A massive travel center from Buc-ee’s is set to open in southeastern Wisconsin in 2027, marking the Texas-based chain’s first location in the state and one of its most northern expansions yet. Not everyone in the state is thrilled about these plans, however – there was even a lawsuit filed in opposition of the new travel center.
First Wisconsin location planned for Oak Creek
The new Buc-ee’s will be built in Oak Creek, just south of Milwaukee along the busy Interstate 94 corridor near Elm Road. City officials approved the project after the Oak Creek Plan Commission signed off on plans for the development in 2025.
The travel center is expected to open in early or spring 2027, making it Buc-ee’s first entry into Wisconsin and one of the company’s biggest steps into the Midwest market. (WISN)
City leaders have welcomed the project, saying its location along a major highway could attract travelers and boost economic activity in the area.
Massive store and fueling plaza planned
Like many Buc-ee’s locations, the Oak Creek store will be significantly larger than a typical gas station. Plans call for a 73,000-plus-square-foot convenience store and travel center with about 120 gas pumps, as well as electric-vehicle charging stations.
The site sits on roughly 27.5 acres of land purchased by Buc-ee’s for about $7.5 million, with the project expected to employ roughly 250 workers once operational.
Known for its oversized travel centers, the chain offers extensive retail space alongside food counters, snacks and branded merchandise.
Mixed reactions from the community
While many local officials have promoted the project as an economic opportunity, it has also sparked debate among nearby residents. (This also happened in Colorado, and Buc-ee’s abandoned building plans altogether in that case.)
A community group filed a lawsuit attempting to block the development, citing concerns about traffic, noise and pollution. The lawsuit was later dismissed on procedural grounds, allowing the project to continue through the approval process.
Despite the opposition, construction plans continue moving forward as Buc-ee’s expands its footprint beyond the southern United States.
If completed as scheduled, the Oak Creek store could become a major roadside destination for travelers across Wisconsin and neighboring states — which is good news and bad news, depending on who you ask.
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