Best Locations for Buc-ee’s First Illinois Store

Illinois fans have waited long enough for the first Buc-ee's to open in the Land of Lincoln. and here are the top locations where we think it should happen.

Living in Northern Illinois there are three things you will hear people constantly begging for, (besides lower taxes):

For Kwik Trip to open stores here.
For a White Castle to come to Rockford.
For a Trader Joe's in Rockford.

In the last few years I've also heard an uptick in Northern Illinois residents begging for a Buc-ee's to open in Illinois. Why? Because it's a gas station/convenience store on steroids!

Since the first Buc-ee's opened in 1982, it has primarily been a Texas thing, but it has slowly expanded to nine states throughout the country with several more being added to the list over the next three years. Will 2025, 2026, or 2027 finally being Illinois' big year?

Spoiler Alert: It won't be.

Where Should Buc-ee's First Store in Illinois Be?

I firmly believe that it will only be a matter of time before Buc-ee's figures out how cool Illinois is, especially those of us living in Northern Illinois, and I know I'm not the only one who believes this. Illinois Congressman Eric Sorensen has even jumped on the We-Want-A-Buc-ee's-In-Illinois train...

Ideal Locations for Buc-ee's in Illinois

Rumor has it Buc-ee's prefers to build in locations that allow for their own highway exit and has a lot of land. (Typical Buc-ee's locations feature at least 100 gas pumps!)

Let's focus in on prime spots like that near the Rockford area. Some great suggestions include:

39 between Rockford and Bloomington.
Between Rockford and Chicago
I-39 and I-80 intersection
Put it in Rockford either at the Hwy 20 / Hwy 2 exit for the Rockford airport, or near the I39/I90/Hwy 20 interchange opposite Magic Waters.

Where do YOU think Buc-ee's should build their first store in Illinois? Send us an app message and let us know!