Our first truck stop review

I think its only fitting that I start my truck stop reviews with the largest truck stop, Iowa 80 in Walcott (where else) Iowa. I will state here that this is affliated with Travel Centers of America, otherwise known in my future ramblings as the “TA” and not my favorite place if you happened to read yesterdays blog.



This is by far THE best TA. Although coming here is one of my favorite past times, there are some truck stops I do like better. Ones with Jacuzzis (Johnson's Corner travel plaza in Loveland, CO) Little America in Flagstaff, AZ (garden tubs and free bubble bath) and the Bosselman's chain, more on those on their own blog.

What do I like the best about Iowa 80? I’d have to say it’s the yellow Pete revolving on the showroom floor. The blue Kenworth is fantastic too, I just have a soft spot in my heart for yellow Peterbilts !!

The chrome shop there is easily voted the one most likely to max out every truckers credit cards. If its made for a semi, you will find it there, including some things you didn't think of, (but absolutely just HAVE to have.)

The gift shop rivals any of those found in your local mall. Everything from toys to Minnetonka moccasins, greeting cards and every kind of sculpture, collectible and memorable item you could every want.

Other than that, I’d have to give a blue ribbon to their laundry room, only because they have 12 washing machines plus one of those super commercial ones, and at least 16 dryers, We always do laundry when we are there only because we have never had to wait for a machine, and no broken washers a win-win situation in my book. Its amazing what becomes a priority when you live Over the Road!

I’m sure most of you reading this are familiar with this stop, it’s a legend and I think most drivers make a point to visit it at least once. If you havent had the honor, try and make a point to stop in and see it just for the experience. I will keep my description brief along with a quick review on the restaurant.

We’ve eaten in the restaurant here several times. They do have egg substitutes……yay!! They were great with hash browns and English muffins. Joe got their Belgian waffle and the sausage patties which were awesome, not as good as Waffle House he said but there's no accounting for taste. (the merits of the Waffle House is one of our biggest difference of opinions) I did have the grilled chicken sandwhich one which wasn't bad, however they were out of breaded mushrooms but on the whole a good experience. A notch up from your usual truck stop cusine.

The service is always friendly and top notch, the dining room clean. One of the best things about Iowa 80 are the vintage trucks scattered around, real as well as photos and the dining room is no exception. Add that to the stone fireplace and its a good time.

The showers are always clean, the shower attendants are always pleasant. There is a barber shop and a dentist as well as several other services available. On the whole I give a big 5 to this truck stop.

They did open a trucking museum on the grounds a few months ago. We have both been anxious to check it out, but we have to admit, we both felt too cold to venture across the parking lot and take in the sights. For those of you that havent been there........its a BIG parking lot!!