Escapees March-April 2023

skp stops

The World’s Largest Truck Stop Iowa 80 Trucking Museum 505 Sterling Drive, Walcott IA 52773, 563-468-5500 • iowa80truckingmuseum.com • GPS coordinates are (41.619326 -90.780072)

In 1964, Standard Oil opened the Iowa 80 Truck Stop, at exit 284. A year later, Bill Moon became manager. In 1984, when Standard Oil (now Amoco) wanted to sell, Bill and his wife, Carolyn, jumped at the chance to buy the place. Over the years they added on and expanded services. Bill Moon died in 1992, but the second generation now runs Iowa 80. The latest remodeling was completed over two years ago, adding another 23,000 square feet to the 100,000 square foot main building as part of a $10 million expansion to other services. Bill loved everything about trucks and trucking. He collected trucks and dreamed of a truck museum. In 2008, his family made his dream a reality when they opened the Iowa 80 Trucking Museum at the truck stop. We have seen many antique and old cars over the years but we don’t recall seeing many antique and old trucks recently. We were amazed at what we saw in this museum. Currently there are 107 trucks, with no two alike. Most have been restored to pristine condition. The oldest is a 1903 Eldridge, believed to be the fi rst truck manufactured in the U.S. There are two electric trucks, a 1911 Walker Electric Model 43 and a 1918 Walker Electric. In front of each truck is fairly detailed information. The museum is free but they do appreciate donations. We highly recommend a visit to this place. Article and photo by Joyce Space #61818

While driving east on I-80 through Iowa, it was time to stop for the night. I checked iOverlander, an app for fi nding RV-related information, and there was a post indicat ing that at exit 284, adjacent to the small town of Walcott, there was the “World’s Largest Truck Stop,” and that it was a “cool” place to visit—perfect! W hen we arrived, there was a sign indicating where RVs should go, and there was ample parking. The truck stop serves 5,000 customers per day and has parking for 900 tractor trailers. The store resembled a tri-level department store with a mall-like food court and 300-seat restaurant. The isles were spacious and all the merchandise was displayed in an eye-pleasing style. Upstairs was a barber shop, chiropractor, dentist and a laundromat, all drop-in and open to the public. To add to the ambiance, there was a real semi-truck and several smaller trucks throughout the store. If you want a custom designed shirt, jacket, hat, etc. bring in a photo and they can embroidery it for you. If your dog needs a washing, go outside to the 24-hour Dogomat. I didn’t need to purchase anything, but walking around was fun.

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March/April 2023 ESCAPEES Magazine