The 5 Best Truck Stops in America (in 2019!)

Dave reviews 5 favourite truck stops in America TODAY, all of which are still running and going strong!
1. Little America Travel Center, Little America, WY
2. IOWA 80, Walcott, IA
3. Petro, Clearwater, MN
4. TA, Morris, IL (R Place - Restaurant)
5. Pilot, Grand Island, NE
Honourable Mentions
Oakgrove Petro Truck Stop, Oak Grove, MO
Petro, Albert Lea, MN
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[@benhawke7231]

Jubits in Portland Oregon. Also my favourite truck stops are the hole in the walls with diners that have almost been run off by the corporate truck stops. There is always parking at those and good food.

[@Robinallenyukon]

ha ! love the story ... I drove with 53' flatbeds from Ontario to Cali often with a 10'1" spread no sliders ... never got caught either ! LOL my dog loved the Iowa 80 and would go nuts everytime we got close... he loved that Dog-o-mat dog wash !!!

[@XxGyromancerXx]

Little America Flagstaff is my favorite. Hell, all of the Little America truck stops are great. I love their $.50 ice cream cones.

[@curtisscissons563]

There is another one that a lot of people don't know about... it's more a parking lot than an actual truck stop, but it has plenty of amenities. it's next to the pilot in Wendover Nevada. It's huge, all kinds of parking, and the casinos got together to put in a truck driver's lounge. Showers are free, ice is free. But the main thing I go for is the 50% off coupon for any casino buffet or restaurant in the area. plus they have a shuttle that goes to all the casinos in the area that accept the coupons. I usually go right across the street to the Peppermill.

[@corona612]

Been to all your top 5!. But to me I think Iowa 80 for me.

[@plumbingstuffinoregon2471]

The best truck stop I've personally been to is Gordy's right by LaPine Oregon. It's a really cool mom and pop type of place, and they've got all sorts of neat old trucking pictures, and model trucks all over the place, and an old 50s style diner counter where truckers can sit and talk as they eat before parting ways. And they've got some of the best french toast I ever had.

[@SmartTrucking]

I've heard about that place but was never lucky enough to get there!

[@TerminusOmega13]

I'm going for CDL training in about a week, unfortunately with a megacarrier. I'll do my best to survive the first year. I hope in my time as a new driver I get to visit one or two of these places. Always good to hear from a veteran driver. Best prep I can think of for preparing for a career on the road.

[@user-uh9lg9wg1d]

I love the “Hat Six” in Casper WY as well, they have actual towels for the showers not just a rag to dry off with. And as an added bonus there was a towel warmer on the wall to hang your towel on lol.

[@AaronRStanley]

I've ate at the Iowa 80 restaurant, food was amazing.

[@HeavyDutyTruck]

My Top 5 All-Time Favorite TruckStops 1. Iowa 80 2. Kenly 95 3. LEE HI Travel Plaza 4. North Forty Truck Stop 5. South of the Border

[@FriedShrimpPoBoy]

I like the North 40 truck stop in Tennessee just for the meatloaf sandwiches, banana pudding and chocolate brownies.

[@lilmike2710]

Was just @ Iowa-80 in Wolcot this week. We have a regular run from Nashvile up to Dubuque and I love it because I know I can run on up without needing to worry with finding a spot.

[@johnhaywood512]

I 20 Truck Stop in Lincoln, AL has a good restaurant if you can stand the cigarette smoke. Smithton Truck Stop on PA has a nice deli and you can buy and drink beer in there. 76th Street Truck Stop in Byron, MI has a great restaurant.

[@SmartTrucking]

Good to know John! Appreciate the info!

[@anthonyjohnson9453]

Iowa 80 always have parking no matter what time of the day/night....their my #1 but i have been to all 5...yes little america showers are the best and parking is great...grand island is great too...i pick up from that tyson plant all the time

[@Hippie459MN]

I live about 40 miles from the Petro 2 in Clearmwater MN and it was WAY WAY WAY better before Petro took it over about 10 years ago.

[@waltwynn-sandiegonorthcoun8475]

Making as much money with the least amount of resources...

