The Best Truck Stops of America

Posted by FleetNet America on 
biggest truck stops

Travel centers to visit

If you’re a professional trucker, you know how tiring it can be to drive hour after hour each day. Fortunately, there are plenty of places to pull over and rest. Truck stops offer a comfortable and safe oasis to eat, sleep and recuperate. And while there are thousands of travel centers to choose from, some offer certain amenities to make you feel a little more at home. 

17 unique travel plazas

Long-haul drivers need more than just a clean restroom during a long trip — they also need showers, laundry facilities, and good food and company. Here are 17 popular truck stops worth visiting during a trip.

  1. Coldfoot Camp — Coldfoot, AK
    Mile marker 175 on the Dalton HWY

    Coldfoot Camp is 60 miles north of the Arctic Circle, making it the northernmost truck stop in the world. Truckers who traveled this isolated area of Alaska realized there was no resting place between Prudhoe Bay and Fairbanks — a distance of nearly 500 miles. Because of this, drivers started transporting building materials alongside their other freight to help build the truck stop in 1981. Today, it provides hot coffee, fresh meals, fuel, a self-service Laundromat, showers and mailing services.
     

  2. Little America — Flagstaff, AZ
    I-40, Exit 198

    Little America has a variety of facilities to make life on the road a little more convenient. It offers a 24-hour general store, fenced-in parking lot, lounge, private shower and laundry facility. Before heading back on the road, enjoy cheeseburgers, rotisserie chicken or breakfast dishes at the Little America Grill. And if you have a sweet tooth, just order one of their 75-cent ice cream cones — it’s what they’re famous for.

  3. Castaic Truck Stop — Castaic, CA
    I-5, Exit 176

    Thirty years of successful business earns this travel center the ”one-stop truck stop” reputation. Sixty parking spaces allow drivers to park while they shower, do laundry or watch TV in the lounge. Travelers can also order home-cooked dinners, Mexican and Middle Eastern dishes, deli sandwiches and coffee.
     

  4. Johnson’s Corner — Johnstown, CO
    I-25, Exit 254

    Surrounded by views of the Rocky Mountains, Johnson’s Corner was built in 1952 and has been open 24/7/365 ever since. What started as a small gas station is now a nationally recognized travel center for its clean facilities and world-famous cinnamon rolls. It was featured in the 1995 film, “Larger than Life,” and in 2004 on the Food Network as “The Best Truck Stop Restaurant in the U.S.”
     

  5. Florida 595 Truck Stop — Davie, FL
    At the intersection of I-595 and I-441 on State Road 7

    The Florida 595 is the biggest truck stop on the East Coast and provides 450 parking spaces to accommodate high traffic. It offers showers, a laundry facility, CAT scale and a convenience store. You can enjoy a hot meal at the famous 595 Diner, or stop by the sports bar to shoot some pool, play the slot machines and watch TV.
     

  6. Boise Stage Stop — Boise, ID
    I-84, Exit 71

    The Boise Stage Stop was established in 1891 with travelers in mind. A private bathroom and shower, laundry facility, theater room and arcade are just a few of the things offered. Truckers can also order on-the-go meals or purchase medicine, souvenirs, local Idaho wines and fine jewelry at the 24-hour store. 
     

  7. Iowa 80 Truck Stop — Walcott, IA
    I-80, Exit 284

    Located near the Mississippi River, the Iowa 80 is the world’s largest truck stop, serving more than 5,000 customers per day. It’s known for hosting the annual Truckers Jamboree where people from all over the world gather to watch fireworks, participate in the trucking Olympics, and view antique semis. Professional drivers can relax and take it easy among the variety of amenities provided. These include:
     

    • Eight restaurants and a food court
    • A workout room
    • A convenience store (more than 62,000 items in stock)
    • A barber shop
    • A chiropractor
    • A dentist
       
  8. Palace Truck Stop & Casino — New Orleans, LA
    I-510, Exit 2C

    This travel center is the ideal stop for anyone who likes to gamble. Try your luck playing poker or the slot machines while enjoying complimentary drinks and snacks. If you’re not interested in gambling, try relaxing in the lounge area or order a meal at the Huddle House® restaurant — they serve breakfast, lunch and dinner seven days a week.
     

  9. The Detroiter Truck Stop — Detroit, MI
    I-75, Exit 32

    The Detroiter is known for being one of the largest and most well-kept truck stops in the country. It offers modern-day conveniences and comforts that drivers need while taking a break — private shower, lounge, laundry area, mail services and a barber shop. If you’re hungry, choose from a variety of fast food venues or opt for a sit-down meal at IHOP®.
     

