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The Most Unique Gas Station in Every State (#26 Even Has a Casino)

Pull up and fill up at these gas stations that are truly one of a kind.

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Updated Oct. 1, 2024
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Sometimes, you just need a place to fill up your tank, but other times, you may want something a little more special.

So, the next time you’re on a road trip, step up your travel game and check out one of these gas stations for an unforgettable experience.

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Alabama: Satsuma Chevron Breakfast & BBQ (Satsuma)

Courtesy of Google Maps satsuma chevron breakfast & bbq

Fill up your tank and get some delicious food at the Satsuma Chevron Breakfast & BBQ.

The restaurant’s menu includes its famous breakfast gumbo with grits, scrambled eggs, sausage, and bacon.

Alaska: Gustavus Dray (Gustavus)

Courtesy of Gustavus Dray/Facebook gustavus dray facebook

Get transported back in time with the Gustavus Dray, which is a working gas station with vintage pumps.

The station is also home to a gift shop and Alaska’s petroleum museum.

Arizona: The Thumb (Scottsdale)

Courtesy of Google Maps arizona the thumb

Fill up your car and then fill up your stomach at The Thumb.

The gas station also has a restaurant with specialty breakfast bakery items and brisket.

Or, check out the general store for house items and wine.

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Arkansas: Shortstop Grill (Garfield)

Courtesy of Google Maps shortstop grill garfield

Get your tank topped off at the Shortstop Conoco in Garfield, and then head inside to cool off with a delicious ice cream cone.

The Shortstop Grill features huge soft-serve cones for customers, so make sure you’re prepared to share or suffer an ice cream headache to eat it before it melts.

California: Jack Colker’s Union 76 (Beverly Hills)

Courtesy of Google Maps jack colkers union 76

Take off with the airport-inspired design of Jack Colker’s Union 76 station in Beverly Hills.

The canopy over the pumps features a swooping design that makes it stand out even by California standards and has been featured in movies and an album cover.

Colorado: Native Roots Gas & Grass (Colorado Springs)

Courtesy of Google Maps native roots gas & grass

The only one of its kind on our list, Native Roots Gas & Grass in Colorado Springs was the first dispensary and gas station combo. While fueling up, guests can also visit the dispensary that is on site.

Connecticut: Noble Gas (various locations)

Courtesy of Google Maps connecticut noble gas

It doesn’t matter how your car is powered. Noble Gas can take care of you.

The small but growing chain of gas stations in Connecticut and New England offers unleaded gas and diesel and charging stations for electric-vehicle drivers who need to top off their energy sources and get a car wash.

Delaware: Wawa (Millsboro)

JHVEPhoto/Adobe Wawa gas station in orlando florida

Wawa has more than 1,000 locations on the Atlantic coast and Florida, with plenty of options for snacks and treats as well as gas.

But check out the Wawa in Millsboro, which was the first one to offer gas at a Wawa location.

Florida: Harold’s Auto Center (Spring Hill)

Sunshower Shots/Adobe dino the gray dinosaur

Although it’s not quite a gas station, Harold’s is a full-service auto center that’s in the shape of a dinosaur. Built in 1977, the team boasts that although the building might be prehistoric, they’re up to date with whatever your vehicle may need.

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Georgia: Chevron (Metter)

Courtesy of Google Maps georgia chevron metter

Get two trips in at once, with a stop for gas before heading out back to pet some animals.

Right behind the Chevron is the Wild Georgia Safari Park, where you can see camels, goats, and ostriches.

Hawaii: Joe’s Kula Auto (Maui)

Google Maps/Adobe joe kula auto

Fill up your classic cars at this restored classic gas station and service center.

Joe’s Kula Auto hosts classic car shows and posts pictures of classic cars on its Facebook page to spread some extra love for all things classic.

Idaho: Smiley Creek Lodge (Ketchum)

Courtesy of Google Maps idaho smiley creek lodge

Get some gas with some good views at Smiley Creek Lodge.

The lodge in Ketchum offers breathtaking mountain views, activities, and a restaurant if you want to do a few extra things after getting gas.

