In Eastern Iowa when driving on the 80 interstate you can’t miss the descriptively named Iowa 80 Truckstop. From the outside you will find it to be expansive with a truck wash, fuel center, a cat scale and all of the typical truck stop fair. The size is impressive although observing trucker culture and the eccentric shopping are the attractions.
Established in 1964 it was created for truckers who live on the road. Today, 5000 customers a day stop to refill gas, eat, and shop. Inside you will find services including dog washing, a dentist, a barber shop, showers, laundry, movie theaters, a library, and a workout room. On display are full size trucks that showcase customization of lights, chrome detailing and accessories. For real truck fans and school visits there is the Iowa 80 Trucking Museum that highlights the value of the trucking industry. It features antique toy truck, jobs in trucking, women in trucking, trucking vocabulary and fun facts about trucking and the interstates. Complete with lesson plans for school credit.
Once a year is the big celebration, The Walcott Truckers Jamboree with over 175 exhibits of super trucks, a beauty contest, the trucker Olympics, the Iowa pork chop cookout, live country music and fireworks. If you have ever wondered what trucker life is like or have any questions for you will find the answers explained by humorous expert truckers here.