  10. Clearwater Travel Plaza — Clearwater, MN
    I-94, Exit 178

    Since 1976, Clearwater has been serving a variety of travelers. The usual amenities are available, along with a CAT scale, free Wi-Fi and an ATM. But, this travel plaza is best known for its Nelson Bros. eatery options. For breakfast, order the Fritter French Toast — it’s their signature dish. For lunch or dinner choose from a variety of foods like burgers, wraps, steaks, shrimp, pasta, homemade pizzas, barbecue ribs and more. And before hitting the road, order a latte, cappuccino, shake or smoothie from the Nelson Bros. Coffee Outfitters.
     

  11. Bosselman Travel Center — Grand Island, NE
    I-80, Exit 312

    Truckers are known for spending many hours in their cabs. Sitting for extended periods of time can make the neck, back and shoulder muscles sore. The Bosselman has a chiropractor and massage therapist ready to help drivers release tension. After relaxing, stop by Max’s Thunder Road Grill for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Or, if you need to get back on the road, grab something quick from Subway® or Little Caesars®.
     

  12. Russell’s Travel Center — Glen Rio, NM
    I-40, Exit 369

    Russell’s is best known for its Authentic Route 66 Diner serving homemade chicken fried steak, rib eye, buffalo chicken salad and an all-you-can-eat catfish platter. Drivers can also take advantage of the Car and Collectible Museum, arcade, private showers, laundry facility, free Wi-Fi, CAT scale, convenience store, parking area and chapel.
     

  13. Jubitz Travel Center & Truck Stop — Portland, OR
    I-5, Exit 307

    Since 1952, Jubitz has been dedicated to providing everything a professional driver needs to be comfortable and safe. Three-hundred spaces of paved, lighted parking give additional security. A 24-hour convenience store sells personal items, trucking accessories and cleaning supplies. If you’re looking for some entertainment, play some games at the arcade, watch a movie at the stadium-seating digital theater, or check out the Ponderosa Lounge for live Country Western music. Other amenities include:
     

    • Eleven private showers and two Jacuzzi tubs
    • Lounge with leather chairs, big screen TV and work area
    • 24-hour laundry facility
    • Chiropractic services
    • Barber shop
       
  14. Emlenton Truck Plaza — Emlenton, PA
    I-80, Exit 042

    Emlenton Truck Plaza is a family-owned business that opened its door to travelers in 1972. It’s best known for serving “America’s Worst Apple Pie” using a recipe from a baking contest hosted in 1989. This famous pie was featured on CBS’s “Sunday Morning Show” and “60 Minutes,” taking Emlenton from serving the worst to the best apple pie in America — you just have to try it. 
     

  15. South of the Border — Hamer, SC
    Located on I-95 and US HWY 301/305

    South of the Border is a unique truck stop in America, providing numerous food and entertainment options. Travelers can choose from among six restaurants: The Sombrero Restaurant, Pedro’s Hot Tamale, Hot Dog Stand, Pizza & Sub Shop, The Peddler Steak House, or Pedro’s Ice Cream Fiesta. They can watch fireworks at Rocket City & Fort Pedro or shop at the Leather Shop, Antique Shop or Hats Around the World. And before leaving, be sure to visit these attractions:
     

    • Reptile Lagoon. The largest indoor reptile exhibit in the country displaying snakes, crocodiles, alligators and turtles.
    • Pedroland. An amusement park with rides, mini golf and an arcade.
    • Sombrero Tower. A 200-foot tower with a glass elevator for a 360-degree view. 
       
  16. North Forty Truck Stop — Holladay, TN
    I-40, Exit 126

    If you’re driving through Tennessee on an empty stomach, pull over at the North Forty Truck Stop. Its restaurant is open 24/7 and serves an all-day buffet and a full menu of entrees. The facility also offers massage therapy, showers, a laundry area, a convenience store, a lounge and a game room.  
     

  17. Lee Hi Travel Plaza — Lexington, VA
    I-81, Exit 195

    Lee Hi opened its doors in 1959, making it one of the oldest truck stops on the East Coast. It has 300 paved parking spaces, an ATM, CAT scales and 10 fueling lanes. For personal needs, it has nine private showers, a chapel, a game room and a laundry area — everything a trucker needs to relax.

What’s your favorite truck stop?

As a professional driver, you’ve likely pulled over at hundreds of truck stops. Did we leave any of your favorites off the list? Be sure to share them with us in the comments below.