10 of the Very Best Gas Station Stops in America
America’s highways are dotted with countless gas stations, but some are a cut above the rest, offering not just fuel for your vehicle but also for your body, and sometimes even your soul. Whether it’s mouth-watering cuisine, an impressive selection of souvenirs, or ample entertainment to break up a long drive, here’s a list of ten gas station stops in the U.S. that are worth pulling over for.
1.Buc-ee’s (Various Locations, Texas)
Buc-ee’s is like no other gas station you’ve visited before. These Texas behemoths have clean restrooms, a vast array of food offerings including their famous Beaver Nuggets and brisket sandwiches, and enough fuel pumps to ensure very little wait time. It’s a true Lone Star State institution.
2.South of the Border (Hamer, South Carolina)
South of the Border has been a mandatory pit stop along I-95 for decades. With its oversized sombrero-wearing mascot, Pedro, it offers kitschy fun at its finest with fireworks, mini-golf, and even a reptile lagoon.
3.Love’s Travel Stops (Various Locations)
Love’s offers more than just fuel – there’s also coffee stops, fast-food joints within the travel stop and plenty of options for snacks and drinks to grab-and-go as you hit the road again.
4.Iowa 80 Truckstop (Walcott, Iowa)
Dubbed ‘The World’s Largest Truck Stop,’ Iowa 80 has something for everyone with its movie theater, museum showcasing vintage trucks and extensive food court where you can sit down for a hearty meal before getting back on the road.
5.Little America (Flagstaff, Arizona)
Little America is more than just a gas station; it’s a hotel with an inviting lobby complete with cozy fireplaces and plush seating. There’s also a well-stocked convenience store and restaurant that make this stop feel like a slice of home.
6.Wawa (Various Locations)
A favorite in the Mid-Atlantic region particularly known for their made-to-order hoagies. Wawa is beloved for its fresh food options and friendly service.
7.QuikTrip (Various Locations)
Headquartered in Tulsa Oklahoma with locations scattered across the Midwest and Southern United States, QuickTrip stands out for their guaranteed gasoline and fresh food offerings including pizzas, sandwiches, wraps and more.
8.Kwik Trip / Kwik Star (Wisconsin & Iowa)
Famous in Wisconsin and Iowa for their clean stores and high-quality dairy products straight from their own dairy. They also feature freshly baked goods every day.
9.Sheetz (Various Locations)
Known for being open 24/7 throughout Ohio, Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, North Carolina and Pennsylvania; Sheetz has a devoted following who love their made-to-order MTO sandwich shop which allows customers to place orders via touch screen menus.
10.Casey’s General Store (Various Locations)
A staple throughout the Midwest with over 2,000 stores offering famous made-from-scratch pizza and donuts along with other items perfect when you need that bit of comfort on the road.
Stopping at these gas stations can turn mundane refueling into memorable roadside experiences that highlight the quirky diversity of Americana culture on the roadways.