're long gone.
Truck drivers need a break every now and then, so why not get the most comfortable break possible? Next time you pass through Iowa, go take a look and see what all the hype is about. Have a safe road trip out there, truckers, and remember: Keep the shiny side up and the rubber side down!
This post was originally published on May 5, 2020.