WISCONSIN - The buzz among road-trippers and snack lovers in Wisconsin is palpable. Buc-ee's, the Texas-based travel center giant with a cult-like following, is officially making its way to the Badger State. Known for its immaculate restrooms, hundreds of gas pumps, and a sprawling store filled with everything from brisket sandwiches to "Beaver Nuggets," the brand's northward expansion has been highly anticipated. After a few twists and turns, a timeline is now emerging for the state's first location.
Oak Creek Location: Targeting Early 2027
The first Buc-ee's in Wisconsin is slated to open in Oak Creek, a strategic location on the bustling I-94 corridor between Milwaukee and Chicago.
According to official proposals and local news reports, the company is targeting an opening in early 2027. The Oak Creek Common Council has approved plans for the massive 73,000-square-foot facility, which will be located near the intersection of I-94 and Elm Road. The project is expected to feature 120 gas pumps and create over 200 full-time jobs.
While "early 2027" is the current official projection, this timeline is dependent on final approvals and the construction schedule. The process involves multiple stages, including traffic impact reviews from the state's Department of Transportation, before a groundbreaking can officially commence.
What Happened to the DeForest Location?
Before Oak Creek was announced, Buc-ee's had initially planned its first Wisconsin store for DeForest, near Madison. However, that project has been indefinitely delayed.
The primary hurdle for the DeForest location involves significant infrastructure costs. It became clear that the local highway interchange would need a roughly $15 million upgrade to handle the massive increase in traffic that a Buc-ee's typically generates. Negotiations over how to fund these improvements between the company, the village of DeForest, and the state have stalled the project's progress. While the DeForest location isn't officially off the table, all focus has shifted to making Oak Creek the first successful entry into the Wisconsin market.
For now, Wisconsin residents and travelers can look forward to the Oak Creek Buc-ee's, with a projected opening in early 2027. While the path to bringing the beloved beaver to the state has had its challenges, the successful approval process in Oak Creek has made the dream of brisket sandwiches and Beaver Nuggets in Wisconsin a near-reality.
