Buc-ee’s Is Expanding North, But Skips Iowa AGAIN!

Buc-ee's giant travel centers are continuing their journey north. But that once again means skipping over the state of Iowa.

I'm not going to lie. This latest news is disappointing. The Des Moines Register reports that Buc-ee's is now looking to construct its latest travel center near Oak Creek, Wisconsin. That would create the first Milwaukee-area Buc-ee's location. The proposal came to light as Buc-ee's is facing delays in its first planned Wisconsin location near Madison. The proposed Oak Creek store would be 74,000 square feet, sit on 29.6 acres of land, and feature 120 fueling stations. The Register reports that land in question is currently a farm and needs to be rezoned.

So why is Buc-ee's planning two Wisconsin stores but overlooking the state of Iowa? First, let's start with the competition. When a store is picking a place to locate, they take into consideration the competition. The Register notes that Iowa is home to Ankeny-based Casey's, Des Moines-based Kum & Go, which will soon be known as Maverick. And don't forget the ever expanding footprint of Kwik Star. Each store and brand has dedicated and loyal fans. Would they be willing to leave to try Buc-ee's?

The Register also reports that the other part that makes Buc-ee's so tough to plan is the amount of land and space needed for just one location. Many of its new travel centers are 75,000 square feet. That is nearly 30 times the size of the average gas station. Typically you'll see Buc-ee's in less populated areas, between road trip destinations. The Register reports that a Buc'ee's location is about half the size of the World's Largest Truck Stop in Walcott.

For now, an Iowa Buc-ee's is still just a dream. The Wisconsin locations are projected to be complete by 2027. Start planning your road trip now!