It is like a mini-city on the highway, the largest travel center in Illinois.

Big Fan Of Taking Vacations

I am a huge fan of taking vacations. I really enjoy visiting new and exciting places. Though, most of the time my family and I fly to our destination to save time. There is something special about taking a driving road trip and exploring across the country.

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Benefits Of Taking A Driving Vacation

As long as I am on vacation and away from the real world, I am not too picky if we drive or fly. There are definitely pros and cons for both. When taking a driving trip, you do have the advantage of stopping to explore roadside attractions. Some of my favorite memories of trips as a kid are stopping along the highway to get some food and fill up with gas. All across the United States, you can find some interesting places. They are not considered gas stations or restaurants. I am talking about travel centers.

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Photo From YouTube
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Illinois' Largest Travel Center

Down in Pontiac Illinois, "Wally's Home Of The Great American Roadtrip" is celebrating its year anniversary. I think their Twitter page describes the place perfectly.

"Take a break at Illinois' largest travel center! Great Service, Tasty Food, Clean Restrooms, and Unexpected Necessities."

 

According to pantagraph.com,

 "A store of 30,000 square feet on a spread of 20 acres, with (not a typo) 76 gas pumps and a separate canopied area for electric vehicles, it boasts it’s not a truck stop, but instead a center for families to enjoy a break."

 

History Of Wally's

I think we can all agree that driving through Illinois can be very boring with not much to see. It is pretty much cornfield after cornfield. A couple of friends were traveling between St. Louis and Chicago. They immediately noticed this problem. The two businessmen decide to purchase some land somewhere in the middle of nowhere in Illinois and open this massive structure. It has proven to be a wise investment.

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Photo From YouTube
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Stats For Wally's

If there were trading cards for Illinois travel centers with stats on the back, here is what they would say for Wally's.

  • Located in Pontiac, Illinois off I-55.
  • Cost of land was $20 million.
  • 20 acres of land.
  • Store is 30,000 square feet.
  • 76 gas pumps.
  • Electric vehicles charging station.
  • 140 jobs.
  • On average customers spend 20 minutes there.
  • Tax relief for the community.
  • Sandwich shop.
  • Carving station.
  • Full bakery.
  • Popcorn bar.
  • Coffee café.
  • Beverage wall with 60 drink flavors.
  • 42-foot vaulted glass ceiling.
  • Snacks.
  • Trinkets.
  • Random stuff.
  • Beer cave.
  • Wally's gear displayed in actual Winnebago.
  • Set up for family picnic.
  • 60's wood-trimmed Wagoneer parked out front.
  • Massive jerky wall.
  • Restrooms include 20 women's stalls, 10 men's stalls, and 11 urinals.
  • Free WiFi.
  • Plenty of parking.
  • And much more.
  • For more info, HERE.

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