The Beaver hype hasn’t slowed down as ground officially broke for Bucee’s Travel Center in Oak Creek back in July. Approval for the project took months, but last September the Oak Creek Plan Commission unanimously approved the Texas chain’s plans to open their first Wisconsin branch, located on the southwest corner of I-94 and West Elm Road.
For the uninitiated, Bucee’s is so much more than just a gas station. The convenience store is huge, set to cover a little over 73,000 square feet. Customers can expect fresh food made in-house (the brisket is a cult favorite), clothing emblazoned with the Beaver mascot, Bucee’s exclusive snacks like beaver nuggets, cold drinks and impeccably clean bathrooms. The average gas station has between eight and 10 fuel pumps pailing in comparison to Bucee’s 120 fuel pumps and selection of EV chargers because well, everything’s bigger in Texas.
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Construction began in July and is expected to continue until 2028. Originally, this location was announced to open in 2027, but the project was pushed back for unknown reasons. That being said, the City of Oak Creek said the opening could be moved up depending on construction timelines.
The response from the public to the gas station super store has been overwhelmingly positive — someone even made a Fans of Buc-ee’s Oak Creek Facebook group — however, there has been some skepticism from locals. Some are upset to see a large plot of open land be paved over for a convenience store while others are concerned about light and noise pollution from the massive 24/7 business.
Wisconsin already has a cult-followed gas station, Kwik Trip, and there’s a rivalry forming between the two factions. One commenter, Tom Patchak, said Kwik Trip was going to have to step up their game, but the Kwik Trip defenders were quick to shut him down.
“Trust me us Kwik Trip lovers are not the Buc-ees customers,” user Allison Hess replied.
Updates on construction for the project have been slow, but progress is seemingly being made. On Sept. 20, the City of Oak Creek posed an aerial view of the lot. It’s completely fenced in and a massive footprint is carved into the grass. Construction will continue through the winter as long as weather permits.
The Oak Creek location was the second city the company was interested in targeting for a new build. Back in 2023, they announced a project in DeForest, but it’s currently stalled by major road complications. The location would require interstate updates to accommodate an increase in traffic — a project that would cost $17 million to complete. Buc-ee’s said it would be willing to pay for 50% of the project, but it looks like the Oak Creek location will be completed first.
Hope you’re ready for brisket on board coming in 2028.
