Iowa 80 - The World’s Largest Truck Stop

Howdy, fellow road warriors! We’re the Vagabond Couple, and we’re thrilled to take you along on our epic trans-continental road trip across the USA and Canada from Germantown, Maryland on the Atlantic East Coast of USA to Jasper National Park just shy of the Pacific West Coast of Canada (map). This is the first part of our journey, where we cross over nine states (Maryland, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, Nebraska and South Dakota) and 1,400 miles in two days, cruising through cities, cornfields, and truck stops that are destinations in their own right. Along the way, we transition from I-70 to I-80 and then to I-90 as we drive north and west.

Germantown, Maryland to Peoria, Illinois

We rolled out of our house in Germantown, Maryland bright and early, with the SVT Raptor packed to the brim with snacks, maps (yes, old-school maps!), and plenty of road trip playlists. The goal? Peoria, Illinois - halfway point of our first leg to South Dakota.

The drive along I-70 and I-68 from Maryland across Cumberland, Maryland to Morgantown, West Virginia, offers a scenic journey through the Appalachian Mountains. The route winds through rolling hills, dense forests, and picturesque valleys, providing impressive views of the region's natural beauty.

In Maryland, I-68 traverses the Allegheny Mountains, known for their rugged terrain and diverse wildlife. The road passes through Deep Creek Lake, a popular recreational area offering boating, swimming, and fishing. In West Virginia, the route continues through the Allegheny Plateau, where the landscape is characterized by rugged hills, deep valleys, and winding rivers. Notable landmarks along this stretch include Cheat Lake, a large reservoir known for its scenic beauty, and Coopers Rock State Forest, a popular destination for hiking, camping, and fishing.

The John & Annie Glenn Museum

The John & Annie Glenn Museum, located in New Concord, Ohio on I-70 west of Morgantown, celebrates the lives and legacies of two American icons astronaut and U.S. Senator John Glenn and his wife, Annie Glenn. Housed in John Glenn’s boyhood home, the museum offers a fascinating glimpse into their inspiring journey, from humble beginnings to global recognition. Visitors can explore exhibits about Glenn’s historic orbit around Earth as the first American to do so, his later political career, and the couple’s lifelong commitment to public service.

The John & Annie Glenn Museum

With guided tours, period furnishings, and interactive displays, the museum beautifully captures the spirit of mid-20th-century America and the extraordinary achievements of the Glenns.

The drive on I-70 to Columbus, Ohio offers a mix of rural and suburban scenery. Leaving the mountainous terrain of West Virginia behind, the landscape gradually transitions to rolling hills and farmland as we enter Ohio.

As we zipped through Ohio, we made a quick pit stop in Columbus. It’s a bustling city with a mix of history and hipster vibes, but we didn’t linger long since we had miles to cover.

We passed Dayton, Ohio along I-70 at its north. Dayton is a city with a rich history, particularly in aviation. Known as the "Birthplace of Aviation" it was home to the Wright brothers and played a pivotal role in the development of flight.

Rest Area Westbound, I-70, Greens Fork, IN 47345

Next came Indianapolis, Indiana, where we couldn’t resist a quick photo op at Monument Circle. The city is surprisingly charming, even from the car window.

We said goodbye to Interstate 70 at Indianapolis and started heading north-west on I-74 towards Davenport, Iowa. By the time we hit the Illinois border, the flat landscape started to take over. While some folks might find endless farmland monotonous, we found it peaceful and kind of hypnotic. The Midwest has its own quiet beauty, especially when the sun sets over those vast fields.

Mariachi Mexican Restaurant Bar and Grill, Peoria

Peoria, Illinois greeted us with a warm Midwestern smile (and a hot shower). It’s a friendly little city on the Illinois River and the perfect place to crash for the night.

Peoria, Illinois to Wall, South Dakota

Refreshed and caffeinated, we hit the road again. Day two was all about seeing just how far we could stretch our road trip legs. Our route took us through Iowa, Nebraska, and into South Dakota, with plenty of gems along the way.

Crossing the Mississippi - Davenport, Iowa 

We merge on to I-80 at Davenport, Iowa, a city located on the Mississippi River, known for its rich history, vibrant arts scene, and proximity to the Quad Cities metropolitan area. It boasts numerous cultural attractions, including the Figge Art Museum, the Putnam Museum & Science Center, and the Adler Theatre. Davenport also offers a variety of outdoor recreational opportunities, with parks, trails, and the scenic Mississippi Riverfront providing ample space for relaxation and enjoyment.

The Quad Cities spans across six counties in two states and is home to half a million people. The four small cities that form the core of the metropolitan area are Davenport and Bettendorf in Iowa, and Moline and Rock Island in Illinois, having a combined population of around 225,000 people.

Iowa 80 - The World’s Largest Truck Stop 

Just after Davenport, we pulled into Iowa 80, a truck stop in Walcott, Iowa that so massive it could probably qualify as its own town.

Iowa 80 - The World's Largest Truckstop, Walcott, Iowa

Seriously, this place has everything - restaurants, a barbershop, a movie theater, and even a museum dedicated to trucks. We couldn’t resist grabbing a burger and wandering around for a bit. If you’re into people-watching or just need a quirky pit stop, Iowa 80 is a must.

