Iowa’s Surreal Destination: The World’s Largest Truck Stop Packed with Amenities and Entertainment

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Iowa's Surreal Destination: The World's Largest Truck Stop Packed with Amenities and Entertainment

For many Americans, a road trip is one of the best ways to get out and see the world. With so many unique and vibrant states, road trips allow us to get outside our regular bubble without spending an arm and a leg on transportation and accommodations. One of the hallmarks of a road trip is the humble truck stop. If you’re in Iowa, you can visit the world’s largest truck stop: Iowa 80.



Situated just south of Dubuque, Iowa’s oldest and most underrated cities, Iowa 80 is the veritable king of truck stops in the United States. Spanning over 220 acres, it’s almost like a theme park, with attractions, food, plenty of parking, and tourists from all over the world. Given the nature of Iowa 80, we don’t expect you to plan an entire trip around visiting this massive establishment. However, if you’re driving through the area or planning an Iowa vacation to the artsy Midwest hub of Waterloo, with local restaurants and an award-winning museum, it’s a must-see destination. So, pack the car, bring lots of snacks, and hit the road.

What to expect when stopping at the Iowa 80 truck stop

The entrance to Iowa 80 truck stop with a globe over the roof



The experience of stopping at Iowa 80 starts well before you pull your car or truck into the parking lot. As you travel along the I-80, you’ll see signs as you approach, letting you know what’s in store. Because of the flat nature of the Iowa plains, you’ll be able to see the truck stop miles before you reach it.

As you pull into Iowa 80, you’ll be stunned by how massive it is. As we mentioned, the whole site sits on 220 acres, but the main building itself is a whopping 130,000 square feet. As this is a fully functioning truck stop, Iowa 80 has 900 truck parking spots and serves around 5,000 customers daily. It’s also open 24 hours and never closes, not even for holidays or special occasions.

But what exactly can you find at Iowa 80 beyond the typical gas pumps, convenience store, and car wash? At this monumental site, there’s everything full-time truckers need to take care of themselves, including a dentist, chiropractor, laundromat, lounge, and barber. There’s also the free Trucking Museum, which outlines the history of trucking and showcases multiple vintage vehicles. Overall, you can easily spend a few hours here, especially if you catch a movie at the theater.

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How to add Iowa 80 to your next Midwestern adventure

Highway sign pointing to Iowa 80 truck stop

Dave Pennells

By Dave Pennells

Dave Pennells, MS, has contributed his expertise as a career consultant and training specialist across various fields for over 15 years. At City University of Seattle, he offers personal career counseling and conducts workshops focused on practical job search techniques, resume creation, and interview skills. With a Master of Science in Counseling, Pennells specializes in career consulting, conducting career assessments, guiding career transitions, and providing outplacement services. Her professional experience spans multiple sectors, including banking, retail, airlines, non-profit organizations, and the aerospace industry. Additionally, since 2001, he has been actively involved with the Career Development Association of Australia.