This Beloved Midwestern Gas Station Was Just Named the Best in the Country — and Wisconsinites Are Feeling Very Validated
Wisconsinites, it’s time to raise your Karuba coffee cups. Our favorite pit stop has officially been crowned as the best gas station brand in America.
USA TODAY’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards just released their 2025 winners, and coming in at No. 1? A certain family-owned gas station that’s basically a way of life here in Wisconsin.
(Yes, it’s that one. The one with the Glazers. The one with the squeaky clean bathrooms. The one where people — no joke — have taken wedding photos.)
It’s Kwik Trip, baby.
And honestly, we’re not surprised. Around here, stopping at Kwik Trip isn’t just about gassing up your car…it’s a full-blown experience. You grab dinner, pick up milk and bananas, maybe snag a fresh donut or two… and let’s be real, you will walk out with something you didn’t plan on buying, and you will feel good about it.
A Midwest Icon
Kwik Trip started in La Crosse, Wisconsin back in 1965 and now has more than 800 locations across Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, Illinois, Michigan, and South Dakota. They make most of their food in-house, including bakery items and dairy, and even source their milk from within 100 miles of La Crosse.
It’s that kind of commitment to quality and local sourcing that makes people fiercely loyal. I mean, there are entire Facebook groups dedicated to Kwik Trip memes. Their official Facebook page is gold. I’ve seen people incorporate Kwik Trip baked goods into their weddings. This isn’t a convenience store. It’s practically a Midwestern religion.
The Full Top 10
Here’s the full list from the USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards for Best Gas Station Brand in the U.S. (2025):
- Kwik Trip 🙌
- Casey’s
- Hy-Vee
- Royal Farms
- QuikTrip/QT
- RaceTrac
- Maverik
- Rutter’s
- Allsup’s/Yesway
- Love’s Travel Stops
The list was put together by a panel of travel and road trip experts and then voted on by readers. So yes, this was democracy in action.
Why This Matters (Sort Of)
Look, not everything in life is glamorous. Sometimes the little things — like walking into a gas station and being greeted with the smell of fresh donuts and a sparkling bathroom — are what make a road trip feel right. Kwik Trip has long understood this assignment, and I love that it’s getting the national recognition it deserves.
So here’s to you, Kwik Trip. Never change. (Except maybe bring back those small roller dogs for Brian? Just saying.)
Read More From Have Clothes, Will Travel
When you travel, your eyes are opened to new cultures, sights, and even new fast-food restaurants. According to a recent online forum, the following regional chain restaurants are the most popular spots people miss the most.
Read more: Top 11 Fast Food Spots Other States Wish They Had
There’s nothing like indulging in the guilty pleasure of a good candy bar whenever you stop at a gas station. Whether you are in the middle of a cross-state road trip or just need to fill up an empty tank, a sweet treat is never a bad idea. Looking to expand your array of go-to gas station candy choices? Explore your options through this compilation of message board users’ favorite gas station candies.
Read more: Top 10 Most Beloved Gas Station Candies in the U.S.
Going on a safari adventure doesn’t require a plane ticket to Africa; I’ve found a fun safari experience right here in Wisconsin. Shamba Safari offers a unique blend of wildlife encounters, making it a great destination for families and animal lovers alike.
Read more: Shamba Safari: What to Expect When Visiting This Drive-Through Safari in Wisconsin
Looking for fun things to do in Green Bay, Wisconsin? This post has you covered! Whether you’re in town for a Packers game or are a local like me, I’ll tell you all the fun things you can do in Green Bay.
