Buzz
Countless truck stops go the extra mile to cater to travelers on the go. Serving as a home away from home, many spots offer facilities for truckers to sleep, shower, and dine. Whether you're hauling a big rig or packing the kids into a minivan for a road trip, there's a travel plaza ready to welcome you.
1. Johnson’s Corner // Johnstown, Colorado
While Colorado is often associated with the rugged beauty of the Rocky Mountains, the Johnson’s Corner Travel Plaza stands out as a destination in its own right. Located just outside Fort Collins off I-25, it’s a great stop for those heading south to Denver or north to Wyoming. Open since 1952, this roadside gem offers free Wi-Fi, real-time road condition updates, live video feeds, and excellent food. Its ‘world-famous cinnamon rolls’ are particularly well-loved by travelers.
2. Iowa 80 // Walcott, Iowa
This truck stop—the largest in the world—was founded in 1964. It offers travelers a variety of services, including EV chargers, a barber shop, a chiropractor, a convenience store, a dentist, a dog washing station, a driver’s lounge for relaxation and TV, a 24-hour fuel station, laundry services, and a gift shop where truckers can pick up durable hood ornaments for their vehicles. With 900 truck parking spots, it's almost like a mini city. Hungry visitors can enjoy a wide range of food, from quick fast food to homemade meals at the family-run Iowa 80 Kitchen.
3. Dysart’s Restaurant & Truck Stop // Hermon, Maine
Maine’s favorite travel center is the Dysart’s Restaurant & Truck Stop. This family-owned and operated station has been serving travelers since 1967. It’s the perfect place to recharge, offering garages, showers, car and truck washes, a dump station, and electric hookups for campers. Be sure to arrive hungry: this truck stop is famous for its mouthwatering, traditional Maine dishes, especially the pies, which are ‘baked in a buttery, flaky crust.’
4. Mars Cheese Castle // Kenosha, Wisconsin
Wisconsin is a must-visit for any cheese lover—after all, its residents are proudly called Cheeseheads. You don't have to seek out a high-end artisanal shop to find a tasty block of cheddar. The Mars Cheese Castle, an iconic stop, lives up to its name with triangle flags, turrets, a drawbridge, and suits of armor. Inside, you’ll find a taproom stocked with Wisconsin beers, a souvenir shop, and, of course, an abundance of top-tier cheese.
5. Czech Stop // West, Texas
The Czech Stop is as much a cultural landmark as it is a truck stop. Established in 1983 in the ‘Czech Heritage Capital of Texas,’ this rest area is particularly famous for its Kolaches. A sign in the store reveals that the staff bakes over 1,000 pounds of cream cheese, flour, milk, butter, sausage, eggs, and American cheese into these irresistible treats every week. The deli, bakery, and convenience store also cater to vegetarians.
6. Coldfoot Camp // Alaska
Coldfoot Camp, located 60 miles north of the Arctic Circle, is the northernmost truck stop in the U.S. Many travelers heading to Alaska’s Brooks Range rely on Coldfoot Camp during outdoor adventures like hiking, rafting, fishing, and dog mushing. This remote stop offers a café, lodging, tour services, a saloon, a post office, a gear rental shop, an RV park, a general store, and even a tire repair station.
As an added bonus, this truck stop offers breathtaking views. Open year-round, even during the harsh, dark winters, it’s one of the best locations in Alaska to witness the Northern Lights.
7. Jubitz Travel Center // Portland, Oregon
If you’re craving a high-end stop on your journey, the Jubitz Travel Center in Portland has got you covered—it features showers and even Jacuzzis. Plus, it’s a great spot to spoil your pets with a deluxe dog wash that includes shampoos, conditioners, and a blow dryer.
With plenty of room to park, this center offers 15 acres of truck parking, including 250 free spaces. The Jubitz Travel Center is also home to a driver’s lounge with TVs and comfy leather chairs, a deli, Wi-Fi, a convenience store, a postal shop, barbers, massages, and a 24-hour truck compliance scale. The Cascade Grill serves massive, affordable meals, and you can catch a movie at the plaza theater for just $6.
8. Pedro's Truck Stop // Dillon, South Carolina
South of the Border is a destination all on its own. It features an amusement park, arcade, reptile lagoon (complete with real alligators, not shredded tire bits), and a variety of tasty food. Among its many attractions is Pedro’s Truck Stop, also known as Porky’s (with the slogan: 'You never sausage a place'). This stop offers diesel fuel, trucker supplies, and even a motocross gear store.
9. Little America // Little America, Wyoming
Located along I-80 in southwestern Wyoming, Little America is a welcoming pit stop for those on their way to Yellowstone or Grand Teton National Park. This truck stop offers a hotel, showers, an on-call mechanic, a 24-hour fuel station, a deli, a convenience store, a driver’s lounge, laundry facilities, and a post office. There's also a pet area, trailer drop, and Wi-Fi.
The headline of this article has been updated.