Illinois: Mahan’s Filling Station (Springfield)

Courtesy of Google Maps mahans filling station

Another famous Route 66 stop on our list, Mahan’s Filling Station, is a unique reminder of what road trips were like back in the day. 

Guests can still visit the station and grab a bite of pizza, as it’s connected to Fulgenzi’s Pizza & Pasta next door.

Indiana: Riley Oil Company (Paoli)

Courtesy of Google Maps indiana riley oil company

Do you remember the last time you went to a full-service gas station?

Try Riley Oil Company in Paoli if you’re in Indiana, which has full service, including someone to pump your gas for you and clean your windshield.

Iowa: Iowa 80 Truckstop (Walcott)

Matthew/Adobe iowa 80

The Iowa 80 Truckstop touts itself as the world’s largest truck stop, so you should be able to find gas and plenty of other amenities when you stop by.

Check out the main building at the truck stop, which features driver amenities, a gift shop, and a super truck showroom.

Kansas: Shamrock (Kansas City)

Courtesy of Google Maps kansas shamrock

Go to Shamrock to fill up but stay for the barbecue restaurant in the gas station.

Kansas City is known for barbecue and Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que has plenty to offer, starting with its original location in the Shamrock station.

Kentucky: Hop Shops (Various locations)

Courtesy of Google Maps kentucky hop shops

Have you ever thought about combining your gas station stop with a disco party?

Kentucky’s Hop Shops have five different locations where you can do just that by pressing a button in the gas stations’ bathrooms to turn it into a disco.

Louisiana: Fresh Market Express (Natchitoches)

Courtesy of Google Maps louisiana fresh market express

Head into the Fresh Market Express after you fill up to check out some sweet treats and other surprises inside.

The gas station is home to a bakery that serves meat pies and a yam cake that you must try.

Maine: Dystart’s Restaurant and Truck Stop (Bangor)

Courtesy of Google Maps dystarts restaurant and truck stop

Dystart’s has food and gas, making it the perfect stop if you need to fill up while you’re in Maine.

You also may want to check out the truck stop’s website for a blast to the past when "Saturday Night Live" spoofed the owners’ blooper reel from ads they starred in.

Maryland: Kent Island Depot (Stevensville)

Courtesy of Google Maps kent island depot

Check out the island oasis of Kent Island Depot with some tasty treats in the convenience store and some unique views outside.

The gas station sits on the edge of the Bay Bridge Airport, giving you the chance to fill up, relax, and watch some planes go out while you sit.

Massachusetts: Haffner’s (various locations)

Courtesy of Google Maps massachusetts haffner’s

Haffner’s is a popular gas station chain throughout the state that is easily identified by it’s signature red and white checkered roof. Founded in 1925, the chain started as a single filling station owned and operated by John and Emma Haffner.

Michigan: Sunoco Gas Station (Berkley)

Courtesy of Google Maps michigan sunoco gas station

It’s not so much about the gas at this station in metro Detroit, as is what’s inside.

The gas station is home to The Original Mr. Kabob, which was named one of the best restaurants in a gas station by Thrillist.

Minnesota: Lindholm Service Station (Cloquet)

Courtesy of Google Maps minnesota lindholm service station

Architecture lovers will enjoy making a stop at the Lindholm Service Station in northeast Minnesota.

The station was designed by famed architect Frank Lloyd Wright and includes a cantilevered roof and second-floor observation lounge.

Mississippi: Marathon and Fayard’s (various locations)

Courtesy of Google Maps mississippi marathon and fayards

There are plenty of Marathons in Mississippi, but only a lucky few have a Fayard’s.

Stop by to get gas and delicious po’ boy sandwiches at Fayard’s stuffed with shrimp, oysters, crab, or roast beef.

Missouri: Stevenson’s Hi-Pointe Amaco (St. Louis)

Courtesy of Google Maps stevensons hi pointe amaco

You can’t miss Stevenson’s Hi-Pointe Amaco on Skinner Blvd. in St. Louis.

The location is home to the world’s largest Amaco sign, and the station embraces this title even with its website, which is bigamacosign.com.

