Truck Stops - the Best and Worst

Truck Stops

What would life on the road be without truck stops? They give you a chance to recharge by taking a break from those long stretches of pavement. Enjoy a hot cup of coffee and maybe a meal while swapping stories with fellow truckers.

You can't always judge a book by its cover, so it's helpful to get feedback from others regarding the best and worst truck stops to visit. Fortunately, in this high-tech information age there are plenty of options. Online bulletin boards such as the ones on TheTruckersReport.com provide forums for first-hand accounts. Resources such as Travel Channel and USA Today also publish the highlights and lowlights of various locations.

Based on this data, here are a few of the best to get you started.

• Iowa 80 This truck stop at Exit 284 in Walcott is billed as the world's largest, and it's virtually a small city unto itself. You can get your hair cut, have your teeth cleaned and catch a movie before grabbing a meal from the food court. If you have the chance, take a stroll through the trucking museum.
• Whiskey Pete's The bustling Primm Valley Casino Resort is also home to a Flying J truck stop featuring a food court, 24 fueling stations and a business center with free wi-fi. For the truly daring there's an adjoining amusement park with some breathtaking roller coasters.
• Morris Travel Center Located in Morris, IL, this truck stop is home to R Place, a legendary 24-hour restaurant opened in 1967. Have some fun taking the Premium Ethyl challenge. You get one hour to finish R Place's signature burger consisting of two pounds of meat and one pound of toppings between two halves of a one pound bun.
• South of the Border The name of this facility in Dillon, SC is a tip-off that it's not your basic run-of-the-mill truck stop. It's literally become a tourist attraction thanks to its amusement park, campground and reptile viewing lagoon. But it also features overnight lodging and plenty of dining options.