We cross the city of Cedar Rapids, Iowa along I-80 at its south. Cedar Rapids is home to several universities and colleges, including Coe College and Kirkwood Community College, and boasts a variety of cultural attractions, including the National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library and the Cedar Rapids Museum of Art. Cedar Rapids has also experienced significant revitalization in recent years, with a focus on developing its downtown area and attracting new businesses and residents.

Backroads of Iowa: A Detour Worth Taking

Rural Iowa at US Highway 151 north off I-80

We decided to stray off the beaten path of Interstate 80 for a bit and explore the rural backroads of Iowa. The scenery was straight out of a postcard - rolling hills, tidy farms, and those iconic red barns you always see in movies. The smell of fresh-cut hay and the occasional tractor chugging down the road reminded us to slow down and enjoy the ride.

Big Cities and Big Skies  

Back on I-80, we cruised through Des Moines, Iowa. Des Moines felt like a hidden gem, with its art installations and riverfront vibe due to the Des Moines river flowing through it. The Des Moines river is the largest river flowing across the state of Iowa. Originating in southwestern Minnesota, it journeys 525 miles southeastward, ultimately joining the mighty Mississippi River near Keokuk, Iowa.

We crossed the state border from Iowa into Omaha, Nebraska. Omaha’s skyline was a surprise, popping up like a little oasis in the plains. We also leave Interstate 80 at Omaha and start driving even more north-west on Interstate 29 towards Sioux City and Sioux Falls.

A view of the Missouri: Scenic Overlook Tower at Loveland Overlook

The Loveland Overlook is located in northeast Omaha right off I-880 just before the junction with I-29. There is a Scenic Overlook Tower here which offers a breathtaking vantage point to soak in the sweeping views of the Missouri River and the rolling bluffs that surround it. Note: A "bluff" is a steep, often rounded cliff or slope, typically found along a shoreline or riverbank, where the land rises significantly from a lower level, creating a prominent elevation.

Loveland Overlook: Missouri River and rolling bluffs

This hidden gem is a perfect spot to stretch your legs and take in the natural beauty of the Midwest. From the top of the tower, the Missouri River snakes its way through lush greenery, with farmland and small towns dotting the horizon. Whether it’s bathed in the golden glow of sunrise or framed by a fiery sunset, the view from Loveland Overlook is a peaceful reminder of the region’s quiet charm and vast landscapes.

We pass Sioux City, Iowa on I-29 along the Missouri river. Sioux City. Known as the Gateway to the Great Plains, Sioux City boasts attractions like the Sergeant Floyd Monument, a tribute to the only casualty of the Lewis and Clark expedition, and a charming downtown filled with unique shops and restaurants. With its scenic river views, bustling arts scene, and warm Midwestern hospitality, Sioux City offers a perfect mix of culture, history, and small-town charm which many people find an excellent place to live in.

We cross the state border from Iowa to South Dakota into Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Sioux Falls is the largest city in South Dakota, known for its vibrant downtown, Falls Park, and numerous cultural attractions. The city boasts a thriving arts scene, a growing economy, and a strong emphasis on outdoor recreation. Sioux Falls is a popular destination for tourists and residents alike, offering a blend of urban amenities and a close connection to the natural beauty of the surrounding region.

Once we crossed into South Dakota, the landscape started to shift. The rolling hills grew steeper, the horizon stretched wider, and the sky seemed bigger than ever. We were officially in the land of wide-open spaces.

Wall, South Dakota: A Classic Stop

Wall Drug Store, Wall, South Dakota

Our second day ended in Wall, South Dakota, home of the iconic Wall Drug Store. If you’ve never heard of it, just drive I-90 through South Dakota - it’s impossible to miss the endless billboards advertising free ice water and 5-cent coffee. Wall Drug Store is the epitome of kitschy roadside Americana, with everything from cowboy boots to homemade donuts. It’s a fun, weird little place that perfectly captures the spirit of a cross-country road trip.

Wall Drug Store, Wall, South Dakota

Two days, nine states, and countless roadside attractions later, we made it to Wall, ready to dive into South Dakota’s Badlands the next morning. The drive from Maryland to here might sound like a slog, but trust us, it’s packed with quirky stops, beautiful views, and plenty of small-town charm.

The Wall Rodeo Arena

We start in the morning by visiting the Wall Rodeo Arena where the rugged spirit of the Wild West comes alive! This small-town gem hosts thrilling rodeos that bring together cowboys, cowgirls, and rodeo fans for a rip-roaring good time. Whether it’s barrel racing, bull riding, or calf roping, the events showcase incredible skill and guts.

Wall Rodeo Arena

The arena itself sits against a backdrop of the sprawling South Dakota plains, making every sunset a picture-perfect moment. Even if there isn’t a rodeo happening, the arena buzzes with local charm and offers a fun slice of western heritage in the heart of the prairie.

Oil Change at Wall, SD

The SVT Raptor was asking for an oil change. We used the time in the morning to get it done at M & M Sales before heading out to Badlands National Park.

M&M Sales, Wall, SD

In Part 2, we explore the rugged beauty of Badlands National Park, marvel at Mount Rushmore, and take in the surreal landscape of Devil’s Tower, visit the incredible Yellowstone National Park, explore the Earthquake Lake and drive the stunning Going-to-the-Sun Road across Glacier National Park to reach Browning, Montana after six jaw-dropping days.

Safe travels, friends!