[@rogerdalemckinney2889]

Easy to lose your truck in the parking lot at Iowa 80 especially after a few beers and a shot of Jack LOL

[@justinlang313]

For the ones who live in the southeast... 1. Petro, Hanceville Alabama. 2. Queen City, Meridian Mississippi. 3. Creek Travel Plaza, Atmore Alabama. 4. Petro, Hammond Louisiana.

[@Midnight_Rider96]

I've been to R place in Morris several times, great food! I think they have a giant burger challenge where it's free if you eat it in an hour. Good baked goods as well, salad bar, everything is good!

[@SmartTrucking]

Yes it is!

[@MaynardJamesKeenan09]

Flying J in Altoona IA was my go to place

[@andrewhatton1606]

Little America is my favorite I go to the on on I-40 in flagstaff

[@aaronmelson2887]

My top 5: 5. TA Morris, IL 4. Petro Rochelle, IL 3. Petro in Joplin, MO 2. Little America 1. Iowa 80

[@AncientPharaoh]

MelsonWithTrucking DOT weigh station in joplin, mo will ruin someone's year. Horrible! Everyone I've ever asked or know says they have had really bad experiences.

[@SmartTrucking]

Yes, Rochelle is good! Really good Blue Beacon across the street as well!

[@troylamitinia3282]

I was in Little America back in the 80s, loved the place, thanks!

[@SmartTrucking]

One of my favourite truck stops!

[@johnny353371]

I love Clearwater MN. That sandwich shop is awesome!

[@thatoneguy985]

I found a really nice Petro in Hillsboro Texas called Carl's Corner. Large parking and the Iron Skillet is pretty good

[@mmtruckingllc657]

Great video Dave, I've been to all them truck stop as well (you picked some good ones) Little America is one fine truck stop, absolutely love the home cooked food there, even my wife said, this food is very good!

[@chrisestock5574]

Ever find yourself onI-65 in Atmore, Alabama check out the Creek Nation truck stop just south of their casino. Real nice folks. Great southern food in deli and restaurant. Big, easy lot and they keep the place clean. Great place for 10!

[@SmartTrucking]

Appreciate the tip!

[@frodrickfronkensteen9241]

Great video... Greater story. Always enjoy hearing you recount your past travels on the open road.

[@SmartTrucking]

Thank you!

[@christopherb.fields3437]

The steakhouse in the Bosselman is great. One of my favorite truck stops too.

[@geoffwaller8571]

Boise Stage Stop has a great diner. Honorable mention for sure.

[@rvdelivery]

Very good list, good assessment. Honorable mention, even though the parking is limited, Little America Flagstaff AZ. The Silver Pine fine dining and marbled shower/garden tubs always is a favorite with my better half. Makes for a great "trucker date night".

[@coureurdebois]

100% agree with little America they have amazing ice cream cones as well for good price.

[@sonboogie]

Been to them all. I concur. In no particular order. 👍

[@LexieLPoyser]

I love Little America, Wyoming. Been there before and the locals are wonderful people.

[@CumminsX15]

Loved the video!

[@mikeservais888]

Thanks Dave good video like the story and good truck stops good music also!!!

[@SmartTrucking]

Thanks!

[@codyfolsom365]

Ive been to 3 off the moon familys big truckstops. I44 joplin is the one i go to most commonly 500 parking spots good food and slightly smaller chrome shop. Oak grove is small but has alot of parking. I80 in iowa i was busy looking around amazed

[@rolling3868]

Good video Mr. Dave. Love your stories Mr. Dave. 👌👍👌👍

[@SmartTrucking]

Thank you!

[@THEREALGONZALOCHAVEZ]

The Petro in Salina Kansas. Truck stop clean and modern but the reason it is my favorite is the shower. I've always requested shower #1 so I'm not sure about the rest but #1 has a big bench seat along with a 40" tv behind the mirror. All marble and the shower has nearly 10 shower heads. If you ever stop, request shower #1 you won't be disappointed.

