By Mandy Witt

Buc-ee’s Brings Southern-Style Scale to Wisconsin

If you’ve ever road-tripped through Texas, Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, Florida, Tennessee, South Carolina, Missouri, or Colorado and stumbled across Buc-ee’s, you know it’s not just a gas station—it’s a destination. And now, that same mega-convenience store experience is heading to... Oak Creek, Wisconsin.

That’s right—Buc-ee’s is setting up shop at the southwest corner of I-94 and Elm Road in Oak Creek (Milwaukee metro area). The plans are jaw-dropping: over 120 gas pumps, electric vehicle charging stations, and a travel center pushing 74,000 square feet.

To put it into perspective: most full-size grocery stores like Schnucks are around 60,000 sq ft. This is bigger.

Everything’s bigger in Texas—and apparently now, in Wisconsin too.

What About Northern Wisconsin?

You may have heard about a Buc-ee’s coming to DeForest (north of Madison), and while it generated some buzz last year, that project has reportedly stalled due to infrastructure cost-sharing disputes and city planning hurdles. So for now, Oak Creek is the one to watch, with a targeted opening in early 2027.

Why They Picked Oak Creek & DeForest

Buc-ee’s is making waves in Wisconsin, and the planned sites in Oak Creek and DeForest weren’t random. Here’s what’s driving those location choices:

Oak Creek: Tight on Traffic, Infrastructure & Visibility

• Highway Exposure: Positioned at the southwest corner of I-94 and Elm Road, this site sits along the heavily traveled Milwaukee–Chicago corridor. Buc-ee’s sees big value in capturing a steady stream of interstate traffic.
• City’s Growth Strategy: Oak Creek officials have emphasized that the project aligns with the city’s long-term goals for rejuvenation and economic growth. With available farmland in a commercial-friendly zone, it’s an ideal canvas.
• Massive Scale Capability: The 29–30 acre tract allows for a 74,000 sq ft travel center with 120 pumps, EV chargers, and logistics space—something only possible with ample land and municipal support.

DeForest: Near Madison, But Infrastructure Was the Challenge

• Proximity & Potential: Just north of Madison along I-39/90/94, DeForest was actually Buc-ee’s first Wisconsin pick. The location offered excellent visibility and access to a growing flow of interstate travelers.
• Roadwork Funding Stalemate: The project stalled due to required highway interchange improvements. Buc-ee’s agreed to fund over 50% of the estimated $5–7 million—yet local and state funding didn’t come together.
• Revenue Potential: Local officials estimated the site could generate $7 million in fuel tax and $1.25 million in sales tax annually. Without infrastructure in place, that revenue remains theoretical.

Location Strategy at Work

Bottom Line

Buc-ee’s is officially in Wisconsin—and it’s bringing size, scale, and roadside culture with it. Oak Creek is leading the charge, and DeForest may follow if the infrastructure puzzle gets solved.