There are currently over 700 towns in the state of Iowa with a population of under 1,000 people. That’s over 65 percent of the state’s residents, existing in these tiny communities surrounded by rural farmland. In contrast, right off Interstate-80 between Davenport and Walcott lies a truck stop that has more to offer than most of these towns in Iowa.
The truck stop is not just any truck stop. No, this is the “The World’s Largest Truck Stop” (TWLTS). As someone who has spent his entire life in Iowa, I can tell you TWLTS is known throughout the state. It sits in the heart of the country and is deep in lore among the Midwesterners and others who travel the I-80 corridor. Amidst seemingly empty and endless fields of corn, soybeans and wind turbines, TWLTS is a welcome sign of life, a landmark even to people who have never stopped there. It is symbolic.
Those who have never stopped at TWLTS may have difficulty comprehending what it contains. If you’re in need of some midday entertainment, for instance, there is a movie theater screening classic and new films along with a free entry television den. If you are looking for some culture, there’s a museum and library. If you need to get in touch with your faith, a chapel is at your disposal. Want to get off the road and get your mind and body, right? There’s a workout center, chiropractor, dentist, barber, laundromat, and state-of-the-art private showers. How do the thousands of truckers who stop at TWLTS view all of this? I reached out to Lee Meier, head of the I-80 Truck Stop PR team, to find out.
Meier said, “Our amenities might have started as optional for a truck stop to have, but I think they’re more of a necessity. Drivers on the road need a place to get their hair cut, get a dental issue fixed, do their laundry, and eat a good meal.” One feels that TWLTS could even add its own public schools.
The scale of TWLTS can be measured and understood in a variety of ways. Two that are worth focusing on would be the scale and the social and economic impact. The sheer size of the truck stop is part of what makes it a spectacle. Covering over 220 acres, it encompasses not just fuel stations and parking lots, but a plethora of amenities and services one might expect from a small town. Its scale is not just physical, but also temporal, as it operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, catering to the ceaseless flow of travelers and truckers along the interstate.
Asked about the uniqueness of the truck stop, Meier states, “For one thing, it’s uniquely Iowa! We are family-owned and operated, and employ over 500 people at our Walcott location. It’s important that we are here, to the economy and the trucking industry, because without truck drivers, who deliver our goods all over the country, we wouldn’t have food on grocery store shelves, medication in hospitals, or quite frankly anything else. There’s a lot to be proud of!”
The I-80 truck stop is a thriving microcosm within the heart of rural Iowa. Furthermore, it’s economic impact extends far beyond its physical boundaries. It serves as a hub for employment, providing jobs for locals and attracting workers from neighboring areas. The revenue generated by the truck stop contributes to the local economy, supporting businesses and services in the surrounding communities. In many ways, it acts as an economic lifeline, injecting vitality into an otherwise stagnant region.
Moreover, the truck stop serves as a meeting point for people from across the United States. Truckers crisscrossing the country converge here, sharing stories and experiences from the road. Travelers passing through Iowa find respite and camaraderie in its bustling atmosphere. It’s a melting pot of cultures and backgrounds, fostering connections and exchanges that transcend geographical boundaries.
When asked about what makes TWLTS such a great community, Lee Meier stated, “we serve over 5,000 customers a day, so we see a lot of people! There are families, friends, and neighbors who work at our facility, and the trucking community is extremely tight knit. Drivers are often away from their families for days or even weeks. Our driver counter in the Iowa 80 Kitchen serves as a hub for drivers to talk with one another and share their lives. The movie theater and driver’s den on our third floor also serve as places where drivers can relax and share stories. We also celebrate truckers and the important job they do every year during our annual Walcott Truckers Jamboree, a three-day event that takes place in our parking lot. We hosted a Super Truck Beauty Contest, an antique truck display, an Iowa pork chop cook out, free live concerts, exhibits and more. And the event is free to attend! We’ve heard this event described as a family reunion, a parking lot party, an industry event, and more.”
In this sense, the I-80 Truck Stop serves as a symbol of unity in diversity, embodying the spirit of the American heartland. “Iowa 80 is a family company. Family owned and operated, and family focused. We want you to feel like family whether you are a customer or a coworker. We are a home away from home for many. We work hard to provide a welcoming space for drivers to relax, refuel, and refresh before getting back on the road.”
The I-80 Truck Stop stands as a beacon of resilience and community amidst the expanse of rural Iowa. While its physical presence may seem incongruous against the backdrop of small towns dotting the landscape, its significance transcends mere size. Beyond its sheer scale, the truck stop embodies the interconnectedness of individuals and economies, serving as both a catalyst for economic growth and a nexus for human interaction. Through its provision of essential services, employment opportunities, and cultural exchange, it enriches the lives of those who pass through its doors, regardless of origin or destination. As we reflect on the multifaceted role of the I-80 Truck Stop, we come to appreciate its enduring legacy as not just a rest stop along the highway, but a testament to the resilience and vitality of the American heartland. When asked about what was next for the truck stop, Meier states “We are constantly upgrading, expanding, and making our facilities better for our customers and employees alike. While we may not know exactly what those changes will be, I think there’s a lot to be explored and excited about in the next 60 years. You can bet we won’t be sitting still!”.
