The Best Rest Stops in America
One of the most important things you have to do as a truck driver, especially for long, cross country hauls, is stop for rest and relaxation. No matter the destination, you need to find a place to rest, relax, or simply sleep while on the journey. Ideally, you can plan your route beforehand so that you won’t have to park on the side of the highway or at a run of the mill rest stop. Across the United States, there are many famous rest stops with great amenities and unique atmospheres. Some stops even appear to be miniature cities. These famous truck and rest stops are some of the best places to find leisure if you are trekking across the U.S. Even if you are comfortable sleeping on your truck mattress while on the road, you don’t want to pass up a visit to some these neat rest stops along the way.
Iowa 80 Truck Stop
If you are making your way through Iowa, the Iowa 80 Truck Stop is where you want to stop. On the eastern side of Iowa, next to the town of Walcott and near the Mississippi River, you will find this famous rest stop. The Iowa 80 Truck stop, known as the world’s largest truck stop, was established in Iowa around 1964. It is now an incredibly popular destination for tourists and truck drivers alike. For some, the Iowa 80 truck stop is like a small city, others call it the Disneyland of Rest Stops.
South of the Border
Further south, another famous and popular rest stop is located in South Carolina. Originally established in 1949 as a beer depot that served alcohol to many of the “dry” counties in North Carolina, the location boomed with business. Some years later, a 10-seat grill was added, and the business was renamed South of the Border Drive-in. Fast forward, and the location gradually adopted other venues, stores, and even a go-kart track later becoming a popular stop along interstate travel between New York and Florida in the early days of motor travel. Like the Iowa 80 Truck Stop, South of the Border is a popular destination today and might seem like a small town with all of the excitement it has to offer. When it comes to rest and relaxation, an added bonus for South of the Border visitors is that you can stay in the on-site motel if you’re not already sleeping on a comfortable SleepDog® truck mattress.
Little America
Moving into the South West, another rest stop to keep in mind is Little America located at exit 198, off of I-40 in Flagstaff, Arizona. At a glance, Little America is not your typical rest stop, and looks more like a 500-acre hotel with a golf course, swimming pool, and gym. There is also a business center, a travel center, and a convenience store fully stocked with groceries, books, CD’s, and DVD’s, as well as souvenirs. There is also the Little America Grill, serving everything from breakfast to dinner. Though not like the usual rest stop experience you might be looking for, Little America offers a change of pace, offering more of an upscale hotel experience.
Jubitz Truck Stop and Travel Center
This rest stop Located off I-5 at Exit 307 near Portland International Airport in Oregon, Jubitz has grown from a small local fuel stop to a nationally recognized icon for Portland. Jubitz Fleet Services offers local and regional commercial fueling for its fleet and commercial customers in the Pacific Northwest and across the country. Here, there is also a marketplace and hotel, for those who want something to do while spending the night. The Jubitz Truck Stop is also a great stop if traveling between California and Seattle, or perhaps for those on their way to Canada for vacation.
Tioga Welcome Center
In Pennsylvania you can find the Tioga Welcome Center on Route 15, only seven miles from the New York state border. From its large windows to its exterior terrace, this rest stop offers a great view of the Tioga River and surrounding valley. This rest stop is more natural and serene than some of the others on this list, so for those seeking a more peaceful stop, this is the one to visit. For truckers or other travelers, Tioga Welcome Center is an ideal place to relax, unwind, and refresh if you want to get away from the highway.
With these fun rest stops in mind, you should have some great places to visit on those long truck hauls. Whether you’re just looking for a convenient place to rest for the night on a long truck drive atop a comfortable mattress, or you’re taking the family on a road trip across the U.S., these famous rest stops are must sees along the way. Even if you’re not sleeping on a comfortable SleepDog® mattress, you’ll have plenty of options for a comfortable night of rest at these famous rest stops.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the biggest rest stop in the USA?
The Iowa 80 truck stop is considered the biggest rest stop in the USA. This famous rest stop can be found on the eastern side of Iowa, next to the town of Walcott, near the Mississippi River. The Iowa 80 truck stop was established around 1964.
Do you need to crack window when sleeping in car or semi truck?
No, you do not need to crack a window when you are sleeping in a car. Vehicles are not air tight. When you are inside a car, air is continually circulating which generally leaves enough oxygen inside to sustain your breathing. Keeping your truck window cracked while you are asleep can sometimes lead to safety issues, as you don’t want to leave an opening large enough for someone to access the inside of your car while you are asleep.
