Once, Walcott, Iowa featured a family-run truck stop with just a single pump and a small convenience store. Over the years, it expanded significantly, occupying over 75 acres—equivalent to 57 American football fields—serving thousands of dedicated truck drivers crossing the U.S. annually.
While living full-time in a van, we’ve visited numerous roadside attractions, such as the world’s largest Buc-ee’s and the biggest drugstore.
Upon learning about the Iowa-80 truck stop, recognized as the largest truck stop globally, we couldn’t resist stopping by. We were eager to see how it compared with other remarkable roadside attractions, and we definitely enjoyed our visit!
1. A Dentist and a Chiropractor
Iowa-80 offers more than just a convenience store and food court; it includes a facility known as the ‘Trucker’s Loft’.
Here, full-time truckers can access various services essential for life on the road, including showers, a laundromat, massage chairs, a church, a barber shop, a dentist, and a chiropractor.
For $14, you can enjoy a private hot shower, and the chiropractor often has a long line, which is understandable after long hours on the road.
2. 1 Million Gallons of Diesel
A massive blue diesel tank greets visitors at Iowa-80, boasting a capacity of an incredible 1 million gallons.
While it might sound excessive, consider that each semi truck typically carries two diesel tanks of about 250 gallons. With around 5,000 visitors daily, Iowa-80 uses a significant amount of diesel.
3. A Pet Washing Station
Many truckers tend to have pets, as they travel for prolonged stretches, so Iowa-80 features a pet washing station, making it easy for drivers to clean their furry companions after a long week on the road.
4. The Largest Trucking Museum in the World
What began as a project to educate people about trucking history has turned into the largest trucking museum globally, housing over 100 vintage trucks and exhibits, including the history of women in trucking—a field where women comprise only 10% of the workforce.
5. Home Cooked Meals
Iowa-80 also features the Iowa-80 Kitchen, a restaurant serving hearty meals. Whether it’s fried cheese curds, savory meatloaf, or delectable pork chops, it’s a perfect spot for a comforting meal on the road.
6. Customized Trucker Merchandise
Inspired by the craftsmanship of the family matriarch, Iowa-80 hosts a booth where truckers can customize merchandise like hats and shirts with embroidered designs of their trucks.
7. Thousands of Full-Time Truckers
With over 5,000 visitors each day and parking for more than 900 semi-trucks, Iowa-80 is a hub for truck drivers.
During our visit, we conversed with several drivers about their unique lifestyles, some working for days before heading home, while others spent weeks on the road, resting in their trucks at night.
For many, trucking is a family tradition, with generations having driven before them. As full-time van dwellers, our experience at the world’s largest truck stop was unforgettable. Check out the video below for a full tour of Iowa-80!