Montana: St. Regis Travel Center (St. Regis)

Courtesy of Google Maps st regis travel center

The St. Regis Travel Center bills itself as the Gateway to Big Sky Country, which you can tell when driving up to see it in the mountains of Montana.

The travel center features a restaurant where you can try a huckleberry shake, a gift shop, and a casino if you want to make a little extra cash.

Nebraska: Shoemaker’s Travel Center (Lincoln)

Courtesy of Google Maps nebraska shoemakers travel center

Have you ever wondered what old gas pumps look like compared to the modern options? You can compare them at Shoemaker’s Travel Center in Lincoln.

The travel center includes a gas station, restaurant, truck driver amenities, and a museum with antique gas pumps and gas station memorabilia.

Nevada: Area 51 Alien Center (Amargosa Valley)

Courtesy of Google Maps area 51 alien center

Area 51, a highly classified Air Force base in Nevada, is rumored to be home to extraterrestrial evidence collected by the U.S. government.

It’s also home to the Area 51 Alien Center, where you can fill up on gas before stopping by the gift shop to pick up souvenirs to remember your visit.

New Hampshire: McSheffrey's Up North (Glen)

Courtesy of Google Maps mcsheffreys up north

Go for the gas, stay for the wine tastings.

McSheffrey's Up North in New Hampshire has a curated selection of wine, and you can try samples to see if you need to buy a bottle when you fill up your tank.

New Jersey: Guy’s Auto Service (Washington)

Courtesy of Google Maps guys auto service

In a state where an attendant is required to fill your car, why not enjoy some vintage charm at Guy’s Auto Service? Opened in 1922, the station has been family-owned and operated for multiple generations.

New Mexico: Clines Corners (Torrance County)

Courtesy of Google Maps new mexico clines corners

A trip on the historic Route 66 in New Mexico isn’t complete without a stop at Clines Corners.

The unique gas station has more than 30,000 feet of retail space that includes items celebrating New Mexico’s artistic culture.

New York: Farrington’s Service Station (Queens)

Courtesy of Google Maps farringtons service station

Farrington’s Service Station has been in the transportation service industry since 1868.

Fill up your tank at the station and head inside to check out photos of the original Farrington building, which the family used as a horseshoeing business.

North Carolina: Shell Service Station (Winston-Salem)

Courtesy of Google Maps shell service station

Built in 1930, this is a now non-functioning station that is still worth the visit because of its unique shape: a shell. The shape was chosen as a form of advertising by the Shell distributor in the area at the time.

North Dakota: Bob’s Oil (Grand Forks)

Courtesy of Google Maps north dakota bobs oil

A true blast from the past, Bob’s Oil is a unique gas station where you can still fill up your tank! It boasts 4.5 stars on Facebook, so be sure to check it out if you’re in the area.

Ohio: BP (Delaware)

Courtesy of Google Maps ohio bp

Sometimes what’s unique about a gas station is what was unique about the place before it was a gas station.

Fill up the BP station in Delaware, for example, and check out the historical marker about the house that used to be at that location. It was the birthplace of President Rutherford B. Hayes.

Oklahoma: Pops (Arcadia)

Courtesy of Google Maps oklahoma pops

Enjoy the unique design of a pop bottle directing you to Pops to fill up your tank.

The bottle in front of the gas station, which also has a restaurant and convenience store, stands 66 feet tall, a nod to its location on historic Route 66.

Oregon: The Fields Station (Fields)

Courtesy of the Field Station field station

You may want to put your head down on a pillow after a long day on the road, and The Fields Station can help you with that.

Fill up your tank, get some dinner at the gas station’s restaurant, and then check into its motel to sleep for the night before driving on.

Pennsylvania: Dunkle’s Gulf Service (Bedford)

Courtesy of Google Maps dunkles gulf service

Another station that no longer functions but still should make it to the top of any auto enthusiast’s bucket list. Built in 1933, it served as a gas station and repair shop along the Lincoln Highway in Bedford County.

A bonus? About a half mile down the street, visitors can visit the Bedford Coffee Pot, which is — you guessed it — shaped like a giant coffee pot.

