8 Things You Can Do At The World’s Largest Truckstop in Iowa Besides Getting Gas

A short distance from the Mississippi River near the small town of Walcott off exit 284 of Interstate 80, you’ll find the world’s largest truck stop—Iowa 80. The Iowa 80 Truckstop, built in 1964, is three times the size of the average truckstop and sprawls more than 220 acres. It has a huge main building, enough parking for 900 trucks, and about 450 employees that staff the complex. 

Iowa 80 is an awesome stop for truckers and travelers, but the amount of amenities it offers makes it a destination in and of itself. Here are a few things you can do at Iowa 80, the World’s Largest Truckstop, besides getting gas. 

Visit the Iowa 80 Trucking Museum

Photo courtesy of the Iowa 80 Trucking Museum

Iowa 80 Truckstop founder, Bill Moon, loved to collect antique trucks and other trucking memorabilia. He decided to share with the general public by building the Iowa 80 Trucking Museum. The museum has a bunch of stationary exhibits including a Cummins ISX engine, a NH-250 Cummins Cutaway, a Knox 5th-wheel and radiator, and a Hall Scott engine. You will also find a tribute to Bill Moon, antique gas pumps, antique metal signs, and vintage toy trucks. Stop by to visit the museum each month to see a new featured Truck of the Month.

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Watch a Movie in the Theater

The third level of the 67,000-square-foot. Iowa 80 Truckstop houses a 60-seat movie theater complete with comfy, plush movie seats with cup holders. The register in the truckstop’s gift store has a huge selection of movies for guests to choose from. You simply need to grab some snacks from the convenience store, pick out a new movie (or an old favorite), and ask them to play it. Spend all day watching movies if you’d like. 

Get a Haircut

You don’t need an appointment to head into Irene’s Barber Shop if you need a trim. Iowa 80’s barber shop is the perfect solution for those rushed for time. Are you traveling to an out-of-town wedding? Is your regular barbershop closed or too busy for a cut? Are you on your way home for an important event and don’t have time to get a cut? No matter the situation, you can stop in for a quick cut at Irene’s. 

Get Your Teeth Cleaned

The Iowa 80 Truckstop conveniently has a dentist’s office in the complex. You can certainly get emergency dental work done. After all, who wants to travel with a toothache? However, you can do some preventative maintenance on your mouth when you visit Iowa 80’s Interstate Dental. They offer full-service dental, do not require an appointment, and gladly accept walk-ins. You might never want to return to your regular dentist with the convenience of stopping in at Iowa 80’s dentist. 

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Grab a Bite

Photo courtesy of Iowa 80 Truck Stop

You can find any kind of fast food you like at Iowa 80’s food court, which includes a Dairy Queen, Taco Bell, Pizza Hut, Einstein Brothers Bagels, Chester’s Chicken, and Wendy’s. However, if you are looking for a hearty homemade meal, head to the Iowa 80 Kitchen, which is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, every day of the year. The huge restaurant can seat up to 300 guests and has a wide range of menu options. Yet, truckers and travelers who regularly stop at Iowa 80 love the All You Can Eat Family Style Feast buffet that’s open from 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. each day, and opens for breakfast at 7 a.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. 

Wash Your Dog

Yes, you are reading that right. Wash your dog. Is your furry friend muddy? Did it get in a fight with a skunk? Or, is it simply time to freshen Fido or Fifi up? Regardless of the answer, you can take your dog to Iowa 80’s Dogomat Pet Wash. Iowa 80 welcomes all pets on their property, but not in the buildings, as long as they are securely leashed, never unattended, and humans clean up after their pets with the Pet Waste Stations located around the truckstop. The self-serve Dogomat Pet Wash is open 24 hours a day for your convenience. 

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Work Out

It’s not a full gym or even a small gym, but if you need to get a workout in while you are traveling, Iowa 80’s workout room serves the purpose. Their room has a weight machine to work your arms, legs, and core. You can also get some cardio in on an elliptical or the recumbent bike in the room. Iowa 80 is certainly big enough to roam around and get some steps in or go for a run. But, if it’s too hot or too cold for outside exercise, head to the workout room. 

Get Custom Swag for Your Family and Friends

You’ll find fun gift items throughout Iowa 80’s convenience store, but they won’t have your name or business on them. What’s more fun than ordering some hilarious family sweatshirts, custom-printed hats for some friends, or embroidered gifts for employees? Visit Iowa 80’s Custom Shop for all the custom swag you can handle.

By Jessica Lee
11/22/22

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