Driving through the Midwest? Here are some of our favorite truck stops there. Be sure to check out the other posts in our Truck Stop blog series – so far, we’ve covered the Northeast, Southeast and Southwest!
TA Truck Service
Location: Morris, Illinois
How to Get There: I-80 & Route 47 (Exit 112B)
What We Love: With a travel store, handicap-accessible showers, a StayFit walking trail and Reserve-IT parking, this TA trick stop has plenty of amenities, but the standout is the R Place Restaurant. This family-friendly eater is open 24/7 and offers a wide range of meals and snacks – including freshly baked goods that aren’t to be missed.
Sapp Bros Travel Center
Location: Peru, Illinois
How to Get There: Exit 73 Off I-80
What We Love: The reviews are in – the “Mom Approved” bathrooms at this rest stop are top-notch (we’ve even heard rumors about bidets in the women’s restrooms). The friendly staff and oil changes are other perks of this stop, where you’ll also find a laundry room, 12 private showers, a Burger King, Subway and Lucille’s Famous Fried Chicken.
Iowa 80
Location: Walcott, Iowa
How to Get There: Exit 284 Off I-80
What We Love: The largest truck stop in world (it has 900 truck parking spaces) has been referred to as “Disneyland for truckers” – and with good reason. Amenities include a barber shop, chiropractor, dentist, dog groomer, movie theater, library and private showers available for truckers and non-truckers. Time your visit right, and you can attend the Walcott Truckers Jamboree with live music, antique truck displays, pork-chop cookouts, fireworks, carnival games and more than 175 exhibits!
Hixton Travel Plaza
Location: Hixton, Wisconsin
How to Get There: I-94 & (5 (Exit 105)
What We Love: The combination of friendly staff; excellent fuel prices; clean, newly renovated showers; and a restaurant with fast service and great food makes the Hixton Travel Plaza the perfect place to stop in Wisconsin.
Clearwater Travel Plaza
Location: Clearwater, Minnesota
How to Get There: State Highway 24 (Exit 178 Off I-94)
What We Love: With a comfortable driver’s lounge, private showers, mail drops and custom chef-cooked homemade meals, the Clearwater Travel Plaza is a home away from home for many truckers. They also have a texting club for frequent visitors that offers discounts, free merchandise, BOGO items and more.
Trails Travel Center
Location: Albert Lea, Minnesota
How to Get There: I-35 & I-90
What We Love: There really is something for everyone at Trails. Their dining options include an Iron Skillet Restaurant, a full sports bar called Skol Tavern, a Cold Stone Creamery, Pizza Hut Express and McDonald’s. Need to relax? Check out their movie theater, or make use of their sparking-clean oversized showers – you might not want to leave!