Rhode Island: King’s Service Center (Central Falls)

Courtesy of Google Maps kings service center

Another station that features one-of-a-kind architecture, guests can fill up their tank at the Mobil station while enjoying the view of the white pillars attached to the service center.

South Carolina: The Peach Stand (Fort Mill)

Courtesy of Google Maps the peach stand

You can stop for gas at the Exxon station in Fort Mill and then walk into the Peach Stand to pick up some treats for the road.

The stand offers freshly made donuts and a custom butcher shop to customers who stop by for gas and a bite.

South Dakota: Big Bat’s (Pine Ridge)

Courtesy of Google Maps big bats

Get some gas and then head inside to Big Bat’s for convenience finds or a good meal.

The gas station has a dining room with art on the walls by Lakota artists representing the indigenous culture in the state.

Tennessee: Buc-ee’s (Sevierville)

MelissaMN/Adobe tennessee buc-ees

Buc-ee’s may not be that unique as there are 47 of them spread across several southern states.

However, when you fill up, you’ll want to go to the Sevierville location in the state to take in the world’s largest convenience store. The Tennessee location has a whopping 74,707 square feet of retail space.

Texas: Tower Station and U-Drop Inn (Shamrock)

Courtesy of Google Maps texas tower station

Serving as some of the inspiration for Pixar’s fictional town of Radiator Springs in Cars, the Tower Station and U-Drop Inn were built along Route 66 in 1936. In its heyday, it served as a gas station and restaurant.

Although visitors can no longer fill up at the station, it’s still a great place to relive road trip glory days.

Utah: Hollow Mountain Gas Station (Hanksville)

Courtesy of Google Maps hollow mountain gas station

The name says it all about the Hollow Mountain Gas Station, which is built into a mountain hollowed out to accommodate a gas station.

The station also has restrooms and convenience store items located inside the rock as you go farther back into the station.

Vermont: Jay Country Store (Jay)

Courtesy of Google Maps vermont jay country store

Pull up for gas and stay for some convenience store items that you can take back on the road with you.

The gas station is packed with different types of jerky as well as breakfast pizza or dessert pies to end the night. The dinner menu also changes regularly, so keep an eye out for your favorite dishes before they’re gone.

Virginia: Malbon Bros. (Virginia Beach)

Courtesy of Google Maps virginia malbon bros

Fill up your car and get a car wash before heading into Malbon Bros. BBQ for some good Virginia barbecue.

The restaurant at the gas station features traditional barbecue like beef brisket and pork belly burnt ends to help you take a rest before getting back on the road.

Washington: Teapot Dome Station (Zillah)

Courtesy of Google Maps teapot dome station

Although you can’t fill up at this gas station, it’s still quite the sight. The unique shape is actually an ode to the “teapot scandal” that plagued our 29th president, Warren G. Harding. 

One of his cabinet members was found guilty of accepting bribes and releasing oil reserves to private companies in Teapot Dome, Wyoming.

Built in 1922, the station is also on the National Register of Historic Places.

West Virginia: Mid-Atlantic Market (Morgantown)

Courtesy of Google Maps mid atlantic market

If you need some gas and a bite to eat on the road, check out the best pepperoni rolls in West Virginia.

The Mid-Atlantic Market also has a deli and cafe for sandwiches or coffee, depending on when you get there to fill up your car.

Wisconsin: Frank Seneca Service Station (West Allis)

Courtesy of Google Maps frank seneca service station

Another landmark that still stands but no longer offers gas is the Frank Seneca Service Station in Wisconsin. Constructed in 1927, it was a signature look for the Waldham Oil and Grease company, which built similar stations throughout the Midwest at the time.

Frank Seneca was added to the station in 1938 from a World War II veteran who leased the space.

Wyoming: Bodega (Jackson Hole)

Courtesy of Google Maps wyoming bodega

The wild west seems practically tame with Bodega in Jackson Hole.

The gas station and convenience store are packed with gourmet cheeses, wine and beer, and even specialty grocery items to grab and go.

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Jenny Cohen

Jenny Cohen is a freelance writer who has covered a bit of everything, from finance to sports to her favorite TV shows. Her work has been featured in The Wall Street Journal, USA Today, and FoxSports.com.