American truck stops are more than just resting places for truck drivers. Many of them have tourist attractions and amenities for everyone on the road, including luxury car owners.
With several unique spots in every state, you might recognize some of the names on this list. Here are five interesting truck stops to visit on your next BMW road trip.
1. Florida 595 Truck Stop, Davie, FL
Our first stop is the largest overnight destination for travelers in the Sunshine State, Florida 595 Truck Stop. This stop has over 450 parking spots and 12 fueling stations, giving your BMW plenty of space to maneuver around. But that’s not the 595’s only calling card. In true Florida fashion, this stop has every store you could need on your road trip, plus a little extra:
- A massive convenience store
- Travel/service center
- Sports bar
- Diner
- Chrome shop
- Radio repair shop
This stop has a perfect location for travelers. It sits next to the busy 595 freeway, just a short distance from Miami, Fort Lauderdale and Boca Raton. Stop by if you’re in the neighborhood!
2. South of the Border, Hamer, SC
If you’ve driven on Interstate 95 through the southeast United States, you’ve probably seen South of the Border Motor Inn. It sits right on the North/South Carolina border and catches every driver’s attention with huge billboards, old-school building designs and a clear Mexican-American theme.
Aside from the eye-catching design, this stop brings all kinds of businesses to the table. It covers the basics with a grocery store, gas station, housing and bathrooms for travelers. You can also find several restaurants, including the famed Sombrero Room, a steakhouse and other fast food options.
The odd tourist attractions set this truck stop apart from the other places on this list. South of the Border has a small carnival, beach shop, reptile lagoon and a 200-foot observation tower with a giant sombrero at the top. It’s a strange place and a worthwhile checkpoint on your next road trip along the east coast.
3. Mach 1 Store #12, West Frankfort, IL
The Mach 1 line of truck stops is a popular brand among truck drivers, and Store #12 in Frankfort is one of the crown jewels. This family-owned and operated location in Southeast Illinois is one of the cleanest stops you will ever see and gets frequent updates. The owners are active on social media and let customer feedback influence their business decisions more than most companies.
Thanks to these social media efforts, the convenience store always has a new product or promotion, and the housing area updates its amenities often. Store #12 sits right off of Interstate 57, with parks, restaurants and a public golf course nearby. Your BMW will be right at home at this clean and comfortable establishment.
4. Iowa 80 Truckstop, Walcott, IA
Iowa 80 holds the title of the World’s Largest Truckstop, which is reason enough to stop there on a road trip. It more than doubles Florida 595’s parking total with over 900 parking spots and enough buildings to qualify as a small town. Here’s the condensed version of all the attractions Iowa 80 provides:
- Mega convenience store
- Gym
- Laundry facility
- Chiropractor
- Dentist
- Library
- Barbershop
- Movie theater
- Pet grooming salon
No matter your interest, we can safely say that Iowa 80 has an open parking spot for your BMW. It sits almost exactly halfway between Chicago and Des Moines on Interstate 80. If you happen to drive by, you need to stop and see what the hype is about.
5. Russell’s Travel Center, Glenrio, NM
Russell’s Travel Center is a car enthusiast’s dream stop. Located off Interstate 40 and Route 66 near the Texas/New Mexico border, this attraction is a truck stop and free vintage car museum rolled into one. That’s right – you can take a break from the road AND see beautiful classic vehicles at no extra cost. You can also stop for a bite to eat at Russell’s diner, featuring Mexican, American and Cajun cuisine.
I40 and Route 66 themselves are influential attractions for Russell’s as well. You and your BMW will have a great time traversing the beautiful southwestern scenery and flying across the long flat highway stretches. When you get tired, stop at Russell’s for dinner and a tour of America’s finest vintage vehicles.
Explore With Your BMW
Your BMW is built to push the boundaries. Take that mentality to heart and explore one of these unique truck stops on your next road trip. You might find something strange and unexpected, but that’s what road trips are all about. Take your luxury vehicle on a long journey and start making lasting memories!