By Gigi Tino

Long hours behind the wheel require opportunities to rest, refuel, and recharge. The road can be a long and lonely place for truck drivers, but the right stops can double as a much-needed break and a chance to enjoy the beauty of the American landscape. Many stops along a trucker’s journey can offer scenic beauty, essential amenities, and a welcome break from the monotony of the highway. Here's a guide to some of the best and most scenic rest stops across America that every trucker should know about!

1. Iowa 80 Truckstop - Walcott, Iowa

The Iowa 80 Truckstop is the largest truck stop in the world and offers far more than just a place to rest. It hosts a yearly celebration of trucking culture called the Walcott Truckers Jamboree with live music, a trucking show, and a Trucker Olympics competition. The stop provides plenty of parking (900 spots just for trucks!), a movie theater, laundry, a truck wash, a barber shop, and even a chapel. Its scenic views of the surrounding Iowa farmlands provide a tranquil backdrop for a well-deserved break.

2. Bonneville Salt Flats Rest Area - Wendover, Utah

The Bonneville Salt Flats Rest Area, located along Interstate 80, offers truckers a unique and otherworldly view. The white salt flats stretch as far as the eye can see, creating a surreal and serene landscape. This rest area is relatively basic in terms of amenities, but the incredible scenery is what sets it apart. It’s a great place to stretch your legs, take in the expansive views, and snap some memorable photos.

3. Jubitz Travel Center - Portland, Oregon

The Jubitz Travel Center in Portland, Oregon, is a renowned truck stop and travel center that has earned a reputation as one of the best in the United States. Established in 1952, Jubitz has grown from a simple fuel stop into a comprehensive travel center. It offers a range of amenities and services that pamper truckers, including showers and jacuzzis, dog washes, a driver lounge, and a truck service center. There is also the Jubitz Marketplace next door with a cinema, overnight accommodations, and a barber shop.

4. Bear Lake Rest Area - Bear Lake, Utah

The Bear Lake Rest Area is another unforgettable scenic rest stop located along U.S. Highway 89, in Bear Lake, Utah near the Idaho border. This rest area is named after the stunning Bear Lake, often referred to as the "Caribbean of the Rockies" due to its vibrant turquoise-blue waters. The rest area provides a convenient and picturesque spot for truckers with ample tractor-trailer parking. It’s even been named the road trip spot with the best view by the Travel Channel!

5. South of the Border - Hamer, South Carolina

An iconic stop along the East Coast, South of the Border is known for its kitschy, larger-than-life Mexican-themed attractions. Located on I-95 near the North Carolina border, this rest stop offers everything from a souvenir shop and restaurants to a small amusement park. The brightly colored buildings and quirky statues provide a fun and visually interesting break from the road. While it may not be the most serene or scenic stop, it’s certainly one of the most memorable.

6. Little America Travel Center - Little America, Wyoming

The Little America Truck Stop is a well-known truck stop chain with locations across the United States, but its most famous and largest location is in Little America, Wyoming. True to its name, Little America is a small piece of simple paradise for travelers with amenities such as a 500-acre hotel, swimming pool, golf course, a welcoming staff, and a 24/7 travel center.

7. Dysart’s Restaurant and Truck Stop - Hermon, Maine

Dysart's Truck Stop is located near the intersection of Interstate 95 and U.S. Route 2, making it an easily accessible stop for those traveling through central Maine and a key location for truckers heading toward the Canadian border. The stop has a cozy atmosphere and a restaurant with a great reputation for New England comfort food including homemade pies. It also earned a spoof skit on Saturday Night Live of one of their viral commercials!

8. Big Apple Travel Center - Joplin, MO

The Big Apple Travel Center in Joplin, MO is a famous trucker haven in America’s heartland. Located just off Interstate 44, this travel center is known for its wide range of amenities, clean facilities, and friendly service. The center also has an impressive selection of authentic Indian cuisine to add some spice and diversity to your on-the-road diet.

9. Tamarack Marketplace - Beckley, West Virginia

The Tamarack Marketplace is located off Exit 45 on I-64 in Beckley, West Virginia. This is a less conventional “rest stop” that features a restaurant serving Appalachian-inspired cuisine, a fine arts gallery, a theater with live performances, a conference center, and stores offering local products. While it may not offer fuel and truck services, the stop is a welcome cultural and art experience that can leave you feeling relaxed and refreshed for the rest of your journey.

10. Busy Bee Travel Center - Live Oak, Florida

The Busy Bee Travel Center is located in Live Oak, FL, near the intersection of Interstate 10 and U.S. Highway 129. This stop features bee-themed decor and a large selection of local and gourmet foods (many made with local honey). The store is known for its unique and high-quality offerings, which go beyond what is typically found at a standard travel stop. It also has a strong reputation for clean and private restroom facilities and a welcoming staff.

Whether you’re looking for a spot with great amenities, stunning scenery, or a bit of both, these rest stops offer some of the best experiences on the road. These stops are just a glimpse of the diverse and captivating places that await truck drivers on the open road. So next time you’re planning your route, consider adding one of these scenic stops to your journey - you might just find it’s the highlight of your trip. Are you ready to hit the road and explore the best stops for truck drivers across America? Find your next OTR Driver job here!