[@alhatlam7836]

Agreed! Little America is a very good truckstop. I've seen all those truckstops except Clearwater, MN, and they're good 👍

[@Day-qs4qm]

There's a little diner called The Kettle right next to the truck stop in Clearwater, the food is outstanding there!

[@DIYTRUCKREPAIR]

Mine is TA in Las Cruces, NM clean and restful!,

[@thekodiak77]

My favorite spot in way of food is the Big Chief at Fergus Falls MN. Great Buffalo burgers

[@Dipperdap1]

Been to two of the five, both great places. The story is allot of fun to hear. Sometimes you have to do what needs to be done....Then you think....wow! that situation won't happen again...

[@isapsa45]

When I was driving formally Little America was always always always my favorite truck stop I couldn't wait to get there

[@SmartTrucking]

One of my favourites.

[@betobelieveit9830]

I’m about 15 min from “R” place, great food. My kids love going there to look at the antique toys encased in the dining booth.

[@SmartTrucking]

Yeah, it's a great restaurant!

[@dimicole963]

Thank you. I love your channel boss

[@josephbeach6046]

I haven't been to the Iowa 80 truck stop I love the petro in Joplin Missouri. There are 2 bosslemen pilots in Nebraska. I like some of the Kwik Trips in Minnesota and Wisconsin because they are like grocery stores.

[@cassiuspuckett8789]

Been to all of your top 5, and I was a little disappointed. Now your right about Little America, in Wyoming, but my disagreement was the restaurant, you almost have to have a bank in your back pocket to stop there. True it has a lot of parking and fuel pumps. And the showers are great, but any more the truck drivers have to watch their expenditures. Little America has to be on the high end of expensive truck stop. Love your content and your stories.

[@ur2ez2011]

Nice things costs money. Unfortunately most truck drivers are on a Motel 6 budget and live off of spaghetti Os and Bologna.

[@AyrBear1988]

my fave would be I 80 then little america, would have to do more usa travelling to figuer out my top 5 stops. have been to illinois Chicago is the worst traffic iv seen. busy with work with the family business this time of year, still thinking of trucking part time in the winter, great story at the end, not making the clifford truck show canada day weekend have other plans once again

[@andrewkellerhals1361]

Honorable mention, Stones in Watertown, SD

[@2cylinderfarmer]

I've been to the petro in clear water a couple times it is a nice place. Thanks for the shout out to my state

[@SmartTrucking]

My pleasure! Minnesota is a great state!

[@pioneerspiritPS]

I like the Richer Inn in Richer Manitoba. Great great food, smaller lot for parking but all around good stop!

[@fatalritte1550]

I always liked just about all the Petro’s in Pennsylvania or the other one in Knoxville... You could get a good meal and stimulating conversation on the radio... Girard, OH, Laredo, TX. Lost a lot of money in Reno, NV... I never forget the time I went into the omelette shop next to the little pilot in Indianapolis and I saw a guy in his PJ’s with a beard and towel on his head cooking bacon & grits... Never forget it.

[@SmartTrucking]

And I'd be out of there!

[@yeyo6335]

I like the ones in Hammond ,LA on I-12. What I Iike about them is the rush I get by not knowing if there would be a parking spot at 2 PM

[@E3fieldservices7144]

Russell's in Glenrio New Mexico is in my top 5 the biggest reason I'm classic car guy and like going in the museum and looking at the cars Clines Corner makes my list as well the restaurant has some really good food but I agree with Little America that's my number 1 as well

[@thehiles45]

Very nice. I really like the Jubitz in Portland OR, one of the best for the northwest

[@angrytrucker3628]

That Petro in Clearwater has a chrome shop too. Its not big but they have a decent selection.

[@bouquetchocolatesandconfec77]

I was just at Iowa 80 on the come back 2 days ago. I did not have much time to really take advantage of all that was there but it on my radar. Little America in Wyoming is cool small for us big trucks.

[@quinnwebb7320]

Fernley, NV is great. You can get off the freeway just before Reno and get gas, something to eat and a place to stay. In the morning you can jump back on the freeway in no time. Think the secret is getting out.

