Just for Fun: The Most Unique Truck Stops in America
Top truck stops to visit on your next run
Along American highways, there are thousands of rest stops where truck drivers can fill up their rigs, enjoy home-style food, stretch their legs, and catch a few zzz’s before finishing a run. Most of these spots boast parking spaces and fast food restaurants at best, but a few unique truck stops are both fully functional and memorable. Let's take a road trip to some of the most delightful truck stops in America.
Iowa 80 Truck Stop
Truckers who believe bigger is better shouldn't miss this joint. It's located at Exit 284 on I-80 and is known as the world's largest truck stop. More than 5,000 people come here every day to take advantage of some of its best amenities. Iowa 80 offers:
- A movie theater
- A dentist
- A barbershop
- A chiropractor
- Eight restaurants
- A workout room
- A huge convenience store
- Private showers
- Laundry facilities
- A truck service center
- A CAT scale
- A gas station
- A truck wash
Talk about full service! Each year, the Iowa 80 Truck Stop plays host to the annual Truckers Jamboree, which includes trucking Olympics, an antique truck show, and a fireworks display.Iowa 80 Truck Stop is on the eastern edge of Iowa in Walcott, not far from the Mississippi River.
Pedro's Truck Stop: South of the Border
This truly one-of-a-kind truck stop is tucked away in Hamer, South Carolina. It sits along I-95 and is a popular tourist destination for travelers who are on long-distance trips. Pedro's Truck Stop has an over-the-top Mexican theme and offers:
- The Reptile Lagoon (the largest indoor reptile zoo in the United States)
- The Sombrero Observation Tower
- Predroland Park (the attached amusement park)
- Restaurants
- A fueling center
- A convenience store
- Showers
- A lounge for truckers
If you have spare time after doing all of that, why not shop for a new hat at Hats of the World or pick up a box of fireworks at Rocket City & Fort Pedro?Pedro's Truck Stop lies at the border of North Carolina and South Carolina on I-95.
Johnson's Corner
It may not be the biggest or the craziest truck stop, but Johnson's Corner has satisfied hungry truckers since 1952. This truck stop, located on the I-25 North in Johnstown, Colorado, offers:
- A small chapel
- A FedEx drop box
- Free Wi-Fi
- A lounge for truckers
- Laundry facilities
- A DOT-certified occupational clinic for physicals
- A convenience store
- Fueling stations
- A CAT scale
- Overnight parking spaces for semi-trucks
- A to-go deli menu
- Showers and restrooms
You can fill up both your truck and your belly here; Johnson’s Corner has some of the best food on the road. The food is so outstanding, the Food Network dubbed it “The Best Truck Stop" food in America. Johnson's Corner is famous for its cinnamon rolls, so don't forget to order a few extra for the road!One last fun fact: In 1995, Johnson's Corner served as a filming location for the movie “Larger than Life,” which stars Bill Murray and Matthew McConaughey.Johnson’s Corner is situated at Exit 254 along the Johnstown stretch of Colorado’s I-25.Wherever your travels take you, be sure to take the time to explore a few of the United States’ most unique truck stops.
