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We’ve all driven past them countless times – rest stop areas with a ubiquitous selection of picnic tables, bathrooms, and maybe some small barbeques for public use. No matter if they’re in a beautiful, wooded area or just off a dusty stretch of highway, rest stops in America serve an important cultural and utilitarian function. One of the best ways to improve the comfort and efficiency of your next road trip is to plan ahead to visit the best rest stops in America.
Largely prioritized under the Eisenhower administration while creating the country-wide stretch of over 150,000 miles of road known as the National Highway System, these areas were intended to provide a pressure-free area for travelers to eat, rest, stretch, and refresh themselves. One major factor that went into their planning was a ban on stores or other merchandise sales, except for some state-owned vending machines, to create an area where no one felt like they had to buy goods in order to stop.
Today, they still serve an important function. From truckers getting their required sleep to travelers finding a convenient place to eat, rest stops still see usage by the millions each year. Next time you plan a trip, consider making a stop at some of the following legendary rest stops.
Iowa 80, located near Walcott, Iowa, is famous for being the largest rest stop in the country at around 100,000 square feet. This scenic area has any amenity you could desire, with plenty of room (obviously) to stroll around, eat, or check out the shopping selections.
This stop occupies a central location between three major cities: Chicago, St. Louis, and Minneapolis, which is one reason it grew to be so popular. It’s also near the Mississippi River, so if you’re interested in visiting a Midwest America classic spot with tons nearby to do, this is the rest stop for you.
The tree-covered Flagstaff area continuously surprises those passing through, who expect Arizona to be only a grim, hot desert. However this area near the Grand Canyon has immense natural beauty, and one of America’s most exemplary rest stops can be found in the area as well.
Little America rest stop, off of exit 198 on the I-40, has 500 acres featuring a hotel, swimming pool, and a gourmet restaurant. If you’re looking for the ideal American Southwest rest stop, add this one to your list.
This spot, known formally as Bear Lake Overlook SR-89 Rest Area, is located near Garden City, Utah, and has been described as one of the most scenic overlooks in the entire highway system. With a gorgeous view of Bear Lake, pine tree forests, and sunsets, this stop can’t be beaten for natural beauty.
This stop is located off U.S. Route 89 and is near several gorgeous hikes, camping areas, and of course, the lake itself. Don’t miss it next time you’re traveling through the Southwest.
This spot is located off of the I-90, near the Missouri River and the town of Chamberlain, South Dakota. This is one of the most famous and recognizable rest stops in the country, largely due to an incredible 50-foot tall stainless steel statue called “Dignity”, showcasing an Indigenous Native American woman in traditional dress receiving a star quilt.
In Lakota or Sioux Native American cultures, the star quilt represents generosity and honor. The pattern is inspired by the Morning Star, the brightest star visible before dawn, and was given as a treasured gift to warriors, hunters, or those at the start of a “vision quest.” If you’re interested in Native American history and culture, this rest stop is a must-see for you.
A different type of Southwest beauty can be found near El Prado, New Mexico, off of the U.S. Route 64 highway. Located near the eclectic and scenic town of Taos, at this rest stop you’ll find the second-highest bridge in the entire highway system (tenth highest in the country), plunging 600 feet down to the Rio Grande River. This view is one of the most impressive ones you will ever see at a rest stop, so be sure to add it to your list.
Overall, it’s important to recognize that rest stops serve many important functions, both utilitarian and anthropological. They represent important historic locations, chosen carefully for their convenience and ability to help travelers get the rest they need.
Health experts recognize that stopping and stretching while driving is crucial to making sure you maintain blood flow and stay healthy while driving, and it’s important to stop once in a while to reduce fatigue. Next time you’re planning a road trip or long drive, make sure to plan your rest stops ahead, so that you don’t end up on long stretches without any place to stop.
We'll get you to your destination with a car full of happy folks!