[@aj-kwt909truckin31]

Moral of the Story ~ "Don't Oversleep" 😨 ~ It'll Cost Ya, in more ways than one.!!! Great Video Dave, most interesting ~ thanks for sharing. 👍~😃~👍

[@SmartTrucking]

Thanks Alistair!

[@jamesb8305]

I'm a 4 wheeler, and I love R-Place. Their bakery is the bomb!

[@SmartTrucking]

One of my top five truck stop restaurants!!

[@insekta1701]

I love Iowa-80!

[@passingthru69]

World largest truck flea market

[@lifeinamerica6417]

wowwww this is so cool of a truck stop.👍Iowa

[@FarmStrong88]

Showin love to the midwest!!!

[@lancehammons5918]

I love going to White's over in raphine, va, can find parking anytime of night, great deli and home cooked hot bar, plus lots of other Goodies

[@waltwynn-sandiegonorthcoun8475]

There is a grungy truck stop in Miami, But I enjoyed the adventure!!!...

[@donalddday7741]

I like Iowa 80 good place to buy things, but need to put a stop light or stop signs at east bound exit

[@fluffythegen3]

yep you better have morris il ta! my favorite!

[@lagodifuoco313]

Texaco in Pollard Flat on I-5 in Northern California near Lakehead.

[@texastrucker4768]

Can you do a video on the worst mountans in the usa for drivers today

[@murkdawg4438]

I70 west of Denver

[@JASONHJEFFERSON]

wolf creek pass

[@SmartTrucking]

Good one, thanks! Will do!

[@noemario2348]

Great video. Watching from a Pilot in Clinton NJ. Not even DEF here. You should do a worst truck stop list as well.

[@JASONHJEFFERSON]

liquor store next door to make your stay more bearable lol

[@loutenant9480]

Awesome story.

[@SmartTrucking]

Thanks!

[@hall911guy]

Mine are: 1. Flying J in Hebron, IN (always a place to park) 2. Tiger Truckstop in Grosse Tete, LA (great restaurant) 3. Petro in Albert Lea, MN (excellent restaurant and barbecue) 4. Petro in Pearsall, TX (always parking) 5. TA in Pembroke, NY (Excellent Country Pride restaurant, never had a bad meal in there.)

[@stupidasso77]

Kenly, NC has a nice Petro. The food court and restaurant have most anything you want. They have a nice chrome shop. Parking is plentiful, but it does get full. I’ve not showered here as I live 30 minutes away. They have a 379 and a W900 kitted out on display inside. It’s located off of exit 106 highway 95.

[@killianmackenzie420]

stupidasso77 I think the Kenly NC petro is also owned by the Moon family. The same people who own the Iowa 80. I think they also own the oak grove 70 just outside ok KC and the Joplin 44. All of them are very nice

[@SmartTrucking]

Yup, it's good!

[@gdearing1]

I remember when the Clearwater, MN and the Morris, IL truck stops were independents. Great places. Any Bosselman’s was a good stop. Times gone by, though…

[@SmartTrucking]

Yup, better days and better food!

[@nicemarmot3902]

Shout out to Little America in Wyoming. Nothing like sitting in the bath after a long day of driving.

[@aberdeenbelfry316]

Truckers inn Sauk Centre MN one of my favourites.

[@SmartTrucking]

Good to know, thanks!

[@thesixgunfighter288]

Been to the Oak Grove one many times!!!

[@waynesworld2086]

Lil America #1 absolutely

[@pablocampoz2362]

Good video...muy bueno

[@SmartTrucking]

Thanks!

[@observelistennlearn1415]

Yes..Little America! Wyoming!

[@mattyp3860]

Pilot in Carlin NV my favorite. 😎👍💪🔨⬇️

[@JASONHJEFFERSON]

i actually like that place the bar across the street and a decent Chinese restaurant a short walk and a laundromat next to the bar

[@steeleexpressllc990]

Awesome

[@sonnypruitt6639]

Dave, your Canadian and you didn't mention Scotty's Truck Stop, Exit 16 I-87 in Wilton, NY? I'm shocked!

