Top Pit Stops Across The Continent
If you're hitting the open road across North America, you need to know everyone's favorite pit stops. Forget boring rest areas. We're talking about places that'll make you enjoy taking a break and turn your routine pitstop into an entirely new experience. Ready to make the best of your road trip? Here are the top 20 rest stops that'll make your travels much more fun.
1. Iowa 80 Truckstop (Walcott, Iowa)
It's the world's largest truck stop. Enjoy a movie theater, a museum, and a huge convenience store. Don't miss the delicious dinner meals, either. The Iowa 80 Truckstop also offers showers, laundry, and even a chiropractor—definitely worth a visit.
2. Bear Lake Overlook (Garden City, Utah)
Bear Lake Overlook is a lovely scenic point presenting breathtaking views of Bear Lake. This spot is ideal for stretching your legs and enjoying the natural beauty. Enjoy a picnic or just gaze at the beautiful scenery. It's a delight for nature lovers.
A. E. Crane, U.S. Department of Transportation on Wikimedia
3. Guilford Welcome Center (Guilford, Vermont)
Forget those cookie-cutter rest stops because this one is something special. It is housed in a post-and-beam barn built to honor Vermont's agricultural heritage. You'll find displays of diverse local art, crafts, and furniture. In summer, treat yourself with refreshments from non-profit groups offering coffee, drinks, and snacks for a small donation.
4. Mars Cheese Castle (Kenosha, Wisconsin)
Enter the kingdom of cheese. This castle has 700+ cheese varieties, sausages, and Wisconsin's famous cheese curds. Click a fun picture by the 80-foot sign, then explore the deli, gift shop, restaurant, and taproom. Don’t forget to grab a cheesehead hat to show your spirit.
5. Tamarack (Beckley, West Virginia)
Let yourself enjoy the Appalachian culture at Tamarack with art galleries, shops, and a fantastic restaurant. People who stop here can enjoy some fine local crafts and delicious cuisine. Tamarack comes with the right mix of local culture and artist promotion in North America.
Eleazar~commonswiki on Wikimedia
6. Buc-ee's (Various Locations, Texas)
Buc-ee's is famous for its massive size, BBQ, fresh pastries, and lots of unique souvenirs. They have the "Cleanest Restrooms in the US" and endless snack options—a road trip favorite for almost everyone. The Texas stop also tends to have a friendly staff and plenty of happy travelers.
7. Wall Drug (Wall, South Dakota)
Near the Badlands National Park, Wall Drug is an iconic stop presenting free ice water, donuts, and peculiar attractions. You can dine in the 530-seat Western Art Gallery Restaurant and enjoy photo ops with the giant dinosaur and other quirky roadside attractions.
8. Jubitz Truck Stop And Travel Center (Portland, Oregon)
Fox Travel Channel called it the "World's Classiest Truck Stop!" Jubitz, operating since 1952, has everything—lodging at the Portlander Inn, a restaurant, a convenience store, and even a movie theater. Don't miss the Ponderosa Lounge, which is complete with pool tables, TVs, dance lessons, video poker, and live music on weekends.
376 Jubitz Truck Stop by Sasnak
9. The Big Texan Steak Ranch (Amarillo, Texas)
The Ranch is home to the legendary 72 oz steak challenge. People enjoy the stop's hearty meals and vibrant decor. It's also famous for its fun Texan dining experience, which you'll probably talk about for miles. When you rest here, pack a meal for the road.
10. Popps 66 (Arcadia, OK)
Pops 66 dazzles travelers with its iconic 66-foot soda bottle, multicolor LED lights, and over 600 soda varieties. You can stop for a meal at the classic diner or fill up at their gas station while enjoying some unique soda flavors.
Pops 66 Soda Ranch - Route 66 in Arcadia, Oklahoma #roadtrip #route66 by Road Trip Parents
11. Peggy Sue's 50's Diner (Yermo, California)
You'll just step back in time at this 50s-themed diner. Peggy Sue's 50's Diner has dinosaurs, classic American dishes, vinyl records, and nostalgic movie posters. It's located off I-15 and is one of the most enjoyable stops for a thoughtful meal and some great mementos.
Peggy Sue's 50's Diner and Diner-saur Park - Yermo, California by Joe & Joy Have Landed
12. Rio Grande Gorge Rest Stop (New Mexico)
Located 10 miles northwest of Taos, this pit stop offers breathtaking views of the Rio Grande River. Standing 650 feet above the river, you can take in views of the water, canyon, and wildlife. Moreover, Bighorn sheep can often be seen grazing along the canyon walls, adding to the natural beauty of the place.
New Mexico Day Trip: Spectacular Views in Angel Fire, Taos & Rio Grande Gorge by Sally Forth
13. Ruby's Diner (California)
Ruby's Diner has multiple locations across California, and each one lets you have a nostalgic meal with retro decor and classic American comfort food. The stop is best for anyone who needs a quick bite and a trip down memory lane. People praise the classic car display in some locations.
14. Petrified Forest National Park (Arizona)
Here, you'll be getting some stunning views of petrified wood and ancient terrains. Explore the visitor center as well, and if you have more time, take a short hike to see the unique geological formations, like the Blue Mesa Member and the Rainbow Forest.
15. South Of The Border (Dillon, South Carolina)
Just south of the North Carolina border, this rest stop stands out with its unique and quirky charm. There is a giant sombrero observation tower, souvenir shops, an amusement park, and a classic American diner. The site has been a popular stop for travelers since the 1950s.
16. Russell’s Truck And Travel Center (Glenrio, New Mexico)
This truck stop is more than just a place to refuel. Russell’s is also home to a free classic car and memorabilia museum with mind-blowing collections. The nostalgic atmosphere and well-maintained facilities make it one of the most interesting stops for people on the go.
17. The Big Apple (Colborne, Ontario, Canada)
The name has it all. Located along Highway 401, The Big Apple features a giant apple-shaped structure and serves delicious apple pies. When in Ontario, don’t miss this one, where you can also enjoy the petting zoo, miniature golf, and a variety of apple-based products.
18. Begich Boggs Visitor Center (Anchorage, Alaska)
Here's a hidden gem you won't want to skip. At the Begich, Boggs Visitor Center, you'll be surrounded by hanging glaciers while checking out cool exhibits with real glacier winds and taking virtual kayak rides. You can also take a boat tour to get an up-close view of Portage.
Alaska Portage Lake & Begich Boggs Visitor Center Alaska in June 4K by Lord Leng559er
19. Sapp Bros (Various Locations)
The Sapp Bros rest stops are primarily located in the Midwest and are famous for their signature coffee pot signs. These family-owned travel centers have all the road trip essentials, plus some of the cleanest restrooms in the business and legit homestyle food.
Customer Advocates - Sapp Brothers by Truck Center Companies
20. Trail's Travel Center (Albert Lea, Minnesota)
Sitting at the intersection of I-35 and I-90, this place is a standout. There’s a 25,000-square-foot food court that feels more like a mall than a rest stop. Locals recommend their homestyle restaurant called Albert's. Plus, they've got a decked-out game room if you need to shake off that road trip stiffness.
Learning a Lesson in Flat Bedding and Visiting Trail's Travel Center by Trucking Resources
