Wisconsin Truckers Say Never Stop at these Illinois & Iowa Places

My father-in-law was an over-the-road truck driver for decades. He drove through Wisconsin, Iowa and Illinois many times. Truck drivers know the good and bad places to gas up and rest more than any other travelers and there are 5 Illinois and Iowa locations that Wisconsin truck drivers say you should avoid for your own safety.

This began as an interesting conversation on Reddit. It’s a do not stop list shared by a security company that works with trucking companies. They say you should avoid these Illinois and Iowa locations if at all possible.

Do Not Stop list for USA. Highlighting where trucks and truckers are at risk.
byu/mindcowboy inoregon

Here are the Google Street View pictures of each of the 5 Illinois and Iowa places mentioned by Wisconsin truck drivers.

Flying J in Alorton, Illinois

Loves near Council Bluffs, Iowa

Pilot Travel Center near Council Bluffs, Iowa

Pilot Travel Center in East St. Louis, Illinois

Road Ranger in Chicago, Illinois

I cannot recall if I’ve ever personally stopped at any of these Iowa or Illinois stations, but it’s possible as I’ve traveled through both areas fairly often. I will add my own personal advice which is to never stop ANYWHERE in East St. Louis, Illinois. Ever. I drove through there years ago and there were literally buildings smoking from previous night fires and people were walking past like it was normal. It was like a war zone.

One final bonus tip. There’s a Missouri gas station on the avoid list, too, if you travel that way.