[@pattyjay9999]

Back when I drove over the road I liked going to the Giant in Jamestown New Mexico I think it’s a flying J today though.

[@SmartTrucking]

Yup, it was good some years ago. Just a Pilot or a J now.

[@theodoreskaff1209]

Maybe it's me being old fashioned again, but I tend to frequent ma and pa independent truckstops. Travelling I 80 across Pennsylvania there are 3 FJs and I swear I can't tell which one I'm in! Everything down to the parking lot layout is exactly the same! Junk food palaces all of them

[@tomz1daful]

Oak Grove, MO, was my first love, it's where I first fueled up when I got dispatched from Olathe KS. One of Johnny Jacobson's boys ...(+_+)

[@carlgillespie5161]

I’ve always liked the Kenly 95. Maybe I’m just partial to lighthouses.

[@SmartTrucking]

It's good! Been there a few times!

[@GRehillMusic]

Could you please do a video on what to do if your injured while working. Especially for a Canadian on a trip to US. For example falling off a dock. Slipping on ice. Workers comp would cover but what additional insurance can an employee purchase for hospital costs. Thank you for all your videos.

[@SmartTrucking]

I used to carry private insurance for just that type of thing, just in case. Even Blue Cross is better than nothing. Forget workman's comp, that's a joke.

[@plumbingstuffinoregon2471]

I'm thinking that 12' spread on the trailer helped save your bacon as well! Giving away the illusion that it was a 48' trailer.

[@SmartTrucking]

Yes, the spread certainly helped!

[@jasonduke3608]

Hey dave, is that Clearwater Mn truck stop fly the Canadian flag? I was at one somewhere in that area that did and it was a Petro. Oh my God that restuarant was off the chain! I we could eat there every day food was so so good! About Walcott, be great to see you there, but believe it or not they dont have everything there. They let me down twice. Once I wanted a really heavy duty 5th wheel puller. They just sell normal ones. Then I wanted a orange saftey vest. You would think a place like that would have every type of saftey product available, they have this tiny end cap on an idle with just a few sizes. I'm plus size got mine off of Amazon. Great input from you as,always. Really do hope someday I'll meet you.

[@SmartTrucking]

Thanks for watching Jason! I can't recall seeing a Canadian flag at Clearwater but the description of the restaurant sounds like the right place to me!

[@jjgr661]

The most amazing truck stop is the flying J located in Lethbridge AB.

[@SoCal780]

Dave, ya big fibber, Shame on you! 🤣 You’re lucky you got away with that one! (I learned to drive in CA, I know it well and the bs that goes with it) Iowa 80 rules, I love that place! Hate to drive by it without stopping, but I have a few times. I run dedicated now so the Petro in Oak Grove is the closest to that I gave regular access to. You’re right about Little America, awesome showers/food. The one in Flagstaff is great too, just the lot is way smaller. R Place in Morris, great food! Love the old style toys they have on display (even right in the tables!) there. Recently visited the Petro in Joplin on a rare trip outside my dedicated lane, it’s still a great place as well. Used to love Bosselman’s in Grand Island, wasn’t aware they sold out to Pilot. Guess it shows how long it’s been since I’ve been there! I personally always liked Jubitz in Portland, OR. Great steaks! Let’s not forget the Triple T in Tucson (White Line Fever!) just to be nostalgic. One of the very last of the independent truck stops from the past!

[@MG-ks1qg]

Salina KS shower 1 is the best I've ever used.

[@tomjones3113]

Another great video and story. How about the top 5 in Canada?

[@SmartTrucking]

I don't think Canada has any good ones anymore. I did like the 5th Wheel in Dorchester years ago.

[@boB7710II]

Good story👍

[@SmartTrucking]

Thank you!

[@josephcogeanjr2714]

Gotta get Johnson's corner on there if you like food great restaurant and bakery

[@SmartTrucking]

I've heard it's really good!

[@wolfie196]

Love the story,.

[@ruthc8407]

Little America, exit 198 off I-40 at Flag. Best BLT's in the whole damm Nation.

[@berkshiretrucker2982]

Great video Dave. Where can I get a Smart Trucking Baseball cap?