OHIO STATE - The wait is finally over! After breaking ground in 2024 and building massive anticipation, Ohio's very first Buc-ee's officially opened its doors on April 6, 2026. The beloved Texas-based travel center chain brought its iconic beaver mascot and legendary snacks to Huber Heights, and the grand opening—attended by Governor Mike DeWine—drew crowds so large that local traffic backed up for hours.
If you are planning to make the pilgrimage to see what all the hype is about, it helps to be prepared. A trip to Buc-ee's isn't just a pit stop; it's a full-blown retail and culinary experience. Here is everything you need to know before visiting Ohio's first Buc-ee's.
The Fast Facts: Location and Scale
First things first: this is not your average gas station. Buc-ee's locations are famous for their staggering footprint, and the new Ohio outpost is no exception.
- The Location: 8000 State Route 235 in Huber Heights, Ohio (conveniently located right off I-70, situated between Columbus and Indianapolis).
- The Size: A massive 74,000-square-foot convenience store.
- The Pumps: You won't have to wait long to fuel up. The center features over 100 fueling positions.
- EV Charging: Driving electric? The location includes 24 EV charging stations.
- The Hours: Like all Buc-ee's locations, the Huber Heights store is open 24/7, 365 days a year.
What to Eat: The Buc-ee's Essentials
You don't go to Buc-ee's just to stretch your legs; you go to eat. The chain is famous for its in-house food stations that serve up fresh, hot meals and packaged road trip staples.
- Beaver Nuggets: The undisputed king of Buc-ee's snacks. These sweet, crunchy, caramel-coated corn puffs are dangerously addictive. (Grab two bags—one won't make it home).
- Texas Barbeque: Follow your nose to the center of the store where the "Texas Round Up" station serves hot, freshly chopped brisket and pulled pork sandwiches.
- The Jerky Wall: Prepare to be overwhelmed. Buc-ee's features an entire wall dedicated to dozens of jerky varieties, ranging from sweet cherry maple to fiery ghost pepper.
- Kolaches and Fudge: Don't skip the bakery case! Grab a traditional Czech pastry (kolache) stuffed with fruit, cheese, or sausage, and check out the dizzying array of homemade fudge varieties.
The Experience: Clean Restrooms and Endless Merch
Buc-ee's built its reputation on having the "cleanest restrooms in America," an award they take incredibly seriously. No matter how crowded the store gets, the sprawling, fully-staffed restrooms are notoriously spotless.
Beyond the food and facilities, prepare to browse a chaotic but delightful selection of merchandise. You'll find everything from typical travel center fare to home decor, camping gear, and endless walls of apparel branded with Bucky the Beaver.
A Quick Warning About the Crowds
Because this is Ohio's first location, the "new car smell" hasn't worn off yet. Expect incredibly busy parking lots—there are 700 parking spaces, and they fill up fast! Traffic along State Route 235 has been heavy since the grand opening. Pack a little extra patience, expect large crowds navigating the aisles, and enjoy the uniquely overwhelming charm that makes a Buc-ee's run so memorable.
